A few hours before the National League meeting between Ambri-Piotta and Langnau on Thursday evening, the Levent club published a letter from its player Dario Wüthrich on its website. This is what she said:
“Dear ice hockey and sports fans,
I decided to go on the ice with my team for the game against Langnau this evening. Today, my family and those close to my beloved Sophie in Ambri will support me and be close to me.
We are convinced that Sophie would have wanted me to give everything for Ambri. With my team, we will play today in memory of Sophie and we want to have a good match.
I would like to thank my teammates, the HCAP and management. You supported me in the last hours and difficult days.
My wish, if I win, is to dedicate “La Montanara” to Sophie. The song suits my Sophie very well, who is unfortunately no longer with us, but who will certainly sing with us wherever she is.”
At the Gottardo Arena, a minute of silence was observed before the game to pay tribute to Sophie Hediger, whose photo was projected on the Videotron. And despite Ambri’s narrow 1-2 defeat, “La Montanara” was still sung by the players in concert with the fans.
Embraced by his teammates but also his opponents, Dario Wüthrich was symbolically elected player of the match. The 25-year-old defender let tears flow as he thanked his audience for the support.
Member of the Swiss snowboardcross team, Sophie Hediger celebrated her first two World Cup podiums last winter and took part in the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The Zurich woman lost her life two days before Christmas in Arosa, swept away by an avalanche just after taking a closed slope (editor’s note: the Black Diamond) with his companion according to the Graubünden cantonal police. She was 26 years old.
