The situation is the same every year: the national teams are very different at the start of the season than during a World Championship, during which many executives return from the NHL. The Karjala Cup, played this weekend in Finland, still provided some interesting teachers for the Swiss selection.
Patrick Fischer’s men leave the tournament with three points – a defeat against Finland after extra time, a victory against the dark beast Sweden on penalties then a 5-2 defeat to the Czech Republic. Two good performances against the colossi of world hockey, which gave way to a much more complicated match on Sunday for a pale national team. The reigning world champions did not need to exert their talent to lead – already – 3-1 after twenty minutes.
Coach Patrick Fischer took advantage of this Finnish weekend to give playing time to his young goalkeepers Senn and Charlin. Both experienced some difficulties, like the goal conceded by Gilles Senn against Sweden on Saturday. The last defense of Ambri, who had thought he blocked the puck before it ended up in the back of his net, then recovered well. He replaced Charlin in the 21st minute on Sunday, after a complicated start to the match for the Langnau goalkeeper who gave the Czechs two goals.
In the game, young players like Chanton – author of a magnificent 1-1 equalizer on Sunday – Rochette and Biasca were also able to stand out. This is what the Euro Hockey Tour tournaments are for, the games of which often have the appearance of friendly matches. Last year, the Swiss went through this tour like ghosts before reaching the final of the World Championship.
What largely explains the Swiss defeat on Sunday is the absence of many executives who were there for the first two matches. Andrighetto, Malgin, Kukan and Marti returned to Zurich on Saturday evening to prepare for the Champions League meeting scheduled for Tuesday against the Germans in Straubing. Very present, Andres Ambühl scored the second Swiss goal on Sunday, at the age of 41.
The less experienced elements were able to gain experience, but were far from forgetting the Swiss dependence on a few executives. They will certainly have the opportunity to continue to progress during the next stage of the Euro Hockey Tour, in a good month in Fribourg.
