With 39 days to go, the Swiss field hockey team will start the Olympic ice hockey tournament against Canada. Switzerland's other opponents in the group stage at the Olympics are South Korea and the Czech Republic.
For national team coach Patrick Fischer, the Spengler Cup at the end of December was primarily about finding his squad for the Olympics. Fischer made no secret of this: "The Olympic selection is more important than winning the tournament." By and large, the traditional event in Davos fulfilled its purpose and Fischer should have his team for South Korea together for the most part. Nevertheless, there are a few shaky candidates. One thing has been clear for some time: The NHL stars will not be at the Olympics.
In the goalie position, SCB champion goalie Leonardo Genoni should be the number 1. Behind him, various goalies are fighting for the remaining spots. EVZ goalie Tobias Stephan and the experienced Jonas Hiller probably have the best cards.
There is least to discuss in the defense. Fischer seems to have found the right mix of offensive players like Ramon Untersander, compact defenders like Dominik Schlumpf and leaders like Raphael Diaz.
The biggest headache for Fischer is probably the forward line - at least in part. A core of players such as Gaëtan Haas, Denis Hollenstein and Vincent Praplan is set. But there are also various questions: Will Fischer take the technically strong but small (1.68 m) Lino Martschini with him? Or will he go for physical guys like Tristan Scherwey? The tendency is in the second direction. At international level, physical robustness is key.
There are also question marks over the three Lugano players Damien Brunner (will he be fit in time?), Luca Fazzini (will he score goals when the pace is higher than in the National League?) or Luca Cunti (can he get his performance fluctuations under control?).
The cat will be out of the bag on January 17. That's when Fischer will announce his Olympic squad. The final test for the ice comrades is scheduled for February 6. Their opponents will be Germany. The opportunity for Fischer to put the finishing touches to his chosen men.
SWITZERLAND - GERMANY
Tue, February 6, 2018, Swiss Arena Kloten
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