Von Arx signs for HC Davos

Von Arx in action for the Chicago Blackhawks Keystone Archive

Swiss international ice hockey star Reto von Arx has ended his year-long stay in the United States by signing a two-year contract with HC Davos. The 25-year-old, who hails from Emmental, will team up at Davos the other "lost son" of Swiss ice hockey, Michel Riesen, who returned last week.

“It was not an easy decision,” said von Arx, who was also courted by SC Berne. “But the team was a decisive factor, as well as the fact that my brother plays for Davos.”

Von Arx, who is currently suffering from a slight throat infection, is likely to find himself in the starting line-up against ZSC Lions on Tuesday.

The arrival of the two stars has seen Davos fans – and the team’s management – readjusting their aspirations for the season from a top six finish to a playoff place.

However coach Arno del Curto claims he is not concerned about where the team finishes. “We want to get the maximum out of the season, play at 100 per cent and give the fans something to get excited about,” he said. “The rest is unimportant.”

Von Arx left Davos in July 2000 to try his luck in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Chicago Blackhawks. He appeared 19 times for the Blackhawks, making history as the first Swiss to score a goal in the NHL.

Altogether von Arx, who skippers the Swiss national side, scored three goals and had one assist.

swissinfo with agencies