Swiss ice hockey team triumphs over Canada
Switzerland's national ice hockey team has opened the season with a resounding 4-2 win over Team Canada at Zurich's Hallenstadion.
The friendly match is certain to prove an inspiration to Ralph Krueger’s men as they look to the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City which is just three months away.
Sandy Jeannin opened the evening’s scoring in the tenth minute but Canada equalised two minutes later. In the 18th minute Canada took the lead when Patrick Roy scored.
The second and third periods belonged to Switzerland.
Alain Demuth’s goal in the 24th minute levelled the playing field and superb play by David Jobin and Lugano’s André Rötheli ensured the Swiss were Wednesday evening’s victors.
The Swiss team is now due to travel to Germany to play in the Deutschland Cup. In Germany, Switzerland will play Slovakia on Friday. The Swiss players will then face the Canadians on Saturday and the German team on Sunday.
Switzerland plays two more friendly games against Slovakia in the United States, before the start of the Olympics.
Coach Krueger said he hopes to win all four of the friendly matches. “Last year, we finished second in the tournament,” Krueger said. “But this time we’re going to win it.
“This week’s victories will reinforce our team spirit before the Olympics.”
Last year, Canada defeated Switzerland 6-4 during an encounter at the Hallenstadion.
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