HOCKEY IN SWITZERLAND

Hockey in Switzerland

Switzerland has 31 ice rinks, 47 active hockey teams, 6 leagues and 12 players on file in the RinkStop directory. Switzerland is a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the men’s national team is currently ranked #1 in the world, with the women’s national team at #5.

Finding hockey in Switzerland

The teams listed on this page are organized by league. The top professional league is the NL. Below you can browse 6 leagues from professional to amateur, including women’s programs where available.Each team has a roster page with arena info, the league they play in, and a link to the team\u2019s official site.

Where to play hockey in Switzerland

New players should start with a learn-to-skate program at one of the 31 rinks on this page. Most rinks also run learn-to-play hockey clinics for both kids and adults. Registration with the national federation is typically required before joining a team. The \u201cHow to play\u201d section below has a step-by-step pathway from first-time skater to league play.

Hockey ecosystem in Switzerland

Swiss Ice Hockey runs the national program. Most clubs offer beginner programs for children and adult recreational leagues for newcomers.

Featured Hockey Players from Switzerland

🧑

Sandro Aeschlimann

goalie

Lian Bichsel

defenseman

Kevin Fiala

left_wing

Nico Hischier

center

Philipp Kurashev

center

Mason McTavish

center

Timo Meier

right_wing

J.J. Moser

defenseman

How to Play Hockey in Switzerland

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to Switzerland, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

1. 1
   Learn to skate first

   Most hockey players in Switzerland start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
2. 2
   Try a learn-to-play clinic

   Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
3. 3
   Join a youth or adult recreational team

   After learn-to-play, most players in Switzerland join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
4. 4
   Register with the national federation

   High-quality league, neutral host In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
5. 5
   Progress through the development pathway

   Talented players in Switzerland typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey in Switzerland

Hockey Guides for Switzerland

The RinkStop blog covers the questions every player, parent, and coach asks.