HOCKEY IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland's alpine geography makes it a natural hockey nation. The National League is one of Europe's most competitive leagues, and Swiss rinks are found in every canton.
IIHF World Ranking
#6-9
Consistently top-10 since 2000
NHL Players
~20
Swiss nationals in the NHL
NL Teams
13
Top-tier Swiss clubs
Arena Capacity
17,000+
SC Bern / PostFinance Arena
HOCKEY CULTURE
The Alpine Hockey Identity
Switzerland has more registered hockey players per capita than any other country outside North America. The game is played year-round -- alpine ice rinks keep the sport active even in summer. SC Bern's PostFinance Arena seats over 17,000 and regularly sells out, making it one of the loudest venues in European hockey.
International Success
Switzerland won Olympic gold in 1924, 1928, and 1936 -- the first three Winter Olympics that featured hockey. More recently, Switzerland won IIHF World Championship gold in 2013 and silver in 2018, cementing a return to elite status after decades of building from a strong domestic league.
LEAGUES IN SWITZERLAND
National League
Top Tier
Switzerland's premier professional hockey league. 13 teams, founded 1936. Widely ranked top-5 in Europe.
Swiss League
Second Tier
SL - the second division below the National League. 5 teams that can promote to the NL.
Swiss Ice Hockey Cup
Domestic Cup
Annual knockout competition open to all NL, SL, and amateur teams.
NHL STARS FROM SWITZERLAND
SWISS RINKS
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