Team Switzerland has been consistent in the World Juniors for years, but typically don’t find themselves placing highly. The next two years might change that a little bit, as I expect Switzerland to be a very well-coached and competitive team – despite being on the younger side of things this year. The 2006 age group really impressed me last year and I believe they could be underrated going into Ottawa this year – and they could may even be a huge surprise next year too.
Goaltenders
Ewan Huet
Tim Metzger
Christian Kirsch
Switzerland is likely bringing a trio of goalies who have all played, or are playing, in North America this year. The return of Ewan Huet might make him the starter, but I also believe you can’t go wrong with any of their goaltenders this year. I’m a big fan of Christian Kirsch as well, who I expect will be the only 2006-born goaltender brought to Ottawa.
Defenders
Timo Bünzil
Leon Muggli
Gian Meier
Daniil Ustinkov
Basile Sansonnens
Mischa Geisser
Nic Balestra
I only see Switzerland bringing two 2005-born defenders this year, one being Nic Balestra – who has seen good numbers in the Swiss junior league and National League this year (2 points in 11 games in the NL) – and Timo Bunzil, who is a returnee who should bring some much needed experience to the Swiss blue line this year.
The next 5 defenders are all 2006-born defenders – and as mentioned, it was a stronger Swiss crop, so expect many of them to stand out – especially the two returning 06s; Leon Muggli and Daniil Ustinkov. Muggli captained the Swiss U18s last year, and had 1 point in 4 World Juniors games as well. The Washington Capitals second-round pick should be a two-way leader on the backend this year. Daniil Ustinkov was not selected in the NHL Draft in June, which surprised many scouts. Although coming off of a rather disappointing season, he still potted 2 assists at last year’s tournament and may be playing with a chip on his shoulder this year too.
For other 2006s, one player I was shocked wasn’t selected by an NHL team in June was Gian Meier, who really caught my attention at the U18s and I believe he will continue to showcase his strengths in Ottawa later this month. I also expect Basile Sansonnens to crack the roster this year, the 7th round Vancouver Canucks draftee has size and could play a shutdown role. He also benefits Switzerland, as he’s playing in Rimouski this year, which gives him the experience of junior hockey in North America. Finally, I see Mischa Geisser as a potential pick for this roster given his size, success in the U20 Swiss league, his 10 games of National League experience, and for being a leader on the Swiss U18 National team.
Forwards
Endo Meier
Rico Gredig
Jan Dorthe
Kimo Gruber
Simon Meier
Leo Braillard
Matteo Wagner
Robin Nico Antenen
David Bosson
Jamiro Reber
Janis Embacher
Rafael Meier
Lars Steiner
The best thing for Team Switzerland this year is how well their offence is going to shape up to be. Having several returning 2005s with a few strong 2006s – and a powerful 2007, is going to be what sets up Switzerland for an interesting tournament.
For the returning 2005s, I have Rico Gredig (who has shown well in the National League this year), Endo Meier (who has shared time between juniors and the SL), Matteo Wagner (who is playing well for AIK’s junior club in Sweden), and two strong players up front in Simon Meier and Leo Braillard. Meier has been playing for the Penticton Vees in the BCHL for the past two seasons and Braillard has been playing in North America for the past 3 seasons. He’s potted 14 points in 22 WHL games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and he’ll likely be the player that Switzerland relies upon to score some goals this tournament.
The other 2005s I see getting a crack at the roster include Jan Dorthe, who has been captaining the Swiss U20 exhibition team – in addition to finding success in the National League. There’s also Kimo Gruber (who I expect will be a solid bottom-6 physical player), Rafael Meier (who is also having a statistically-impressive season in the NL), and Janis Embacher (who has shown well in the U20 exhibition games).
Two of the 2006s I expect to make an introduction to the Swiss World Juniors team this year are David Bosson and Robin Nico Antenen. Bosson has been playing for Drummondville in the QMJHL, and Robin Nico Antenen is captaining EV Zug’s U20 team, in addition to being an early ranked skater on NHL Central Scouting as an overager. This two should make a good offensive impact to the forward group as new 2006s.
Lastly, there’s the 2006 returnee, Jamiro Reber, who was snubbed in June for the NHL Draft, and is currently taking it out on SHL competition, adding 13 points in 23 games. A very strong DY+1 and strong showing at the World Juniors may land him a draft pick in 2025. And 2007-born, 2026 NHL Draft-eligible Lars Steiner is expected to make the team this year, as he could be a top prospect in next year’s draft after coming over to the QMJHL this season and posting 34 points in his first 26 games on North American ice – be on the lookout for this kid.
Conclusion
Team Switzerland is likely to turn a few heads entering the tournament this year – with a strong 2006 crop, a top 2007, and depth. Expect a strong, competitive team, who may have some solid young players who will be able to make an impression on scouts and opponents.
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