In the recent past, I published several posts concerning this year’s NHL draft. Researching the post concerning David Reinbacher (10th-ranked international prospect) piqued my interest in Switzerland hockey. At 18 years of age, Reinbacher currently plays for EHC Kloten in the National League (NL), the country’s top professional league. Swiss hockey fans are very well-acquainted with the NL, as it is the top league in Europe attendance-wise. SC Bern is the largest draw in the NL, averaging over 13,000 fans per game.
SC Bern was the first professional team of Roman Josi. Josi played 4 seasons there, making 106 appearances for them from 2006-10. Also, he faced them as a member of the Nashville Predators this past October. Nashville won that preseason matchup in exciting fashion, pulling out a 4-3 win. In typical Josi fashion, the ultra-talented offensive defenseman had 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in the contest.
In addition to Josi, other high-end NHL players to compete in the NL prior to commencing their NHL careers are Auston Matthews (ZSC Lions, 2015-16) and Nico Hischier (SC Bern, 2015-16). Coincidentally, Hischier is part of the “Swiss Connection” with the New Jersey Devils. Other Swiss-born players and NL alumni who play for New Jersey are Jonas Siegenthaler, Timo Meier, and Akira Schmid (currently in the AHL).
The Austrian-born Reinbacher appears primed to take his place in the NHL after a stint in the NL. Best of luck to him in his endeavors.