Canadian Coach with No Recent Experience Eyed for Swiss Women's Hockey Top Job

Swiss Ice Hockey is reportedly considering appointing a Canadian coach with no recent experience to lead the women's national team. The candidate has not coached since 2018, raising questions about the selection process as the team prepares for the World Championship in Denmark. The potential appointment comes amid ongoing criticism of the federation's treatment of its women's program.

The article highlights a pattern of what it describes as "contempt" for the women's team within Swiss Ice Hockey. Despite the team's recent success, including an Olympic bronze medal in Milan in February, the federation allegedly missed opportunities to honor their achievements. For instance, the team was reportedly not invited to participate in events during the men's World Championship held in Switzerland, and players were told to purchase their own tickets.

Further examples illustrate the alleged neglect: during a World Championship preparation camp in Barrie, Canada, in 2023, the team was housed in a "Super 8" motel reportedly used as a drug trafficking hub, prompting them to leave quickly. At the 2024 World Championship in Utica, the delegation had to cover up an old sponsor's logo on their jackets with black tape to save money on new outfits. These incidents, the article suggests, are emblematic of the federation's approach to the women's team, where basic necessities like equipment have been a constant struggle.

Leadership changes within the federation have also seen key figures depart. Lars Weibel, Director of National Teams, reportedly attended few women's team games and has since moved to Ambri-Piotta. Anja Stiefel, appointed General Manager for the women's team in 2024, has also left the organization. The article implies a systemic issue within Swiss Ice Hockey, where the women's program consistently receives a lower priority, despite its international successes.