Switzerland is home to some of the best field hockey players in the world. The Swiss National Field Hockey Team is one of the top teams in Europe, and many of its players have gone on to become successful professional athletes.
This article will provide an overview of some of the best field hockey players in Switzerland, highlighting their accomplishments and their impact on the sport. Read on to learn more about the top Swiss field hockey players and their achievements.
1. Roland Annen
Roland Annen was a Swiss field hockey player who had a successful career at the Stade Lausanne hockey club. He was selected to be a member of the Swiss team in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Unfortunately, the Swiss team was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament, where Annen played all three matches as a forward. His presence in the team was a great asset, as he contributed to the team’s performance in each game.
Annen was known for his speed and agility as a forward, which allowed him to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities for his team. He was an integral part of the Swiss team at the 1936 Olympics, and his skill and experience were invaluable to the team.
2. Roger Toffel
Roger Toffel was a Swiss athlete who achieved success in the sport of field hockey. He had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics, representing his homeland.
He was part of the Swiss team that competed in the Olympic tournament and unfortunately, they were eliminated in the group stage. Despite this, Roger performed admirably in all three of the matches he competed in, playing as a forward.
His impressive technical and tactical ability allowed him to be an integral part of the squad, showcasing his talent to the world. He will be remembered as a talented and dedicated athlete who gave his all in order to represent his country.
3. René Courvoisier
René Courvoisier was a Swiss field hockey player who made a name for himself through his participation in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was a part of the Swiss national team and was a forward in the team.
The Swiss team, however, was eliminated in the group stage of the Olympic tournament. Despite this, Courvoisier was able to participate in two matches as a forward. His performance during these matches was commendable, even though the team was unable to progress any further.
Courvoisier’s presence in the Swiss national team motivated him to work harder and strive for greater heights. He was determined to make a name for himself and give a good account of himself in the Olympics.
Despite the short-lived nature of his Olympic career, Courvoisier was able to leave a positive impression with his two matches. His dedication and hard work was a testament to his commitment to the sport and his team.
4. Fridolin Kurmann
Fridolin Kurmann was an accomplished Swiss field hockey player who had the honor of competing in three different Olympic Games. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics, the 1948 Summer Olympics, and the 1952 Summer Olympics.
During his first Olympic experience in 1936, he was part of the Swiss team that was unfortunately eliminated during the group stage of the tournament. Despite the team’s exit, Kurmann still had the opportunity to play in all three matches as a back.
As a back, his job was to defend the goal and help advance the ball up the field when necessary. He was a dedicated player who worked hard to help his team succeed. His experience at the Olympics was something that he would remember and cherish for the rest of his life.
5. Roland Zaninetti
Roland Zaninetti is a Swiss field hockey player who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in the men’s tournament.
He is known for his exceptional talent and skill in the sport, as well as his dedication to the game. Roland Zaninetti was born and raised in Switzerland; he has been playing field hockey since he was a young boy.
He was trained by some of the best coaches in Switzerland, and he has continued to hone his skills over the years.
He has a natural talent for the sport, and he is known for his excellent passing abilities and his speed on the field. At the 1960 Summer Olympics, Roland Zaninetti competed in the men’s tournament. He was part of the Swiss team that finished in fourth place at the Olympics.
Although his team did not win a medal, Roland Zaninetti was still able to display his talents and garner plenty of attention.
He was one of the most impressive players of the tournament, and he was highly praised for his skill and dedication. Roland Zaninetti is a true ambassador for the sport of field hockey.
He has represented his country with pride, and he has become a role model for many aspiring field hockey players. His passion for the sport has been an inspiration to many, and he continues to be a source of motivation for those who look up to him.
6. Hugo Vonlanthen
Hugo Vonlanthen was a Swiss field hockey player who made his mark in the history books. Born in 1929, Vonlanthen was a talented athlete and earned a spot on the Swiss national team.
He was selected to compete in the men’s tournament at the 1952 Summer Olympics, which was held in Helsinki, Finland. During the games, Vonlanthen made a big impression and helped the Swiss team make it to the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, they were defeated by India and failed to bring home a medal. Despite this, Vonlanthen’s performance at the Olympics earned him widespread recognition and respect. He was considered one of the most promising field hockey players of his time.
Vonlanthen continued to compete in the sport until his retirement in 1957. He is remembered as one of the greatest Swiss field hockey players of all time.
7. Jean-Jacques Auberson
Jean-Jacques Auberson was a Swiss athlete who specialized in field hockey. He was an experienced player with a long history of successful performances in various tournaments.
As a member of the Swiss national team, he had the honor of representing his country at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
He was one of the athletes who participated in the men’s field hockey tournament at the Olympics, competing against other field hockey teams from all around the world.
Despite his hard work and dedication throughout the tournament, he was unable to bring home a medal for Switzerland. Nevertheless, it was a great honor for him to represent his country at such a prestigious event.
Jean-Jacques Auberson’s participation in the 1928 Olympics was a great moment in his career, and his legacy will remain alive for many years to come.
8. Charles Légeret
Charles Légeret was a Swiss field hockey player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Swiss team that year, who were unfortunately eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.
Charles played in all three matches as a back, a position that is typically found near the goal.
The back is responsible for defending the goal and stopping the opposing team from scoring. Charles was undoubtedly a talented hockey player, considering he was chosen to compete in the Olympics.
He was a key member of the team and put a lot of effort into helping the team progress further. Unfortunately, the team was unable to advance beyond the group stage, and Charles was unable to reach his full potential in the tournament.
Despite the team’s elimination, Charles’ participation in the 1936 Olympics is a testament to his skills and commitment to the sport. He was an important part of the Swiss team and proved to be a valuable asset in his position as back.
Charles Légeret was a talented hockey player who put his all into helping the Swiss team succeed, and his presence at the 1936 Summer Olympics is a reminder of his skill and dedication to the sport.
9. Adolf Fehr
Adolf Maximilian Fehr was a Swiss field hockey player who had the opportunity to compete in two Olympic Games, the 1928 Summer Olympics and the 1936 Summer Olympics. In 1928, he was part of the Swiss team competing in the Olympic tournament.
During this tournament, the Swiss team was eliminated in the group stage. During this competition, Fehr played all four matches as a halfback or forward.Fehr was a talented athlete, as he was able to compete in two Olympic Games.
He demonstrated his versatility by playing all four matches as both a halfback and a forward. This versatility likely played an important role in the success of the Swiss team during the group stage of the tournament.
Unfortunately, the team was still unable to make it past the group stage and was eliminated. Nonetheless, it was still an impressive feat that Fehr was able to participate in two Olympic Games and demonstrate his impressive skills.
10. Walther Wirz
Walther Wirz is a Swiss former field hockey player who had a successful career as an athlete. He was a member of the Swiss national field hockey team and competed in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
This was a major achievement for Wirz, as it demonstrated his skill and dedication to his sport. Wirz grew up playing field hockey and quickly developed a passion for the game. He dedicated himself to the sport, training hard and taking part in competitions.
His hard work paid off, as he was eventually selected for the Swiss national field hockey team. At the 1960 Summer Olympics, Wirz competed in the men’s tournament. He put on a strong performance, displaying great skill in the game.
He was an integral part of the Swiss team, and their efforts were rewarded with a fourth-place finish. Walther Wirz was an exemplary athlete who demonstrated a true dedication to the sport of field hockey.
His hard work and determination paid off, as he earned the accolade of competing in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics. His performance showcased his talent, and he will always be remembered as a great field hockey player.
11. Roger Zanetti
Roger Zanetti was a Swiss field hockey player who had the distinction of competing at two different Olympic Games. He first competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics, representing his home country of Switzerland in field hockey.
He was able to make an impressive showing in the games, demonstrating his skill as an athlete. Four years later, he was back for the 1960 Summer Olympics. This time, he was a part of the Swiss team once again, but his role had changed.
He had become an experienced veteran and was able to provide a great deal of guidance and leadership to the younger players on the team.
As before, he was able to show off his athletic prowess and make an impact on the field. Overall, Roger Zanetti was a talented field hockey player who had the opportunity to represent his home country of Switzerland on two different occasions at the Olympic Games.
He was able to make a lasting impression each time, proving that he was capable of performing at a high level and demonstrating why he was an essential part of the Swiss team.
12. Jean Glarner
Jean Glarner is an esteemed athlete hailing from Switzerland. He is a field hockey player and has competed in many tournaments throughout his career. His greatest feat was at the 1960 Summer Olympics, where he participated in the men’s tournament.
This was an amazing accomplishment for Glarner, as it put him in the international spotlight and gave him the recognition he deserved. His performance in the tournament was impressive, and he is remembered as one of the top field hockey players from Switzerland.
The 1960 Summer Olympics was an important milestone for Glarner, as it marked the beginning of a successful career in field hockey. He has since become a respected figure in the sport, and his legacy lives on through his accomplishments.
13. Heinz Wirz
Heinz Wirz is a former Swiss field hockey player who achieved success in his sport. He was part of the Swiss national field hockey team and competed in the men’s tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics, held in Rome, Italy.
During his time playing field hockey, Heinz Wirz had the honor of representing his country and playing against some of the best teams in the world.
He was an influential figure in the Swiss field hockey scene, and his presence in the Olympics was an important milestone for the country.
After his time in the Olympics, Wirz continued to play field hockey at a high level, competing in several tournaments and winning several awards. Even after he retired, he remained involved in the sport and continued to be an important figure in the Swiss field hockey community.
Heinz Wirz is a great example of how hard work and dedication can take someone from a small country to the international spotlight.
14. Ryan Gardner
Ryan Gardner is a retired professional ice hockey player who has achieved impressive success in his career. He was born in Canada, but he played the majority of his career in Switzerland.
He had stints with five professional teams in the Swiss National League: HC Lugano, Fribourg-Gottéron, SC Bern, ZSC Lions, and HC Ambrì-Piotta. His impressive career was highlighted by four Swiss national championship titles.
This impressive feat demonstrates the skill and commitment that Gardner brought to the game, and it is a testament to his impressive accomplishments.
Despite his Canadian origin, Gardner is remembered as one of the best Swiss players in recent memory due to his impressive success in the National League.
15. Louis Gilliéron
Louis Gilliéron was a Swiss field hockey player who had the opportunity to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Swiss team that took part in the Olympic tournament at that time.
His role on the team was as a halfback or forward, and he played in all three matches of the group stage.
Unfortunately, the Swiss team was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament. Louis Gilliéron was an experienced hockey player and was likely an integral part of the Swiss team in the Olympics.
His experience and skill on the field was likely a great asset to the team, however, it wasn’t enough to get them past the group stage. Despite this, Louis was able to make an impression in the Olympics by playing in all three matches and being an important part of the team.
16. Gilles Senn
Gilles Senn is a Swiss professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for HC Davos in the National League. In 2017, he was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the NHL Entry Draft.
Two years later, in 2019, Senn decided to move to North America to pursue his hockey career with the Devils. He mainly played for their American Hockey League affiliate, where he had the opportunity to hone his skills and gain experience.
Senn is an example of a player who has managed to take advantage of his talent and turn it into a successful career, both in Switzerland and North America.
17. Patrick Fischer
Patrick Fischer is an accomplished Swiss ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey player. He was a forward for the Arizona Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL), but spent the majority of his career playing in the National League A in his native Switzerland.
Currently, he is serving as the head coach of the Swiss national team. Fischer’s accomplishments as a player are considerable.
He was part of the Swiss team that won the silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and in 2004, he won the Spengler Cup, an annual international club ice hockey tournament, with HC Davos.
After his playing career ended, Fischer stayed in the game by taking a coaching role at HC Davos. He then moved up to become the head coach of the Swiss national team in 2017. Since taking over the national team, Fischer has achieved considerable success.
Under his guidance, Switzerland won the 2019 IIHF World Championship Division I Group A and secured a promotion to the top division.
He also led the team to a fourth-place finish in the 2020 World Championship, the country’s best result since 1953. With his impressive accomplishments as a player and his impressive success as a coach, Patrick Fischer has made a lasting impact on Swiss ice hockey.
He is sure to be an important figure in the sport for years to come.
18. Thomas Déruns
Thomas Déruns is a retired professional ice hockey player who is of Swiss descent. He had a successful career that spanned over 14 years and he was only active in the National League A, which is the highest level of ice hockey competition in Switzerland.
Throughout his career, Déruns played the position of forward. During his time in the National League A, he was highly regarded for his speed and agility on the ice.
He was also known for his ability to make plays and score goals. Déruns began his professional career in the 2001-02 season with the ZSC Lions, a Swiss team in the National League A.
He spent the majority of his career with the Lions, playing in a total of 347 games before retiring in the 2015-16 season. During his time with the Lions, he was an integral part of the team and helped lead them to two league championships.
In addition to his success in the National League A, Déruns also represented Switzerland in several international competitions, including the 2006 Winter Olympics. Thomas Déruns is considered to be one of the most accomplished professional ice hockey players in Swiss history.
His career was filled with countless accomplishments and accolades, including two league championships and a gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He will always be remembered as one of the best players to ever grace the ice in Switzerland.
19. Paul DiPietro
Paul Anthony DiPietro is an accomplished former professional ice hockey player, who has had a notable career. Born in Canada, he went on to achieve great success, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens.
He was a forward and was also selected to represent Switzerland in the 2006 Winter Olympics.DiPietro was a highly-skilled player, and his talent was recognised internationally when he was chosen for the Swiss national ice hockey team.
He was part of the team’s roster for the 2006 Winter Olympics, which took place in Turin, Italy. This was a significant achievement for DiPietro, and it demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.DiPietro was also successful on the domestic level.
He was part of the Montreal Canadiens team that won the Stanley Cup in 1993.
This was the twenty-fourth time that the Canadiens had won the championship, and it was a great achievement for DiPietro and the team.Paul Anthony DiPietro’s has achieved a great deal throughout his career.
He was part of a Stanley Cup-winning team and was also selected to represent Switzerland at the 2006 Winter Olympics. His talent and ability were recognised both domestically and internationally, and he is remembered as a highly-skilled player.
20. Peter Jaks
Peter Jaks was a Swiss ice hockey player who achieved great success in his sport. He represented his country in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, an impressive accomplishment for any athlete.
Unfortunately, on October 5, 2011, Peter Jaks died in a tragic way when he committed suicide in Bari, Italy by standing in front of a train. This was a tragic end for a man who had achieved so much in his sport and whose potential was still so great.
This tragedy serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that it should be taken seriously. Despite his untimely death, Peter Jaks will be remembered for his immense talent and his dedication to his sport.
21. Joël Vermin
Joël Vermin is a Swiss professional ice hockey player who currently plays for SC Bern of the National League. Vermin was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 7th round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
He is an experienced right winger who has been playing hockey since he was a young boy. Vermin made his professional debut with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League A in 2013.
He then went on to join the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and spent two seasons with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League.
During his time in Syracuse, he tallied up a total of 34 points in 83 games. In 2015, Vermin returned to Switzerland to join SC Bern, where he has been playing ever since.
During his time with the team, he has become a fan favorite and has established himself as one of the top players on the team.
In 2019, he was named the team’s captain, a testament to the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches. Vermin has also represented Switzerland in several international competitions, including the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
He has proven himself to be a reliable and consistent player, and is a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Conclusion
Switzerland has some of the best field hockey players in the world. The Swiss team is one of the top-ranked teams in the world and is consistently represented at major international tournaments.
The Swiss players have also had success at the club level, with a number of them playing for top European teams and winning awards. Switzerland is certainly a powerhouse in field hockey and the players are some of the best in the world.
