- On their debut on the Euro Hockey Tour, Switzerland beat hosts Finland 3-2 after a penalty shoot-out.
- Patrick Fischer’s team showed a strong performance against the world and Olympic champions in Turku.
- In addition to goalkeeper Leonardo Genoni, goal scorer Sven Andrighetto is particularly convincing in the Swiss ranks.
Patrick Fischer was completely satisfied with his team’s first appearance this season – and on the renowned Euro Hockey Tour. Right at the start, the Swiss, Finland, the world champion and Olympic champion, stood in their way.
Even before the crucial penalty shoot-out, it was clear: the national ice hockey team had mastered this difficult task in Turku, Finland. She showed herself to be equal over large parts of the game and even had the more compelling chances, especially in the first half of the game. And this despite the fact that the NHL and several NL players were missing from Fischer’s squad.
Genoni like in the best of times
In contrast to recent appearances in the league, Leonardo Genoni in particular was in top form on the Euro Hockey Tour. Only when the goal made it 1:2 from a Swiss perspective did the Zuger let a shot ricochet off, otherwise he kept his team in the game several times, even in the exhausting three-on-three.
In the shootout, the 35-year-old finally crowned his performance and saved four attempts. Because two Swiss players, Tyler Moy and Damien Riat, had previously exploited, the coup in the far north was sealed after Genoni’s last parade.
Finns take advantage of numbers
Even in attack, the Swiss were not deterred by the apparently stronger opponent. After just 10 minutes, Sven Andrighetto coldly converted a backhand pass from Andres Ambühl into the corner. After the break in the first third, a Swiss penalty brought the hosts back, who promptly followed up in the final third after Jere Innala scored 1-1, which was well worth seeing.
However, the Swiss team never gave up and, in the person of Roger Karrer, scored the equalizer nine minutes before the final siren – and thus saved themselves in the decision.
Switzerland and Sweden will already duel on Saturday (11:30 a.m.) – again live on SRF.