2025 World Junior Hockey Championship Swiss Team Finals – The Hockey Writers – World Junior Hockey Championship

Switzerland has announced its final roster for the upcoming World Youth Championship in Ottawa, Canada. The current roster includes 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders and 14 forwards. Another skater will be cut – article will be updated once information is officially released.

Relevant: 2025 World Youth Championship Guide

Switzerland parted ways with defender Gian Meier and forwards Janis Embacher and Matteo Wagner after a 5-1 defeat to Latvia in their final preparatory game . “This decision was never easy for me and my staff,” head coach Marcel Gianni said of the layoffs. “There was passion and dedication from all the players. I would like to thank the players who now have to go home for their huge effort.

Swiss forward

Robin Antenen (EV Zug), Léo Braillard (Lethbridge Hurricanes/WHL), Jan Dorthe (Fribourg-Gautron), Alain Graf (SC Bern), Rico Gredig (HC Davos), Kimo Gruber (GCK/ZSC Lions), Andro Kaderli (Leksands IF /SWE), Endo Meier (GCK/ZSC Lions), Rafael Meier (EHC Kloten), Simon Meier (Penticon Vees / BCHL), Jonah Neuenschwander (EHC Biel-Bienne) , Lars Steiner (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies/QMJHL), Jamiro Reber (HV71/SWE), Loris Wey (EV Zug).

Offensively, Switzerland will have several interesting players lining up, but without a doubt one of the most interesting will be Jonah Neuenschwander. Born in 2009, he will become one of the youngest players in the competition and has appeared almost out of nowhere, having just made his debut in the Swiss top flight this season and not representing the Swiss team in any other competitions.

I didn't include Neuenschwander in my preview, thinking the Swiss would opt for a more traditional approach with an older lineup, but it looks like Jenny thinks he's too talented to rule out. Then, forward Rico Gredig, who was selected in the late round by the New York Rangers in the 2024 NHL Draft, is expected to play a key role in the game due to his versatility and strong performance this season. Other notable players to watch include Lars Stainer of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and Lesbury of the Western Hockey League (WHL) Leo Braillard of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Swiss defender

Nic Balestra (EV Zug), Timo Bünzli (GCK/ZSC Lions), Aris Häfliger (HC Ambri-Piotta), Ludvig Johnson (EV Zug), Leon Muggli (EV Zug), Nils Rhyn (SC Bern), Basile Sansonnens (Rimouski ) Océanic / QMJHL), Eric Sch​​​​neller (Genève-Servette HC), Daniil Ustinkov (GCK/ZSC Lions)

With most of the players representing EV Zug and ZSC Lions, chemistry and synergy on the blueline should be no problem for the Swiss. Many expected Gian Meier to join the mix. The defender even played three games in the SHL for the highly regarded Frolunda HC team, but was one of the last to make the cut. He'll likely get a chance next year.

Daniil Ustinkov is an interesting player to keep an eye on. The defensive back was expected to be drafted last year, but several reasons convinced teams not to call his name, one of which was a poor showing at the WJC. It will be interesting to see if things change for the ZSC defenders this season.

Swiss goalkeeper

Ivan Huet (Regina Pats/WHL), Christian Kirsch (Green Bay Gamblers/USHL), Elijah Neuenschwander (Friborg-Gautron)

Goaltending still appears to be a potential issue for Switzerland, although Hueter and Kirsch appear to be solid enough options, at least on paper. However, they will need to play their best hockey to keep the team competitive in the tournament.

potential outcomes

It cannot be said that this team does not have the potential to enter the quarterfinals, or even advance if they are lucky. Having said that, it's hard to see the Swiss team as serious medal contenders.

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