EVZ Academy goalkeeper Kirsch is making a big impression in Canada

Won 20 out of 22 playoff matches, became only the third European goalkeeper to triumph in the Memorial Cup, was named best goalkeeper of this prestigious tournament and selected for the All-Star Team – Christian Kirsch, who trained at EVZ The Hockey Academy from 2020 to 2024, has made a huge impact in Canadian junior ice hockey.

“I was at 100 per cent when the play-offs started”

Christian Kirsch

How does the Swiss U20 national team goalkeeper explain his personal success? “I played around 75 games this season, including for the national team, and also had a great full-time goalkeeping coach with the Kitchener Rangers,” said Kirsch over lunch at the OYM. He continued: “That meant I was constantly able to improve. At the start, you do have to get used to the smaller rink and the faster pace. But just in time for the start of the play-offs, I was 100 per cent ready and was able to play my part in the Kitchener Rangers’ success.”

From the EVZ to victory in the Memorial Cup

After completing his training at EVZ The Hockey Academy in the summer of 2024, Kirsch took the plunge and moved to North America. After initial stints in the US in the USHL and NAHL, the talented goalkeeper moved to the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the summer of 2025, joining the world’s most prestigious junior league. Alongside the QMJHL and the WHL, the OHL is one of the top three leagues in Canadian junior hockey and is regarded as the most important stage for numerous current and future NHL draft picks.

With the Kitchener Rangers, Kirsch first won the OHL title in a four-game best-of-seven playoff series, thereby qualifying for the Memorial Cup. There, the overall champion of the three junior leagues was decided, involving a total of 61 teams. Kirsch was in top form at the final tournament, shining with an impressive save percentage of 95.2 per cent and a GAA of just 1.5. This made him the statistically best goalkeeper of the Memorial Cup, and he was consequently voted ‘Best Goaltender’ and selected for the tournament’s All-Star Team.

“The playoffs were an unforgettable time. At every home game, we were carried by 7,500–8,500 incredibly loud fans in the arena. I’ve never personally experienced an atmosphere like that before, and we went on to win every home game. The whole city celebrated with us after we won the title. I am very grateful to all my teammates and the entire Kitchener organisation for these experiences,” explains Kirsch.

A visit to the EVZ Hockey Academy at the OYM (from left to right): Harry Kirsch (father), EVZ goalkeeping coach Simon Pfister, Christian Kirsch, THA director Roland Schmid and EVZ general manager Reto Kläy.

Foundations laid at The Hockey Academy

In Zug, too, they are proud of their Academy player. Simon Pfister, goalkeeper coach at EVZ: “Chris has chosen absolutely the right path for himself – and it hasn’t always been easy! I’m particularly impressed that, after a difficult start overseas, he’s fought his way through and is now one of the best goalkeepers in the world’s top junior league.”

Kirsch adds: “Persevering and working hard, even when things aren’t going your way – that’s what I learnt during my Academy years at EVZ, and it was probably the most important experience for me in the USA and Canada. Together with the goalkeeping coaches, I tried to improve day by day back in Zug, which ultimately led us to the U20 Elite Swiss Championship title.”

Drafted by the San Jose Sharks

Kirsch’s journey now continues in college hockey: from next season, he will be in goal for Quinnipiac University, a top-10 team in the American NCAA Division I college league. The San Jose Sharks, who drafted the Zug-born talent in the fourth round at number 116 in 2024, will also continue to closely monitor his development …

In San Jose, Kirsch will take part in the Sharks Development Camp for the third time at the end of June, following a short summer break.