From the OYM to North America

By Raphael Biermayr

Launched in 2014, the EVZ training programme ‘The Hockey Academy’ (THA) is a successful talent development programme: 25 of the 75 graduates to date will be playing in the National League next season, twelve in the Swiss League and six abroad. This means that 43 out of 75 graduates – or 57 per cent – are active in one of these three categories.

For Roland Schmid, Head of The Hockey Academy / Elite Sport at EVZ, this development confirms that the club is on the right track. He is particularly pleased that, according to his analysis, players who were already playing for EVZ at U13 or U14 level have the highest proportion of players going on to play in the National League. The advantage of this long-term relationship is that the club supports the players over many years and knows their development and background inside out.

However, sporting success is only one aspect of the concept. The THA combines professional training with a commercial apprenticeship or a grammar school leaving certificate. At the OYM, athletes benefit from short distances, modern facilities and support that harmonises education with elite sport. “The focus is on the individual,” says Schmid. The club is looking for athletes who, in addition to talent, an understanding of the game and inner motivation, are prepared to combine a career in competitive sport with an education.

Not everyone will go on to earn a living from professional sport. A recognised qualification provides a second string to one’s bow – both for life after their sporting career and as an alternative career path. For Schmid, this responsibility is at the heart of his mission: “It is an investment; it is also a mission. It is a social mission.”

Several examples illustrate just how far a sporting career can take you. Leon Muggli was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round in 2024 and gained experience with the Hershey Bears in the AHL. Attilio Biasca signed a two-year contract with the Boston Bruins. Goalkeeper Christian Kirsch was selected in the fourth round by the San Jose Sharks in 2024 and is continuing his development at Quinnipiac University in the NCAA.

The EVZ’s own training programme is also evident in the club’s NL team: the current squad features twelve home-grown players, including Matia Birchler and Mischa Geisser, who are on loan to the Swiss League. “My aim is to bring as many players as possible up into our own team,” says Schmid. The first professional contract should not be the end of the journey. The talented players should continue to be supported, developed into established National League professionals and nurtured into key players for the first team. Roland Schmid sees particular potential in the transition from the first contract to becoming a long-term key player.

The collaboration with the new General Manager, Ted Suihkonen, is bearing fruit. As the former Head of Development, he knows the THA inside out and remains closely connected to competitive ice hockey. Together, they aim to bring youth development and the first team closer together. The more home-grown players establish themselves at the highest level, the stronger the sense of identification with the EVZ becomes – and the more attractive the prospects are for future generations of THA players.