Since making their debut in the 2006 Olympics, Switzerland's women's hockey team made it to the final four twice while winning bronze in 2014. Another Group A team, another entry that is more than capable of contending for a medal. Can the Swiss once again make it to the semifinals and contend for a medal? Is a shot at a gold medal in their grasp?
To find out, let's break down their roster and group stage chances.
This is a team that knows how to play together
70% of the Swiss Olympic women's hockey roster plays their club hockey in Europe, with a good portion of them making their name in the Swiss league. Of the remaining seven players, two play in the PWHL, four are enrolled in collegiate hockey programs in the United States, while one plays in U Sports - Canada's primary postsecondary athletic division.
It's also worth noting that all but two players on the Swiss roster were on the team for their run at the 2025 World Championship.
Alina Müller is the one to watch
Entering her fourth Olympic Games, Alina Müller will look to incorporate her PWHL and Olympic experience into a team that largely boasts European experience. As a member of the Boston Fleet, Müller has been an incredibly important contributor on the offensive side of the puck. Through fourteen games this season, she's tallied nine points (two goals and seven assists); her career with the Boston Fleet thus far has seen her record forty-four points (fourteen goals and thirty assists) through sixty-four games. She also has a career +/- rating of 13 while also getting about 10% of her shots on goal.
Alongside EV Zug's Lara Stalder, Alina Müller will look to bring past experience to a roster that has a good amount of first-timers. If she can provide offensive contribution throughout the tournament, Switzerland should be in a good position to secure a few results and a decent position in the knockout bracket.
The best of the rest?
The Swiss might not be in as good of a position as Finland, who should be seen as the favourite (outside of Canada and the United States) to secure a medal. However, that doesn't mean that they can't secure a point or two against such teams, something that will be vital if they are to gain an advantage in the knockout seeding.
A top-two spot is more than likely out of the question, meaning that Switzerland will be in a battle with Finland and Czechia to secure the best seeding possible. I think Switzerland has the upper hand on Czechia and maybe Finland as well, but I'm going to play it safe and put the Swiss into fourth place in Group A.