The maturation of the Swiss junior hockey program - aka the end of the 1990s yo-yo

The 1990s represent the maturation of the Swiss junior hockey program. Although having participated since 1978, Switzerland had only once before 1991 played two consecutive tournaments in the top level of the IIHF under 20 tournament (1986 and 1987). The first half of the decade wasn’t much different than the previous 12 years, with Switzerland being relegated twice, and winning only two of 21 games in the 1991, 1992 and 1994 tournaments, being outscored 36 to 118 across those games. 1990, 1993 and 1995 saw the team win the B pool, earning promotion in 1996. Switzerland would remain in the top group until being relegated for a single year in 2009.

From 1996 to 1999 their record improved slightly, posting five wins, six losses and five ties, improving their scoring differential to -13 (41 for to 54 against), a harbinger of the defensive commitment Switzerland would become known for in future years. During this maturation period, two individuals performances and one team performance stand out:

• Goaltender Pauli Jaks won the best goalie award and was named a tournament all-star in 1991. It is hard to find detailed statistics from the tournament, but my best guess is Jaks was recognized for the tough task of tending goalie for a team very much overpowered by superior opponents. Posting a goals against average of six, when your team scored only five goals all tournament, is commendable. 

• Seven years later, goalie David Aebischer followed in Jaks’ footsteps, winning best goalie at the 1999 tournament, leading his country to a bronze medal (more below). Thankfully more statistical data exists from this tournament: Aebischer led the tournament with a .951 save percentage, was third in goals against at 1.58 and won four games.  

• As mentioned above, Switzerland won its first (and to date, only medal) at the under 20 tournament, defeating Czech Republic 4-3 in the 1999 bronze medal game via shootout. In the round robin they lost only one of four games, defeating Slovakia and Kazakhstan and tying Russia. In the playoffs they upset Sweden 2-1 in the quarterfinals via another shootout before dropping a close 2-1 game to Finland in the semis.

663 - Pauli Jaks

Jaks was a star at the 1991 tournament as mentioned above, but also played the following year for Switzerland. His performances on the world stage and domestically (he won Swiss league goalie of the year in 1992) caught the eye of NHL scouts; he was drafted 108th overall by Los Angeles in 1991.  Jaks played in one NHL game with the Kings in 1994-95, making him the first Swiss born and trained player to appear in the NHL. 

From 1995 to 2006 he played in Switzerland and Russia, leading the Swiss Elite League (NLA) in shutouts in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002. Jaks continued to represent his country during this, playing at the 1996, 1999 and 2000 World Championships.

664 - Gaetan Voisard

A defenceman, Voisard played in the 1992 and 1993 tournaments, scoring two goals and four points in 1992, good for second on the team in scoring. He represented Switzerland during the 1996 and 1997 World Championships, as well as the qualifying tournament for the 1998 Olympics. Over a 17 season career in Switzerland he won two NLA and two NLB championships.

665 - Nicola Celio

A forward, Celio played in the 1992 tournament as well, leading Switzerland in scoring with five goals and seven points in seven games. He continued his scoring ways at the 1996 World Championships, scoring four goals and eight points; Celio also was part of the 1998 Olympic qualifying tournament.

From 1989 to 2009 he played for Ambri-Piotta in the NLA, captaining the team for six seasons from 2003 to 2008. After retiring for two seasons, he returned to play another decade in the Swiss third tier league.

666 - Marc Weber

A centre, Weber finished second in team scoring at the 1992 tournament, with three goals and four points, the only time he represented Switzerland internationally. He played in the NLA from 1992 to 2006, scoring the championship clinching goal for Bern in 2004. 

667 - Bernhard Schumperli

A centre, Schumperil played in two World Juniors for Switzerland, scoring two goals and three points at the 1992 tournament. He played professionally in Switzerland from 1991 to 2009, winning back-to-back NLA titles in 1991 and 1992.

668 - Laurent Bucher

A forward, Bucher scored two goals and one assist as part of the 1992 tournament. He played in the lower tier Swiss league from 1992 to 2002.

669 - Michael Blaha

A winger, Blaha had a goal and two assists during the 1992 World Junior tournament. Similar to teammate Laurent Bucher, he played in the lower Swiss pro leagues from 1992 to 1999.

670 - Tiziano Gianini

A defenceman, Gianini recorded two assists and 12 penalty minutes during the 1992 tournament. As part of the Swiss team playing in the 1993 B division, he scored four goals and earned 14 penalty minutes. Gianini would play in seven games for Switzerland at the 1996 World Championships, recording zero points. 

From 1992 to 2002 he played for Ambri-Piotta in the NLA, captaining the team from 1998 to 2001. He left for three seasons to play in Fribough, returning from 2004 to 2007 as an assistant captain.