38-year-old veteran has risen again as a hero in Switzerland - "He does it every time"

MILANO.

Where there are championships, there is Switzerland. Where there is Swiss success, there is Leonardo Genoni.

Switzerland defeated the Czech Republic in a top-level Olympic battle. The intense and multi-faceted game ended in overtime with a score of 4-3 for Switzerland.

In recent years, the pattern has been familiar. Switzerland has put a stop to the traditional big ice hockey countries. The cornerstone of their success has been outstanding goaltending.

Genoni has never played in the NHL. However, the 38-year-old veteran always seems to stand on his head when it comes to big games.

– It’s absolutely crazy. We talk about it all the time. I don’t know how he has never played in the NHL. Every time in the World Championships, he plays incredibly well. He is very calm and also calms others down, Switzerland’s captain Roman Josi said after the Czech match.

– He is an incredible goaltender and he should have played in the NHL a long time ago.

Defender Jonas Siegenthaler was on the same page.

– He is a living legend! Siegenthaler said.

He is now 38 years old, a top goaltender, Switzerland’s number one. He has never played in the NHL, but he has had a great career in Switzerland’s top league. He is one of the best goaltenders in Swiss history.

What makes Switzerland’s victory even sweeter is that the team lost three players to injury in the game against Canada. The severely injured Kevin Fiala had to leave the tournament immediately. Neither Denis Malgin nor Andrea Glauser were able to play against the Czech Republic.

– It’s never easy when several players drop out of the lineup – especially if three players get injured in one game, Siegenthaler said.

– Our team has depth. The new guys filled their roles well.

Josi provided an update on Fiala’s situation.

– He is doing okay. He sent us a little video message yesterday. He is doing just fine.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila