The starting point at this World Championship is easy, yet also difficult. The main goal is the direct qualification for the Olympic games in 2018. To achieve this goal, the Swiss women’s national team has to be in the top five of the World rankings following this World Championship. At the moment, Switzerland is in fourth place. However, the complicated accounting behind this ranking does not make it easier. One thing is almost certain, though: A qualification for the quarterfinal should pave the way to Pyeongchang. Head coach Daniela Diaz confirms this goal for this tournament and also adds: “We take it day by day, game by game. We do not look too far ahead, live in the moment and try to prepare the best we can for the next day.”
The 34-year-old from Zug, who is the younger sister of NHL returnee Raphael Diaz, has been behind the bench since mid-December 2015. Her impressive list of achievements includes her very successful work with the ZSC Lions (Swiss Champions 2016) and the experience as a player at seven World Championships and Olympic Games. “These experiences helped me, for sure, even though the tasks are indeed different as a coach now. I know the drill, I know what’s in store for us.”
Her perspective as a former player also enriches her work with the team, Diaz is convinced. “On and off the ice, a lot of details have to be just right,” she adds. “Every player has to be ready to do anything for the team and the team's success.” Therefore, it is very important to focus on the “here and now.”
During a ten-day preparation camp in Chilliwack and Kamloops, the coaching staff (including the former Canadian world champion Margot Page, who worked for the U18 in the past few years) was able to work on these details. Diaz knows about the importance of the special teams as well as of the team spirit.
Starting next Tuesday, the Swiss women’s national team will face Sweden, a longstanding member of the top fours which has won the bronze medal several times, Czechia, the strong promoted team, and Japan, who finished seventh as last year’s Wolrd Championship. The Swiss can seal the deal in their fist two games against Czechia and Japan before they face Sweden, the clear favorite of this group. But, watch out! Diaz’ team is not the favorite in any of these two games. Mainly the Czech have proven to be a strong and stubborn opponent this season.
Everything is set for a successful finish and the direct qualification for the Olympic games. If the team does not qualify directly, they will have to participate in a qualification tournament in February of 2017. As many as 13 players out of this 23-player roster have been part of the team that won the Bronze medal at the last Olympic games. The two returnees, League top scorer Christine Hüni, 30, and Lugano defender Nicol Bullo, 29, bring along the experience of 385 games for the national Team. For Diaz, this mix “of younger and more experienced players.” She is convinced that her team has “a lot of talent.” With the exception of the injured Sandra Thalmann and Sara Benz (both Bronze medalists in Sochi), this is Diaz’ “dream-team.” Alongside the rookie-coach, the two 18-year-olds Tess Allemann (Thun) and Andrea Brändli (Winterthur) are the only rookies in Diaz’ roster.
