Lian Bichsel did not figure on Switzerland's preliminary roster for the World Juniors, but last week the door on his participation had not been entirely closed.
As Lars Weibel, Director Sport of SIHF, now tells "Blick", while he did receive the green light from the Dallas Stars, the defenseman has decided to opt out of the tournament as he is worried that he will not easily be integrated into his team if he is absent for quite some time.
Bichsel recently came back to Europe to play in the SHL. He has appeared in 16 games for the Texas Stars as well as two games for Rögle BK this season.