Switzerland Rallies Around Injured Kevin Fiala for Emotional OT Win Over Czechia
Team Switzerland delivered one of the most inspired performances of the Olympic tournament so far, pulling off a dramatic 4-3 overtime win against Czechia-just days after losing their star forward Kevin Fiala to a brutal lower-body injury.
Fiala, the Los Angeles Kings standout and centerpiece of Switzerland's offense, was stretchered off the ice following a scary collision along the boards with Team Canada’s Tom Wilson on Friday. The incident left Fiala with a significant injury to his lower left leg, requiring surgery on February 14. It was a gut-punch not only for the Swiss roster but for fans who had high hopes for a deep Olympic run with Fiala leading the charge.
But rather than fold, Switzerland responded with heart-and a little magic.
A Team United by Purpose
Before the puck dropped against Czechia, the Swiss squad received a message from Fiala, sent from his hospital bed in Milan. It wasn’t just a note-it was fuel. Fiala made it clear he was still with the team in spirit, urging them to fight for every shift.
And they answered.
Dean Kukan and Timo Meier stepped up in a big way, helping push Switzerland to a thrilling one-goal victory in overtime. The game was fast, tense, and emotional-exactly the kind of response you want to see from a team that just lost one of its best.
Meier, who’s been a key offensive weapon for Switzerland, spoke after the game about what the win meant to the group-and to Fiala.
“A special game for him with some of his family being from [Czechia]. We really wanted to get this win for him,” Meier said.
It wasn’t just talk. The Swiss played like a team on a mission, digging deep when it mattered most.
Every blocked shot, every backcheck, every shift was played with purpose. And when the game went to overtime, they didn’t flinch.
Leadership in the Locker Room
Veteran defenseman Roman Josi echoed the sentiment, sharing how Fiala’s message had impacted the team.
“We hope we put a smile on his face,” Josi said after the game, clearly emotional.
JJ Moser, another key contributor on the Swiss blue line, emphasized how Fiala’s presence-even from afar-was felt throughout the locker room.
“He had a message that he wants to support the team & be as close to the team as possible & help in whatever form he can. The best thing we can do is take that as a motivation, as an injection of energy and rally around that,” Moser said.
That’s exactly what they did.
Looking Ahead
Head coach Patrick Fischer confirmed postgame that Fiala is expected to return to the Olympic Village on February 16 after being discharged from the hospital. While his Olympic tournament is over, his influence clearly isn’t.
Switzerland may be without their most dynamic offensive playmaker, but if this win is any indication, they’re not out of the fight. Far from it.
With the knockout rounds approaching, this group looks galvanized-not broken. And with Fiala cheering them on from the sidelines, Team Switzerland just became one of the most compelling stories of the tournament.