Rögle’s backcourt talent Lian Bichsel, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL draft, is predicted to have a bright future. He has already shown proof of his great potential in Rögle, where he became a big hero with his decisive goal against Skellefteå in the second final match earlier this week.
Even so, he is not very popular in his native Switzerland.
The reason is that the 19-year-old chose to turn down games with Switzerland’s junior national team in the JVM last winter.
– We have no choice but to accept his decision, said the J20 national team’s general manager Lars Weibel to the newspaper Blick.
The coach: “It has consequences”
Several months later, however, Switzerland does not appear to have accepted the decision. The national team captain Patrick Fischer is already stating that they will not take Bichsel to the hockey World Cup that will be played in May.
– We communicated with him after he refused JVM for the second time that there will be consequences. He will therefore not play with us, says Fischer according to Blick.
The newspaper describes Bichsel as “persona non grata in the national team”.
Lian Bichsel’s answer: “It’s not fun”
The Rögle player says that he took note of the union captain’s words about the poke. When Expressen talks to him, he expresses his disappointment.
– I think it’s sad when I’m mentioned in that way. But I’m still young, I will get my chances in the future, says Lian Bichsel.
– It is the national team captain’s decision whether he wants to bring me or not. For my part, it is calm, I accept the decision. But when my name ends up in situations like this, it’s not fun. I always try to do my best, for me and those I play with.
The closest for Bichsel is the conclusion of the final series in the SM playoffs. The third final match is played in Ängelholm on Thursday evening.
– Otherwise, I don’t have much more to say about the union captain’s decision. I want to focus entirely on Rögle now that we have the opportunity to win the final.
Did you have a hope that you would be selected for the WC?
– I had that. But once again, it’s not me who decides. I’m young, there will be more chances.
