MILAN – Alina Muller etched her name into Olympic history once again, scoring the overtime winner as Switzerland defeated Sweden 2-1 to secure the bronze medal in women’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The dramatic victory marks the second time Muller has clinched a bronze medal for Switzerland against Sweden in the Winter Games, mirroring a similar feat she accomplished as a 15-year-old at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
The game, played on Thursday, saw a tense back-and-forth battle before Muller’s decisive goal 9:09 into overtime. This win solidifies Switzerland’s position as a rising force in international women’s hockey and provides a thrilling conclusion to their Olympic campaign. The Swiss team, led by Muller’s exceptional play, demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in this hard-fought bronze medal victory.
Sinja Leemann too scored for Switzerland, while Andrea Braendli delivered a stellar performance in net, stopping 32 shots. For Sweden, Mira Jungaker found the back of the net, and Ebba Svensson Traff made 23 saves. The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Muller’s game-winning goal was a testament to her skill and composure under pressure. Driving up the ice, she fed a pass to Ivana Wey, received a return pass, and then skillfully flipped a shot over Svensson Traff’s outstretched glove to secure the victory. This moment not only secured a medal for Switzerland but also cemented Muller’s legacy as a clutch performer on the Olympic stage.
A Repeat of History
The parallels between the 2014 and 2026 bronze medal games are striking. In Sochi, Muller, then just 15 years old, scored the game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Sweden. Now, twelve years later, she has repeated the feat, once again breaking Swedish hearts and delivering Olympic glory for Switzerland. This remarkable consistency underscores Muller’s exceptional talent and her ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. She is now the only player to score an Olympic bronze-clinching goal against the same opponent in two separate Winter Games, according to available records.
Game Recap: A Tense Battle
The second period saw both teams exchange goals, intensifying the already high-stakes atmosphere. Jungaker opened the scoring for Sweden at 11:40, capitalizing on a shot from the left point that found its way through traffic and past Braendli. However, Switzerland responded quickly, with Leemann tying the game just four minutes later, converting a pass from Alina Marti from behind the net.
Sweden had a strong showing throughout the tournament, finishing first in Group B play with a 4-0 record and upsetting Czechia 2-0 in the quarterfinals before falling to the United States 5-0 in the semifinals. Switzerland also had a successful run, opening with a 4-3 shootout win over Czechia and then upsetting Finland 1-0 in the quarterfinals, with Braendli making an impressive 40 saves.
Muller’s Impact and Future Outlook
Alina Muller, born on March 12, 1998, currently plays as a forward for the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). According to her Wikipedia page, she was selected third overall by PWHL Boston in the 2023 PWHL Draft, becoming the first European player affiliated with a PWHL team. She signed a two-year contract extension with the Fleet on August 4, 2025. Her performance in the PWHL, including helping her team reach the Walter Cup Finals in the inaugural season, has further solidified her reputation as one of the top players in the world.
With this latest Olympic triumph, Muller continues to inspire a new generation of hockey players in Switzerland and beyond. Her dedication, skill, and clutch performances have made her a national hero and a role model for aspiring athletes. As she continues her career with the Boston Fleet and represents Switzerland on the international stage, fans can expect even more exciting moments from this exceptional player.
The Swiss team’s bronze medal victory is a significant achievement for the nation’s hockey program, demonstrating the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s ice hockey in Switzerland. Looking ahead, the team will undoubtedly aim to build on this success and challenge for even greater honors in future international competitions.
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