2023-05-07 06:40:50
Among the four Romands still present with the Swiss team, Johnny Kneubühler was not necessarily expected at this stage of preparation. While Patrick Fischer will soon announce his selection for the World Championship, RTSsport.ch met the Ambri striker after the match against Finland to discuss his chances of flying to Riga.
Trained up to the U17s on the Vernets side, the Geneva native of Lucerne origins had a tortuous journey before truly blossoming this season. Son of a former Servettian leader, the now 26-year-old striker went through the juniors of HC Davos, but it was on the shores of Lake Geneva that he discovered professional hockey. Not with the Eagles, but about sixty kilometers further, near Malley.
After three seasons at Lausanne HC, Johnny Kneubühler has been playing at Ambri since 2018. First confined to a defensive role on the 4th block, he gradually got his chance on more offensive lines, with some success since he crossed the bar of 15 points during the last two exercises. An international junior in the past, he is discovering the joys of the Swiss A team this spring and could be Patrick Fischer’s surprise guest for the World Championship.
RTSsport.ch: You are summoned for the first time to prepare for the World Cup and you find yourself facing Sweden and Finland. How do you live it?
JOHNNY KNEUBÜHLER: It’s like a dream! Honestly, at the end of the season, I did not expect to be present for this last tournament before the World Cup. There, I’m there and I don’t realize it more than that, it’s a dream every day. I just try not to have any regrets and to give my all, whether in training or in matches.
RTSsport.ch: You ended the season two months ago with Ambri. Do you still have power in the motor?
JOHNNY KNEUBÜHLER: Yes of course! The tanks are full. I had two or three weeks free between the end of the season and the Swiss team, where I prepared to join the selection. I’m so motivated and proud to be here now that the energy is still there.
RTSsport.ch: You are one of the players who are not yet guaranteed a place for the World Cup. How do you feel about this situation?
JOHNNY KNEUBÜHLER: There is currently no security: I can leave but there are also chances that I will stay. I try not to think about it too much and take it day by day. It sounds cliché, but it really is. Every time I’m on the ice, or even off it, I give everything I have for this team to have no regrets.
RTSsport.ch: If in the end you don’t go to Riga, will the season still be successful for you?
JOHNNY KNEUBÜHLER: We’ll see. If I don’t go, I will take stock at that time, but I will be honest, it will be positive in any case. That doesn’t prevent you from doing it because it’s a short, medium or even long-term dream to participate in a World Championship. For now, I reflect day by day.
Brno, Bastien Trottet – @BastienTrottet
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