Switzerland beats Norway and advances to the final

For the evening game between Switzerland and Norway the Ice cold Arena in Arosa the fans showed up in large numbers then the afternoon game between Slovakia and Belarus.

Switzerland had 16 of their silver medal winning players on the roster and for Head Coach Sean Simpson this tournament will bring clarity to which players will join the squad for the Sochi Games in February.

Just like in the afternoon game, both teams tried to get the early lead and it was Matthias Bieber, assisted by Reto Suri who brought Switzerland on the scoreboard. The Swiss boys continued pushing, bringing the puck to the Norwegian zone but were not able to get the shots passed Lars Volden. His counterpart, Martin Gerber was barely tested but kept his goal clean. Only a few moments later, a collision with a Norwegian forward forced Gerber to leave the game, he then was replaced by Benjamin Conz for the rest of the game, Gerber didn't return to the bench.

Luca Cunti with a nice solo run behind the Norwegian goal got a scoring chance but was denied the second goal by Volden just minutes later. Switzerland had more puck possession and the better chances while showcasing a solid defense in the first period.

The second period continued where the first had ended, with Switzerland controlling the puck in the opponents zone and waiting for the scoring chance.

A disagreement between Henrik Odegaard and Julian Walker led to a powerplay for the  home boys. A minute into the powerplay Goran Bezina with a straight shot from the blue line scored the second goal, assisted by Luca Cunti. But Switzerland just didn't get enough, a quick pass from Andres Ambühl to Reto Suri who shot the puck from short distance gave the Swiss a 3 goal lead after 25 minutes.

Then it was Norway's turn to test their powerplay formation while Severin Blindenbacher sat on the bench. The vikings had a chance or two but couldn't get on the scoreboard yet, having difficulties getting into the Swiss zone and holding the puck.

With little more than 6 minutes to play in the second period, Jonas Holøs was assessed with a two minute minor for hooking but the swiss couldn't find a way
passed the Norwegian defense. The Norwegians effort on the other side remained goal-less and when Ryan Gardner was sent to the box for slashing the hapless norwegians were at least able to fire a handful of shots on Benjamin Conz.

The 3rd period started with a two minute minor against Norway for delaying the game but the swiss didn't manage to create any danger in the offensive zone and so the powerplay just passed by. Then finally, in the 45th minute norwegian defenseman Alexander Bonsaksen shot the puck passed Conz' glove hand, assisted by Mathias Trygg und Niklas Roest to give Norway the first goal of the evening. But only 2 minutes later it was Sondre Olden with a high sticking penalty who cut back the chances of the scandinavians to get any closer.

Exactly 10 minutes were played in the last period as Thomas Rüfenacht passed the puck to Denis Hollenstein to net the puck in the goal and make it 4:1 for the home team. Eventhough the game seemed decided, both teams still fought for every puck and big credit has to be given to the norwegians who didn't give up and scored their second goal of the evening trough Niklas Roest, assisted by Mathias Trygg in the 54th minute.

With less than 2 minutes left, Norway took their Time out and replaced their goalie through a 6th field player but the swiss squad seized the win and secured a place in the "Final" of the Arosa Challenge.

Best Player Norway: Niklas Roest
Best Player Switzerland: Andres Ambühl

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