19-year-old Lian Bichsel banned from representing his nation

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
April 25, 2024 (0:28)

SHARE THIS STORY

This afternoon surprising news was released regarding the future of Dallas Stars draft pick Lian Bichsel. According to reports Lian Bichsel has been banned from playing for the national team for 2 seasons.

Generally, when a player is banned from international competition the decision comes from the IIHF. Instead, the decision to ban Lian Bichsel is due to a team rule put in place by head coach Patrick Fischer. Lian Bichsel declined invites to play at two separate World Junior Championship tournaments in 2022 and 2024.

Breaking: Lian Bichsel banned to play for Switzerland on the international level in the next two years.

Reason for this ban is the double World Juniors call-up refusal in 2022 & 2024.

It's a policy enforced by🇨🇭head coach Patrick Fischer.

This is something that is not often seen as a punishment for refusing to go to World Juniors. However, with a significantly smaller pool of high-level talent, the leap to the policy can be understood.

Now Lian Bichsel will be left off of the Switzerland National Team roster until at least 2026. This news comes after a turbulent start to his professional career where Lian Bichsel has hopped back and forth between North America and Europe.

Stars D prospect Lian Bichsel with the OT game winner in Game 2 of the Swedish Hockey League championship series. Tied series at 1-1. #TexasHockey

At just 19 years old Lian Bichsel still has a bright professional future ahead of him. With a good playoff run in the SHL Lian Bichsel could solidify his top prospect status once again.