Lian Bichsel banned from international play by Swiss head coach

Lian Bichsel is a 6 foot 6 defensive prospect for the Dallas Stars. Bichsel was selected 18th overall in 2022. The Swiss born prospect made his debut for the Texas Stars this season as a 19 year old.

In 2022 and 2024, Bichsel was invited to represent Switzerland at the World Junior Championships, but Bichsel turned down the invitation. Due to the refusal, Bichsel has been banned from representing Switzerland at any international tournament. This is being enforced by Swiss National Team head coach, Patrick Fischer.

Bichsel's reasoning for the most recent World Juniors tournament was that he had just joined Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League. He felt it would be hard to integrate himself into the team if he left to play for the Swiss team. Bichsel asked the Swiss National Team if he could miss out in participating in the the pre tournament training, but they refused. This caused Bichsel to refuse the invitation to the tournament.

Patrick Fischer on his thought process behind banning Bichsel from international play,

Sourced from: Blade of Steel - Stars first-rounder banned from representing home country