SwissTouch in “Smashville” with Swiss NHL hockey player, Yannick Weber
Yannick Weber, defenseman of the Nashville Predators, is a role model for all young Swiss hockey players. His career milestone of 500 NHL games is in near.
Despite spending half of his life in North America, Weber has never lost his Swiss roots. Just before the 19/20 season started, we sat down with Weber to talk about his life abroad and the upcoming ice hockey season.
You have been in North America for more than 10 years now. How would you sum up your journey so far?
YW: It has been quite a journey. I came to North America when I was 17 years old and at this time it was almost like entering a new world for me. Growing up in Switzerland, I had never experienced something different than living with my family. Everything was new to me and since social media was nonexistent at that time, I only knew North America from the movies. Leaving home at such a young age is never easy, but I wanted to pursue my dream of playing in the NHL. So, I accepted the challenge.
Looking back, I can now say that it was the right decision. I started playing with the Kitchener Rangers in Ontario, then had the chance to play in Montreal and Vancouver, and now I am in the U.S. with the Nashville Predators. It has turned out to be an invaluable experience, not only on, but also off the ice. It’s incredible that I have made it this far!
What led you to the decision to come to North America at such a young age and what were the biggest challenges you faced?
YW: As a young player, my dream was to play in the NHL. In 2006, I got the chance to play at the World Junior Championship in Vancouver which opened the door for me to play in the Junior Leagues of Canada. I really wanted to jump on this opportunity and take the chance to get drafted into the NHL. Coming over to North America as a Swiss guy, at a time when the Swiss were not necessarily known as hockey players in the U.S., definitely came with some challenges. I was not only leaving home and my daily routine, but I was also suddenly living in a foreign city with a different family, speaking a different language, and experiencing a new culture. However, the good thing about being a hockey player is that you are part of a team where you have a lot of people around you. They all help you get settled very quickly because at the end of the day everybody wants to win.
Compared to the other teams you had played for, what is it like to play here in Nashville?
YW: In Canada hockey is the number one sport; everybody grows up a hockey fan. When I arrived in Nashville I did not know what to expect because Tennessee and the southern United States is not necessarily known for ice hockey. The kids here grow up playing baseball, football or soccer, but hockey is probably at the bottom of their list. However, when I arrived in Nashville I was pleasantly surprised by the support of the city. They really love the team, and the fans enjoy coming to the games. The atmosphere is absolutely incredible, and with the success we had in the previous years, more and more people are supporting us. For us players it is great to see that so many people in the South can be inspired by us playing hockey. Hopefully, the popularity of ice hockey will continue to grow and more kids will start playing, which is a goal for us. All in all, playing here in Nashville has been an absolute joy so far.
Do you get special support from Swiss people here in Nashville?
YW: We often see Swiss flags in the crowd, either here in Nashville or on the road when we play in other cities. Our games have attracted many Swiss people because we had three Swiss players here with Kevin Fiala (who left this summer), Roman Josi our captain, and me. However, considering the small population of Swiss citizens in Nashville, and Switzerland being quite far away, it surprises me that we get such a big support from Swiss people.
Do you still feel a strong connection to Switzerland?
YW: I still feel very Swiss. I talk often to my family and friends back home. Every summer I travel to Switzerland to spend a couple of months there. I love to go back where my roots are. Of course, it is different because I live in Nashville now. So when I am in Switzerland it feels more like I am on vacation. I am still very interested in what is going on in Switzerland. Thankfully with social media it has become a lot easier to stay in touch. Back in the days, Switzerland seemed so far away, while nowadays you could think we are right next door.
What is it like to play with fellow Swiss players?
YW: I was lucky enough to play with a couple of Swiss guys on each team I have played for. Here in Nashville, I have a really good relationship with Roman Josi. We have known each other since we were little, as we are from the same town. When I first came into the NHL the only Swiss player was Mark Streit, and the chance to play with another Swiss player was very small. To now play with a friend from Switzerland is really great for me because I feel even closer to home. It is nice to have the possibility to speak Swiss-German and to have someone that is going through the same things. It just makes the hard times a little bit easier.
What advice would you give to kids that are dreaming of playing in the NHL?
YW: I have to say that I am very privileged to have the chance to do what I do. There have been a lot of things that needed to happen exactly the way they did. Especially as a young kid there are many things you cannot influence. In general, I would say that certainly you need talent but in the end only the people who really want it, will make it. Only those with a strong character will be able to face the challenges because there will also be situations when nobody is going to help you, and you will have to fight on your own. Your mindset is really important when pursuing your goals. It is important that you never lose your confidence, you continue to believe in yourself, and you always have fun while playing hockey. In regards to Switzerland, I think that the last few years have shown that Swiss ice hockey is at a very high level. Many Swiss players made it to the best league in the world. Therefore, kids and young players should set their bar high and not stop dreaming about playing in the NHL.
Starting the new season, what are you most looking forward to?
YW: The summer is always nice to get away from hockey, but when the time around September/October comes you really start looking forward to the season. I have the privilege to play on a very good team which has had a lot of success in the last couple of years. This season we set our bar really high, and we want to go back into the playoffs to push ourselves to win the Stanley Cup. The season is going to be very long, but I very much look forward to the adventures that await us.
