Lidl Hockey Games Preview: Olympic Roster Spots On The Line
The Lidl Hockey Games take place November 5–8 in Ängelholm, Sweden. The event features women’s national teams from Czechia, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland, marking one of the final preparatory tournaments before the upcoming Olympics.
Olympic Context and Team Preparations
As Sweden’s annual stop on the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour, this year’s competition carries added weight with Olympic roster positions at stake. For many players, it also serves as the last opportunity to compete before participating in PWHL training camps.
Approaches by Each Nation
Teams have pursued different strategies in their lineup choices. Switzerland will compete without several of their stars, including Lara Stalder, Alina Müller, Andrea Brändli, Lara Christen, Rahel Enzler, Nicole Vallario, and Sinja Leeman.
This leaves the Swiss facing a significant challenge against Czechia, Finland, and Sweden, who are all expected to field nearly full rosters. However, the tournament presents a strong chance for Switzerland to test its depth and assess new talents.
“Switzerland has remained competitive at recent international competitions on the strength of their top players.”
Spotlight on Emerging Swiss Players
For Switzerland to continue succeeding internationally, the team must develop a new generation ready to fill key Olympic roles. Promising young players such as Ivana Wey, Naemi Herzig, Laure Mériguet, Norina Müller, and Lucie Tenenbaum will have the opportunity to prove themselves in this event.
Final Assessment Before PWHL Season
The Women's Euro Hockey Tour stop in Ängelholm serves both as a final test for Olympic readiness and the last competitive tune‑up before players rejoin their professional teams for the upcoming PWHL season.
Author’s summary: The Lidl Hockey Games in Sweden act as a crucial Olympic audition and development test for national women’s teams, particularly for Switzerland’s rising generation of players.