2023-11-15 07:01:15
In order to try to break through to the highest level in the world, should you stay in Switzerland or go into exile? Like, for example, Nino Niederreiter, Kelian Fiebiger chose the second option. In the off-season, the 19-year-old Genevan left GE-Servette for the M20 training of the prestigious Jokerit Helsinki. RTSsport.ch met him in Tampere last Sunday, on the sidelines of the Karjala Cup and just before Czechia-Switzerland (1-0).
At a young age, leaving the family cocoon and stepping out of your comfort zone is not easy. However, this is the courageous step undertaken this summer by Kelian Fiebiger. He now finds himself in the shoes of a stranger, in a country especially famous for its freezing temperatures in winter.
Fortunately, and contrary to popular belief, the Finns are rather warm people. “I was well received upon my arrival. The theories are systematically translated for me, which are only in Finnish. And teammates regularly invite me to eat with them. It helps me fit in“, says the man who portrays himself as an offensive center.
After 3 National League matches with GE-Servette in 2022/23 and an undoubtedly blocked horizon in the short term in the plethoric squad of the reigning Swiss champion, this son of a former unihockey player has not yet hesitated too long – after weighing the pros and cons with his parents – before responding positively to the strong interest of Jokerit Helsinki. One of the most prestigious clubs in Finland, 6 times national champion and 2 times winner of the Champions League.
I was surprised to have attracted the interest of such a club
Kelian Fiebiger
However, do we feel the weight of history when we play for Jokerit? “Wearing this jersey is an honor. I was surprised to have attracted the interest of such a clubconcedes Fiebiger. In Helsinki, we often come across people on the street wearing the Jokerit colors. At home, this team can sometimes attract between 5,000 and 6,000 spectators per match, in the 2nd division.
It must indeed be remembered that, in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Jokerit, in disagreement with this war, decided to leave the KHL in 2022. After 8 seasons spent in a foreign championship, its first team is therefore returned to the country and now plays in the equivalent of the Swiss League in Finland, the Mestis. A league where Fiebiger could well skate a few times this year. “It will be complicated, but it’s one of my goals“, admits the Genevan.
Fiebiger on the street leading to the Nokia Arena in Tampere, before the Czechia-Switzerland match at the Karjala Cup. [Michaël Taillard – RTS]
Jokerit Helsinki is also famous for training NHL legends like Jari Kurri, Teemu Selänne and… Valtteri Filppula. A name obviously well known in Switzerland and more particularly in Geneva, where the 39-year-old striker with an extraordinary record is currently playing a 3rd season.
“We didn’t speak until I left for Helsinki. I just told myself – as I saw with my own eyes in training – that since Filppula is a great player, he certainly learned a lot here. Playing in such a club, which aims to develop young people, will therefore allow me to refine several aspects of my game.“, says Fiebiger.
The U20 World Cup is in the back of my mind. It would be a dream to play for Switzerland
Kelian Fiebiger
Besides getting his chance in Mestis, the young striker’s other immediate goal is to participate in the next U20 World Cup, from December 26 in Gothenburg, Sweden. “It’s in the back of my mind, yes. It would be a dream to play for the Swiss team. It would also undoubtedly open many doors for me in the future. But first I have to perform well in the club“, he admits.
Michael Taillard
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