The integrity of professional ice hockey in Switzerland is facing scrutiny as concerns mount over “swallows” – the act of deliberately exaggerating contact to draw a penalty. Following a 6-2 defeat against Fribourg-Gottéron on Thursday, SCRJ Lakers captain Nico Dünner publicly condemned the practice, sparking a wider debate about fair play and the increasing prevalence of deceptive tactics in the National League. The issue isn’t simply about gamesmanship; it’s about the fundamental spirit of the sport and the potential for escalating theatrics.
Dünner, recently returning from a hand injury, didn’t mince words in a post-game interview with MySports. “I appeal to all players – no swallows in ice hockey!” he stated. He acknowledged the physicality inherent in the game, noting the intense one-on-one battles, but emphasized the need for players to exercise greater discretion. “You can tell that there’s a lot at stake. There are a lot of one-on-one battles. Nevertheless, we should all be a little smarter with the stick.”
The captain’s frustration extends beyond mere on-ice tactics. He believes a firmer stance is needed against head checks, but equally significant is a commitment to honest play. “I think you should capture a hard line when it comes to checks on the head,” Dünner explained. “But I appeal to all players who still play hockey that in hockey you don’t just let yourself head and do swallows. I mean, everyone gets hit hard sometimes, but then you stop or get back up. But the fact that you go down quickly with every push upsets me a little, to be honest.”
Dünner’s concerns are backed by league statistics. This season alone, 21 players have been penalized for deception, with five new fines issued just this past Monday. Biel talent Mark Sever received an 800 franc fine, even as SCB star Tristan Scherwey and Rapperswil foreigners Victor Rask, Lawrence Pilut, and Tanner Fritz each faced a 2,000 franc penalty. Repeat offenders, such as Mike Künzle of Zug and Filip Zadina of Davos, have been required to pay even larger sums, demonstrating the league’s attempt to curb the behavior. The increasing number of penalties, particularly as the playoffs intensify, raises questions about the effectiveness of current deterrents.
Wohlwend Echoes Dünner’s Concerns
Olten coach Christian Wohlwend, known for his candid assessments, publicly agreed with Dünner’s assessment. “It’s actually like that. It’s frightening for me,” Wohlwend told MySports. “Be it the Swiss League or the National League: Swallows are increasing in number. For me it is disappointing that this is the case. Only recently five players were fined again.”
Wohlwend drew a striking parallel to the world of football, referencing a passionate plea made nine years ago by SCB fan Büne Huber, frontman of the band Patent Ochsner. Huber, frustrated by perceived theatrics in football, famously declared, “I’m fed up with these pussies.” Wohlwend fears a similar erosion of sportsmanship is taking hold in hockey. “We will soon have conditions like football,” he warned.
The question remains: can fines alone effectively address the issue? Dünner believes a broader shift in mindset is required, calling on players and coaches to take greater responsibility for upholding the integrity of the game. “The referees try as best they can to find a line. We have to take our own steps,” he asserted.
The debate over “swallows” highlights a growing tension within professional ice hockey. While physicality and competitive intensity are integral to the sport, the line between legitimate play and deceptive tactics is becoming increasingly blurred. The National League faces a challenge in balancing the need to maintain a fast-paced, exciting game with the imperative to preserve fair play and respect for the rules.
The issue isn’t unique to Switzerland. Similar concerns have been raised in other professional hockey leagues, including the NHL, where embellishment is also penalized. However, the recent surge in fines within the National League suggests a particularly acute problem. The league’s disciplinary committee is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely, with further penalties likely as the playoffs progress. Kicker.de provides ongoing coverage of the National League schedule and results.
The increasing scrutiny of deceptive practices could lead to a reevaluation of penalty guidelines and a greater emphasis on video review. Some observers have suggested that harsher penalties, including suspensions, may be necessary to deter players from exaggerating contact. Others believe that a cultural shift, driven by players and coaches, is essential to restore a sense of fair play to the game.
the future of the sport may depend on the willingness of players to prioritize integrity over short-term gains. As Dünner and Wohlwend have argued, a commitment to honest competition is not only essential for maintaining the credibility of the game but also for protecting the health and safety of all players. The league is expected to announce any further disciplinary actions following the conclusion of the current playoff series. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to witness how the National League addresses this growing concern.
The next scheduled update from the National League regarding disciplinary actions is expected following the completion of the current playoff round, with decisions likely to be announced via their official website. The conversation surrounding fair play in ice hockey is ongoing, and your thoughts are welcome. Share your perspective in the comments below.
