Jets’ Nino Niederreiter named Switzerland’s flagbearer for 2026 Winter Olympics
A notable name in the NHL is receiving one of the greatest honors in all of sports.
On Thursday, the Swiss Olympic Committee revealed its flagbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Among the two athletes named is Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter.
🇨🇭 Grosse Ehre: Nino Niederreiter ist der Fahnenträger der Schweiz an der Olympia-Eröffnungsfeier! 🏟️ Grand honneur : Nino Niederreiter est le porte-drapeau de la Suisse lors de la cérémonie d’ouverture des Jeux olympiques ! 👉🏼 tinyurl.com/Olympia-Fahnen… @Olympics
Niederreiter will share duties with two-time Olmypic bronze medalist ski cross athlete Fanny Smith.
While there are a number of star players representing Switzerland in this year’s men’s ice hockey tournament, including Roman Josi, Timo Meier and Nico Hischier, Niederreiter was selected based on his availability, as some athletes won’t be in Milan by the time the ceremonies begin.
Nevertheless, having a player like Niederreiter lead his nation in the parade of athletes makes sense. Few NHLers have represented their country as much as the Chur native has over his career. Along with playing for the Swiss at a pair of IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championships and IIHF World Junior Championships, he has competed in the IIHF Men’s World Championship nine times. Niederreiter has been an important veteran piece that has helped La Nati take home the silver medal in each of the past two years.
Niederreiter is also one of three players to have been part of the Swiss team to have also played at the Sochi Winter Games in 2014, the last time NHLers were allowed to compete at the Olympics. Josi and goaltender Reto Berra were also on the team that finished eighth in Russia.
In the NHL era of the Games, Switzerland has reached the quarterfinals three times.
The Opening Ceremony is set to take place at San Siro Stadium in Milan on Friday, Feb. 6. The event is scheduled to get underway at 1:40 p.m. ET. Switzerland opens up Group A play on Thursday, Feb. 12, against France.