Swiss Stun Canada at 2006 Olympics

Twenty years later, Switzerland's upset victory over hockey powerhouse Canada remains one of the biggest surprises in Olympic history.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In 2006, the idea of Switzerland defeating Canada in hockey seemed like fiction. But on February 18th in Turin, the Swiss team, led by goaltender Martin Gerber's 49 saves and goals from Paul DiPietro, pulled off a stunning 2-0 upset over the heavily favored Canadians. The victory was a watershed moment for Swiss hockey, paving the way for the country's rise as a force on the international stage.

Why it matters

The 2006 Olympic upset was a landmark moment that helped transform Swiss hockey from an afterthought to a respected power. It showed the world that the Swiss could compete with the best, and inspired a new generation of Swiss players like Roman Josi and Nico Hischier to pursue careers in the NHL. The victory also highlighted the coaching acumen of Ralph Krueger, who helped instill a winning mentality in the Swiss national team.

The details

The Swiss team was comprised largely of players unknown in North America, with only three NHLers on the roster. One of them, David Aebischer, spent the game on the bench as Martin Gerber's backup. But Gerber was the star, making 49 saves, including 24 in the third period alone. Paul DiPietro scored both Swiss goals, with the second one coming after a lengthy video review that went in Switzerland's favor. Head coach Ralph Krueger's tactical adjustments and motivational skills also played a key role in the upset.

  • The upset occurred on February 18, 2006 in Turin, Italy during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
  • The Swiss and Canadians will face off again on Friday, approximately 150 kilometers from Milan.

The players

Martin Gerber

The Swiss goaltender who made 49 saves, including 24 in the third period, to preserve the 2-0 victory over Canada.

Paul DiPietro

The Swiss forward who scored both goals in the upset win over Canada, including one that required a lengthy video review.

Mark Streit

A Swiss defenseman who was just beginning his NHL career at the time of the 2006 Olympics, but helped pave the way for the country's rise as a hockey power.

Ralph Krueger

The longtime Swiss national team coach who helped transform the program and instill a winning mentality in the players.

Nino Niederreiter

One of 11 Swiss players currently in the NHL, who credits the 2006 Olympic upset as inspiring the next generation of Swiss hockey talent.

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What they’re saying

“The role of underdog suited us, we had nothing to lose. It was a one-game situation. If we had played them ten times, we might have lost nine!”

— Mark Streit, Swiss Defenseman (newsdirectory3.com)

“Both times, I just had to push the puck. I was just in the right place. The reason we won isn't my goals, but Martin Gerber and our collective play.”

— Paul DiPietro, Swiss Forward (newsdirectory3.com)

“One of the three best performances I've seen from a goaltender, and that includes Patrick Roy.”

— Paul DiPietro, Swiss Forward (newsdirectory3.com)

“He changed the program. He took a lot of pride in working with the Swiss. He had a way of speaking, of motivating the team, the tactics, the defensive game.”

— Mark Streit, Swiss Defenseman (newsdirectory3.com)

“We know what kind of power Canada represents. But 20 years ago, Mark Streit and the others paved the way for us, showed that it's possible to tame the beast. In Vancouver in 2010, we lost in a shootout. We were there.”

— Nino Niederreiter, Swiss Forward (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The Swiss and Canadian hockey teams will face off again this Friday, approximately 150 kilometers from Milan, providing an opportunity for Switzerland to prove their 2006 upset was no fluke.

The takeaway

The Swiss hockey team's stunning 2-0 victory over Canada at the 2006 Olympics was a watershed moment that transformed Swiss hockey from an afterthought to a respected power on the international stage. The upset inspired a new generation of Swiss players to pursue careers in the NHL, and highlighted the coaching acumen of Ralph Krueger in building a winning mentality within the national team.