Jonas Siegenthaler, the steadfast New Jersey Devils defenseman, is preparing to lace up his skates for one of the most significant moments of his career: representing Switzerland at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. At 28, Siegenthaler stands at the intersection of two worlds, proudly embracing both his Swiss and Thai heritage—a dual identity that has shaped his journey on and off the ice.
For Siegenthaler, Milano Cortina is more than just another tournament. It’s the realization of a lifelong dream and an opportunity to inspire a new generation of hockey players, particularly in regions where the sport is still finding its footing. Growing up in Zurich, he was immersed in Swiss hockey culture, but his mother’s Thai roots kept him deeply connected to Southeast Asia. "It's really special to show the kids what you can achieve," Siegenthaler said, reflecting on his journey and the chance to give back.
That sense of giving back took center stage in June 2024, when Siegenthaler hosted a youth hockey camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Nearly 100 young players flocked to the event, eager to learn from a player who has broken barriers as the NHL’s first player of Thai descent. The camp wasn’t just about drills and skating—it was about showing what’s possible. "I think because I did the camp, they're probably going to follow me at the Olympics as well," Siegenthaler told NHL.com’s William Douglas. The hope is that his Olympic appearance will ignite a spark in Thailand’s budding hockey community.
Thailand, with a population topping 71 million, has been a member of the Worldwide Olympic Hockey Alliance since 1989. The country’s hockey infrastructure is modest but growing: eight indoor rinks, 538 junior players, 104 female players, and 90 senior male players, according to IIHF data. This December, Bangkok will host the Southeast Asian Games, featuring both men’s and women’s ice hockey contests. Siegenthaler’s visibility on the Olympic stage could be just what the sport needs to take the next step in the region.
But Siegenthaler’s ambitions aren’t limited to promoting hockey in Thailand. He’s a critical piece of Switzerland’s Olympic squad—a team that’s quietly become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Joining NHL stars like Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Kevin Fiala, Nino Niederreiter, and Roman Josi, the Swiss lineup is stacked with talent and experience. Head coach Patrick Fischer has nothing but praise for Siegenthaler, calling him "the perfect foil to offensive defenseman Roman Josi" and lauding his "peace and experience" on the blue line.
Leadership comes naturally to Siegenthaler. He served as an alternate captain for the Swiss team that captured silver at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. That silver medal was more than a piece of hardware—it was a testament to how far Swiss hockey has come since its underdog days. Siegenthaler’s international résumé is impressive: five World Championship appearances and three World Junior Championships, all before his Olympic debut in 2026. Each tournament has been another step toward his ultimate goal: elevating Swiss hockey’s global reputation.
On the NHL front, Siegenthaler continues to be a pillar of consistency for the Devils. This season, he’s already tallied one assist through seven games, maintaining his signature defensive reliability. Last season, despite being limited to 55 games due to injury, he managed nine points (two goals, seven assists) and ranked fourth on the team with 92 blocked shots. Over his 374-game NHL career, split between the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, he’s accumulated 67 points (10 goals, 57 assists). In high-pressure moments, he’s delivered—adding three points in 25 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
Being a leader on and off the ice isn’t just about numbers, though. Siegenthaler’s calm demeanor and mature approach have earned him respect in locker rooms on two continents. As an alternate captain for Switzerland, he’s tasked with guiding younger teammates and setting the standard for professionalism. "We’re not just happy to be here, we’re playing for rather," he said, emphasizing the team’s drive to win a medal at Milano Cortina. Gone are the days when Switzerland was content to simply participate; now, they’re contenders, hungry for more.
The transformation of Swiss hockey has been remarkable. No longer seen as underdogs, the national program now reliably produces NHL-caliber talent. Siegenthaler credits the team’s success since the early 2000s for this shift, pointing to the 2006 Swiss upset over Canada as a watershed moment. That victory proved that anything was possible, and Siegenthaler hopes to carry that spirit into the 2026 Olympics. "I want to inspire forthcoming players to finish Milano Cortina with devotion, besides its heritage," he said, looking ahead to another youth camp in Thailand and, hopefully, an Olympic medal to bring home.
His story resonates far beyond the rink. As the first NHL player of Thai descent, Siegenthaler is a trailblazer for Asian athletes in a sport still dominated by North American and European stars. He often refers to Thailand as his "next home," a place that connects him to his family’s roots and to a community eager for role models. By hosting camps, sharing his journey, and representing Switzerland on the world stage, he’s laying the groundwork for hockey’s growth in Asia.
Fans eager to witness Siegenthaler and his teammates in action can secure their Winter Olympic 2026 tickets through eticketing.co, with discounted rates available for early buyers. The anticipation is building, and the excitement is palpable. The Olympic Games promise a showcase of talent, determination, and the unifying spirit of sport—a stage where Siegenthaler hopes to leave a lasting mark.
As the countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 continues, Siegenthaler remains focused on his dual mission: helping Switzerland contend for a medal and inspiring young players, from Zurich to Chiang Mai, to dream big. Whether he’s blocking shots in the NHL, leading his national team, or coaching kids in Thailand, one thing’s clear—Jonas Siegenthaler is making an impact that goes well beyond the scoreboard.
With the Olympics just around the corner, all eyes will be on Siegenthaler and the Swiss squad as they aim for the podium. For fans, players, and aspiring athletes alike, his journey is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most important victories happen off the ice.
