Dominik Egli looking to jump to NHL

Dominik Egli jumped to Sweden this season and hopes to recommend himself to the NHL to Frölunda Gothenburg. So far, things are going as he hoped.

It’s no secret that the National League’s salaries are higher than those in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Attacking defenders like Dominik Egli are in demand and therefore well paid, but the Thurgau native left Davos last summer. He took advantage of a clause in his contract with Canton Graubünden, which was recently extended until 2025. The 26-year-old moved to Frölunda, Gothenburg to realize his dream.

“The long-term goal is North America, but in Europe Sweden is the priority country,” Egli said of his move in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency. “There are more scouts watching games here than in Switzerland, which scouts mainly for the NHL draft.” He also saw a better opportunity in Sweden to improve his defensive ability, for which he has more was criticized.

Until last season, Dominik Egli was still under contract with the club in Davos.Image: trapezoid

“This is a defensive league, and there are very few opportunities to score,” Egli said. “When you get the puck, you have less time here than in Switzerland. And it's more difficult to assert yourself on the court and in front of the goal. On the other hand, the individual quality is a little higher in Switzerland.”

No personal summer training for the first time

Egli is only 1.74m tall and has certain disadvantages, especially as a defender. It is also for this reason that he completed five years of personal preparation with a personal trainer during the summer before moving to Frölunda. He now knew exactly what he needed. His emphasis is on speed, core strength and explosiveness.

This time around, Egli is also training primarily off the ice with the team, heading to Gothenburg after missing two weeks due to injury in preparation for the World Cup in Prague. “So I had a little longer to get used to it,” Egli explained. In July, he spent three and a half weeks in Switzerland.

Dominik Egli feels at home in Sweden.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Regarding summer training in Sweden, he said: “The load is quite heavy. In fact, we train twice a day (in the week) – except Fridays.” There is also a lot of pressure during the season. “In Switzerland, the dose is slightly higher,” Egli said. He also has the opportunity to work alone on the ice on non-game day afternoons, which he often does.

best start

Egli is now reaping the benefits. He scored his first goal for Frölunda in the first championship game. After 18 games, he has 3 goals and 5 assists, averaging nearly 20 minutes of playing time. He formed a defensive duo with Swiss well-known Henrik Tomelnes (ex-Geneva-Servette).

Egli fits into the system of head coach Roger Lemberger, who will coach Friborg-Gautron starting next season. “He has his principles, but there aren't that many rules in the system of the game. So it's our responsibility to take responsibility in the game. That allows us to grow. I think it's a cool way of thinking because every situation All have different approaches, so everyone can shape the game to their own strengths.” Lemberg also has a really good relationship with every player. “You always know exactly where you stand. He asks a lot but has a good foundation and finds ways to make everyone better.”

Egli sees it as extra motivation that Lemberg will leave the club at the end of the season after twelve years as head coach. “He has done so much for the club and everyone wants the best for him.”

The start of the season has already been successful. Despite zero losses in their last two games, Frölunda remains in second place after 18 rounds. “We have a good balance and all four lines are functioning,” Egli said. “The way we play is also a little different than other teams. When we win a goal we want to convert immediately.”

Weekly Swedish language lessons

Egli and his girlfriend live in the center of Gothenburg with a view of the harbour. Once a week, the two take online Swedish lessons from a student and future teacher, along with their fellow 18-year-old Gian Meier, who has already made three first-team appearances.

Another Swiss player, Gian Meier, plays for Frölunda.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Egli's contract with Frölunda runs until 2026. What happens after that is unclear. “When the first season is over, I'll be thinking about what the future will look like. I don't know yet which direction it will go.” Of course, he would prefer offers from North America. Then the adventure in Sweden will be even more worth it. (Standard Data Authority)

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