‘One of the best years of my life’

MILAN — Patrick Fischer’s long and winding road to the Winter Olympics included a most memorable detour through southern Manitoba.

The head coach of Switzerland’s men’s hockey team said his brief stint in the Pembina Valley — and the incredible people he met there — will always hold a special place in his heart.

“Great times. One of the best years of my life,” Fischer told the Free Press on Wednesday following his team’s practice in Milan. “It left a mark. Very beautiful memories. It gave me a lot.”

Thirty-five years ago, Fischer was a wide-eyed 16-year-old who moved to Carman to attend high school and experience Canadian hockey firsthand. His parents had been transferred from Switzerland to Tennessee for a one-year work assignment and wanted to give him the best opportunity to reach the professional level.

Enter the Leslie family — Bob, Barbara, and their teenage sons, Boe and Nate — who had lived and worked in Switzerland, were deeply involved in hockey overseas, and had formed a friendship with the Fischers. Upon returning to Manitoba, they opened their doors to Patrick.

“We gained a third son,” said Barbara.

“He was charming, and sometimes a little precocious. Friendly, gregarious, popular and self-confident to the point that language was never a barrier. Teachers enjoyed his presence in their classes and were extremely helpful. He and our sons became great friends and we had a true family atmosphere at home.”

Patrick and Boe, especially, became inseparable.

“We not only played on a line together, we played soccer, were badminton partners in doubles, we were together all the time,” said Boe. “And my Swiss German had become quite proficient. We loved speaking German together on the ice, field, courts.”

Fischer shone on the high school hockey team, the Cougars, while soaking in the culture and community.

“He had a great personality, always had a smile on his face, and was a very good hockey player for his age, both in Switzerland and in Manitoba,” said Bob. “He fit right in and it was a great experience for everyone.”

Added Barbara: “Everyone who knew him in Carman remembers his radiant personality. I remember his being a treasured member of the family who fit in easily in every situation.”

The old saying “it takes a village” certainly applies in this case.

“Lots of new things happening,” said Fischer. “I had great host parents, and the whole community of Carman was great. I was really feeling comfortable in North America. The mindset, the openness of the people, and the going forward attitude.”

All of which, Fischer said, helped shape the man he would become — both as a hockey player and a person.

“It’s personal growth, You leave home, you don’t know the language and you overcome certain things,” he said. “Getting comfortable in that situation helped me a lot. And after learning the language, when I went back to Switzerland, I played with a lot of Canada players. You grow as a player, but more, you grow as a person, and that’s the most important thing.”

Although he wasn’t drafted, Fischer had a decorated pro career in Switzerland which included playing 14 years in the top pro men’s league with three different teams (Zug, Lugano and Davos).

Then, at the age of 31, an NHL opportunity came knocking. Fischer signed a two-way contract with the Phoenix Coyotes, making his big-league debut that season and ultimately playing in 27 games, scoring four times and adding six assists. He also played four games in the American Hockey League, then headed home for the final three years of his career.

Fischer turned to coaching, taking over head duties with Lugano in 2011-12. Now, 15 years later, he’s about to lead the most talented team he’s ever had into battle.

“It’s amazing. All the people who love hockey have been waiting for the games to get started. I think it’s going to be an unbelievable tournament,” Fischer said of NHL players returning for the first time since Sochi 2014.

“The best players in the world facing each other. I think it’s great for the players. Finally they get to do that. And also for us on the coaching staff. I’m excited. I’ve never had my best team together, and now it’s finally happening.”

Switzerland’s roster includes Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter, who just served as the flag bearer for the country during last Friday’s opening ceremonies. Naturally, Fischer and him talk plenty about Manitoba.

“He loves it. He really appreciates the fan base. They love hockey, and that’s what I liked too over there in Carman. Hockey is a big thing, people love it and they know their hockey too,” said Fischer.

“And I just love Canada. It’s a great country.”

Fischer will have plenty of old friends cheering him on back in Manitoba — well, maybe not on Friday — including the Leslie family.

“It was a thrill to watch his journey, and we remain very close and are so proud of his accomplishments,” said Bob, who spent about 20 years coaching hockey in Switzerland while Barb worked there in the school system.

Meanwhile, Boe and Nate also played professionally in Europe for several years — including against Fischer’s team — and remain close.

“He left a beautiful lake side city in the Alps, to come to small town Manitoba. And Carman completely took him in,” said Boe.

“It has been amazing to see him make his way back to leading the bench of the national team. After all the years of our lives weaving together, we have always considered each other like brothers. I am so proud of him.”

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