Sweden vs Switzerland in Women's Ice Hockey: Switzerland took Bronze as the Excitement of Winning the Glory of Overtime

In the Bronze Medal Match, it was in all European Match

The first period of the women's ice hockey bronze-medal game between Sweden and Switzerland at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics remained scoreless, with both teams playing cautiously in a defensive duel at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Switzerland and Sweden traded opportunities but failed to break through, as goaltenders Andrea Braendli and Ebba Svensson Traff stood strong. Sweden held a slight edge in shots (eight to fewer for the Swiss), but neither side could capitalize, leaving the game tied 0-0 after 20 minutes of tight, low-scoring action.

In the second period, the game finally opened up with both teams finding the net four minutes apart. Sweden struck first at 11:40 when Mira Jungaker snapped a shot from the left point through traffic, beating Braendli inside the far post with assists from Hilda Svensson and Thea Johansson to take a 1-0 lead. Switzerland responded quickly at 15:40, as Sinja Leemann tied it at 1-1 off a pass from Alina Marti after a turnover behind the Swedish net. Earlier in the period, Switzerland had a chance on a penalty shot by Ivana Wey at around 6:21, but Svensson Traff made the save. The period featured more offensive pressure, with Sweden outshooting Switzerland overall through regulation.

The third period saw no goals, keeping the score locked at 1-1 and forcing overtime in this defensive battle. Both teams generated chances but were thwarted by stellar goaltending—Braendli and Svensson Traff remained sharp—despite Sweden accumulating more shots (31-18 by the end of regulation). The frame stayed tense and physical, with neither side able to pull ahead, sending the bronze-medal contest to a 10-minute sudden-death 3-on-3 overtime. Switzerland nearly got the winning goal at the moment but went off target and have to play sudden death.

In Overtime, Switzerland claimed the bronze with a dramatic 2-1 victory as Alina Müller scored the game-winner at 9:09 (with 51 seconds remaining). Müller drove up the ice, fed Ivana Wey to her left, received the return pass, and flipped a high shot over Svensson Traff’s glove for the decisive goal, assisted by Wey and Lara Christen. The puck found the back of the net, the red light flashed, and the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena erupted as Müller immediately flung off her helmet and gloves, arms raised in pure elation, screaming in disbelief and joy. The Swiss survived early pressure, including a blocked shot, while outlasting Sweden in the open-ice format to secure their second Olympic women's hockey medal ever, exactly 12 years after their 2014 bronze.

The climactic moment that sealed Switzerland's bronze medal in the women's ice hockey bronze-medal game at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics felt like the crowning glory of European champions, echoing the triumph of a small hockey nation punching above its weight on the world stage. With just 51 seconds remaining in the 10-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime—after a tense, low-scoring battle where Switzerland had survived heavy Swedish pressure and outlasted regulation tied at 1-1—star forward Alina Müller delivered the decisive blow once again against Sweden, 12 years after her heroics as a 15-year-old in Sochi 2014.

The Swiss bench exploded onto the ice in a wave of red and white, teammates mobbing Müller in a chaotic pile near the boards—sticks flying, hugs, screams, and tears of exhaustion turning to triumph. Goaltender Andrea Braendli, who had been a wall with 32 saves, joined the celebration as the entire team huddled together, jumping and embracing in a tight circle, some players dropping to their knees in relief and pride. This wasn't just a medal; it was Switzerland's second-ever Olympic women's hockey podium finish, reclaiming bronze against the same rival from Sochi and proving European hockey's rising force against traditional powers. It was a pure moment when Lara Stalder hugged the young daughter of assistant coach Cyndy Kenyon. It was a game to remember.

In that frozen instant, with the crowd roaring and the weight of 12 years lifting, it truly felt like the glory of European champions tenacious, skilled, and unbreakable under pressure. After when it was over, Switzerland came back to go to the medal ceremony and won Bronze Medal which thy will always remember as the Greatest Comeback in European History. Congratulations to Team Switzerland on a historic, heart-pounding bronze! 🥉🇨🇭