Nino Niederreiter poised to make Swiss history with 1000th NHL game from Chur to Winnipeg

Nino Niederreiter is set to make history by becoming the first Swiss-born player to compete in 1,000 NHL games. This milestone will be celebrated at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. Niederreiter’s journey to this achievement is reflective of resilience and dedication.

Early Life in Chur, Switzerland

Niederreiter was born in Chur, Switzerland, in 1992. Growing up as the son of a steel worker and a midwife, he developed a passion for hockey at a young age. His admiration for hockey player Harijs Vitolins, a past member of the Winnipeg Jets, further fueled his ambition.

Before turning ten, Niederreiter faced a life-threatening accident when he was struck by a motorcycle. Miraculously, he recovered and continued to pursue hockey passionately.

Junior Career Highlights

• Joined HC Davos and later the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL.
• Recorded 60 points in 65 games for the Winterhawks in the 2009-10 season.

His impressive performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2010 NHL Draft.

NHL Journey

Selected fifth overall by the New York Islanders, Niederreiter became the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL history at that time. His debut on October 9, 2010, marked the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding career.

• Played 64 NHL games with the Islanders before being traded to the Minnesota Wild.
• Recorded 228 points over 434 games with the Wild, including a memorable overtime goal in the 2014 playoffs.

Following successful stints in Minnesota and Carolina, he signed a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators in the summer of 2022. However, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets during a challenging season for Nashville.

Recent Achievements with the Jets

Since joining the Jets, Niederreiter has displayed remarkable consistency. In 211 games with the team, he has recorded 99 points. Despite the team’s ups and downs, he contributed significantly, especially in the recent season where he tallied 34 points in 77 games.

Milestone Celebration

Niederreiter’s 1,000th NHL game is not only a personal achievement but also a historic moment for Swiss hockey. He is scheduled to celebrate with friends, family, and his coach at Canada Life Centre, where he reflects on his journey.

As he approaches this significant milestone, Niederreiter remains focused on team success. Winning the Stanley Cup is still a top priority as he continues his NHL career.

On Saturday night, Nino Niederreiter will solidify his place in hockey history as the first Swiss-born player to achieve this remarkable feat, embodying the spirit of hard work and determination throughout his career.