Devils' Swiss duo of Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler create history 3,454 meters above sea level

Modified Aug 07, 2024 16:43 GMT

Most hockey games are played around sea level, or at least close to it, but not the one New Jersey Devils' stars Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler played on August 5. They took part in the highest hockey game ever played and are now world record holders.

The Swiss duo took a helicopter to the top of Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest accessible point, which stands at 3,454 meters above sea level and is located between Bern and Valais in Switzerland. Valais is Hischier’s home region, and he also lived in Bern before moving to America.

Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler made history (Instagram/@Siegenthaler34)

"That was one of the more special games I've experienced in my career. I don't know if I'll experience it again. Hats off to all, for making the event possible. If you look around here, it's really very cool," Hischier said to BZ Basel (per NHL.com).

In August, the high temperature in this area is around 33 degrees Fahrenheit. It was a frosty day for a record-setting hockey game. Devils' Siegenthaler and Hischier's team won the match by a score of 6-5.

Inside look at record-setting hockey game with Swiss Devils

Devils stars Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler couldn't stay away from hockey during the offseason. However, this was not a full hockey game. Rather, it was a smaller, three-on-three game, that was played under the conditions and at the location they chose.

Jonas Siegenthaler and Nico Hischier set a record for their hockey game (Credits: IMAGN)

All the necessary equipment was transported up the mountain via the Jungfrau railway, which is the highest railway station in Switzerland and Europe. The game was played with two 10-minute periods on artificial ice, with very few guests in attendance. The rink was just 30 x 15 feet.

Even the equipment was customized, as the blades had special roller balls that could be mounted onto players' regular skates to take the place of their blades and make it easier to skate on the artificial ice. Everyone went to great effort but they secured an impressive record in the process.