June has traditionally been the month of Final‑4 closing weekends, and this year was no exception. I had the pleasure of attending three of them, travelling to Geneva, Olten and Wettingen. Each event was exceptionally well organised and truly a joy to experience, and not only because the weather treated us kindly. I witnessed high‑quality hockey, strong team performances and a great deal of passion on and off the pitch. During the closing ceremonies, I had the privilege of highlighting the outstanding work of the organising clubs and their volunteers, whose dedication makes these events possible. I also thanked the umpires for their essential contribution to fair and enjoyable matches, and I appreciated the enthusiastic, and at times wonderfully loud, support from the spectators along the sidelines. Handing out the medals and trophies was an honour. Seeing the proud faces of players, coaches and staff, all of them rightfully delighted with their achievements, reminded me once again what our sport is truly about. This, in essence, is Swiss Hockey: competing with heart, winning and losing with dignity, celebrating fair play, cheering together, sharing joy and disappointment, creating a positive atmosphere and showing sportsmanship. It is one big hockey family.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the team at the Swiss Hockey office has been, and continues to be, hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. Of course, we will all take some well‑deserved time off, but it is reassuring to know that our office team is already laying the groundwork for a smooth start in close cooperation with the Sports Committee, the Umpire Committee and the Board. My sincere thanks to all of you for your commitment, as to all the volunteers in the clubs who do the same.

Summer has now arrived, bringing warm days and long evenings. As the school year and the hockey season come to an end, many of us will enjoy a bit of rest, perhaps with more time to read, to relax or to try other sports such as hiking, swimming, tennis, SUP or padel. And for many, the holiday season with friends and family is just around the corner.

I wish all of you a wonderful summer. Enjoy your time together, stay in shape, and return to the hockey pitch with renewed energy for the new season. I look forward to meeting you again soon.

If there is anything you would like to discuss or any ideas you would like to share, please feel free to email me at rob.mudde@swisshockey.org.

Warm regards,
Rob Mudde