On Monday, Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe wasn't the only player announced to be on an Olympic roster, as Kevin Fiala was among the first six for the preliminary roster for Team Switzerland. It wasn't much of a surprise as Fiala has been one of the best players on the Switzerland teams in international play.
The other players announced for Team Switzerland included Roman Josi, Nico Hischier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Timo Neier, and Nino Niederreiter.
Fiala has helped Team Switzerland earn silver medals in back-to-back IIHF World Championships. This year, Fiala had three goals and seven assists in eight games before they lost 1-0 to the United States in overtime in the Championship Game.
While the previous year was a similar result, 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic, Fiala had an incredible tournament. He would have seven goals and six assists in the eight games and while only earning a silver medal, Fiala was recognized as MVP of the tournament.
Kevin Fiala will look to keep momentum from a strong finish to the season with the LA Kings
Fiala got off to a slow start last season but he was one of the Kings' best goal-scorers down the stretch and tied Kempe for the team lead with 35. He would have 13 goals, including seven power play goals, in the final 25 regular season games.
He continued it into the playoffs and had three goals and four assists in six games against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.
This will be his first time playing in the Olympics and he will probably want to get off to a fast start during the regular season to help build confidence and momentum to help Team Switzerland compete for a gold medal. If the IIHF World Championships are any indication, he has a chance to be one of the best players on the world stage.