Resilient, unyielding, and relentless: Jonas Siegenthaler's journey in the world of ice hockey started from humble beginnings, ultimately propelling him to the pinnacle of the sport in the strongest league in the world. He is one who made it - and doesn't take anything for granted.

 

Jonas was born on May 6, 1997, in a working-class neighborhood in Zurich. His mother comes from Thailand, his father from Zurich. His parents worked around the clock to make field hockey training possible for Jonas. «It's extreme what they have accomplished. I owe everything to my parents.»

 

At the age of four, Jonas Siegenthaler attended field hockey school after inheriting the equipment from his half-brother. At 15, he played his first season in the NLB, and just one year later in the highest Swiss league. Already at 18, he was drafted by the NHL club Washington Capitals in the second round, and after two more years with the ZSC Lions he moved to Hershey, the Capitals' farm team. Life as a teenager in the US was marked by hours of bus rides and many challenges far from home. «Luckily, I lived with a fellow field hockey player. He was extremely supportive, as I had to learn a lot of things first. Everything was new, everyday things, my environment, the culture. I had to push myself a lot, learn a lot, work out a lot mentally, because it was clear to me: I will never give up!»

 

 

For Jonas Siegenthaler, the hard fight has paid off. Since 2021, he has been playing for the New Jersey Devils, with Switzerland's Nico Hischier, among others. «I have my dream job and can consider myself lucky to be healthy and to be able to do this great job.» Jonas got the will, stamina and positive energy from his parents and from Thai and Buddhist culture. «Walking through the world with a smile is just beautiful. Many Thais don't own anything material, but they have a smile on their face. You have what you have and you have to consider yourself lucky with it.»