Brave ice hockey pro plays for dead girlfriend! All dams break after the game

Ambri (Switzerland) - It was highly emotional scenes that took place on Thursday evening in the first Swiss ice hockey league . Before the duel between HC Ambri-Piotta and the SCL Tigers from Langnau, the spectators and players paid tribute to the dead snowboarder Sophie Hediger (†26).

Dario Wüthrich (25) burst into tears after the game.
Dario Wüthrich (25) burst into tears after the game.  © IMAGO/Just Pictures

She died in an avalanche in Arosa, Switzerland, on December 23. Rescue workers tried to resuscitate the Beijing 2022 Olympian while she was still at the scene, but there was nothing more they could do for the woman who had been buried in the snow.

Dario Wüthrich (25) was one of those fighting back tears during this minute of silence. The HC Ambri player was the long-term partner of the deceased. The fact that he found the strength to go out on the ice at all is remarkable.

"Together with my team, we will play in memory of Sophie today. We are convinced that Sophie would have wanted me to give my all for Ambri," the defenceman said before the game.

During the minute of silence, the 25-year-old held his ground bravely, then turned around briefly, bent his upper body forward and had to take a deep breath.

Sophie Hediger (†26) died in an avalanche accident on December 23.
Sophie Hediger (†26) died in an avalanche accident on December 23.  © Mayk Wendt/KEYSTONE/dpa

Despite the defeat, the fans sing for the mourning Dario Wüthrich after the game

He was already struggling with his emotions before the match.
He was already struggling with his emotions before the match.  © IMAGO / Just Pictures

The fans had unfurled a banner that read: "The entire white-blue community and the south curve are at your side, much strength, Dario," it said.

Wüthrich had wanted the Ambri anthem "La Montanara" to be sung by the fans in the event of a win. However, the team lost the game 2:1.

There were highly emotional scenes after the final whistle. Wüthrich was honored as the best player of the game. After he had placed his present on the ice, all the opposing players shook his hand and gave him a big hug.

His team then gathered together and the defender finally burst into tears. The fans showed their sensitivity and chanted loudly: "Dario, Dario".

Afterwards, they sang the song they wanted despite the defeat, the sounds echoed through the Gottardo Arena and the players held up the banner from the curve.

Wüthrich continued to fight back tears, but will certainly never forget this support.