What actually happens off the ice when it comes to hockey players’ performance? Behind every appearance on the ice is a well-coordinated team of specialists who work daily to ensure health, injury prevention, and recovery. From the initial diagnosis through targeted treatment plans to a successful return to play—the work of the medical team is a crucial factor for performance in elite sports.
In a conversation with Sandro Kolb from the ZSC Lions’ medical team, we gain fascinating insights into daily life behind the scenes. He explains the challenges involved in caring for ice hockey players, how modern recovery and prevention strategies are implemented, and why teamwork plays a central role in this process.
Sandro: “Working with hockey players presents unique challenges—especially because no two athletes are alike. Every player is unique: pain thresholds vary, injuries differ in type and severity, and the perception of discomfort also varies greatly. It is precisely this individuality that is at the heart of our medical and therapeutic care.”
In the event of an injury, we provide our players with consistent support throughout the entire process—from initial treatment all the way through to a full return to the ice. We rely on close interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve this. A key partner is the Schulthess Clinic, with which we have close ties. Together with Gerry Büsser, Head of the Medical Team, we ensure comprehensive medical care. This includes imaging procedures such as X-rays as well as further medical examinations. Collaboration with other specialists and partners is also an important part of our network.
Prevention is another key focus. Even during the off-season, we work with the coaching staff to design a targeted training program to ensure players are optimally prepared for the upcoming season. At the same time, we recognize that many athletes prefer to follow their own individual approaches—so we strike a balance between a structured team-based approach and personalized support. Younger players, in particular, receive more intensive guidance, while experienced athletes often take a more independent approach.
Preventive measures include regular massages and ongoing monitoring of the players’ physical condition. As soon as the first signs for problems emerge, we intervene early. In addition, we conduct regular tests—both therapeutic and medical—sometimes in collaboration with the Schulthess Clinic. The goal is to identify deficiencies early on and take targeted countermeasures before they develop into serious injuries. This combination of individualized care, close medical collaboration, and proactive preventive work forms the foundation for players’ sustained performance and health.
Sandro: “The right equipment plays a crucial role in ice hockey—both in preventing and treating injuries. It’s no longer just about protection, but increasingly also about functionality, weight, and material properties.”
A key factor is the weight of the equipment. There have been significant advancements in ice skates in recent years: they have become much lighter and more technologically advanced. This development helps reduce the physical strain for and improve their agility on the ice. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement.
One aspect that is often underestimated is the effect of moisture. Heavy sweating during training and games can cause equipment to become heavier. This not only affects performance but can also increase fatigue—a factor that, in turn, can influence the risk of injury.
That is why modern materials and well-thought-out designs are crucial. They must not only be lightweight and durable, but also breathable and moisture-wicking. The goal is to provide players with the best possible support without adding unnecessary strain.
Overall, it is clear that equipment is an essential component of a comprehensive prevention strategy—and is constantly evolving to meet the high demands of ice hockey.
Sandro: “Recovery is a key part of an ice hockey player’s daily routine during the season. To counterbalance the high physical demands of training and games, we rely on a combination of proven and individually tailored recovery techniques.”
Traditional methods include massages, targeted stretching, cool-down exercises, and cold treatments such as cold tubs. In addition, many players also use the sauna to aid recovery. We generally offer a wide range of options—with the goal of finding the optimal recovery strategy for athlete.
Because this is precisely the key point: recovery is highly individualized. Every player has different needs, reacts differently to stress, and prefers certain methods. That is why we tailor our interventions specifically to each individual player. At the same time, we draw on our professional expertise and actively advise on which approaches make sense from a therapeutic perspective to get the player back into top form as efficiently as possible.
Another key factor is close collaboration among the entire staff. We regularly consult with the coaches to determine which additional or alternative recovery options are appropriate—particularly when it comes to active recovery.
Daily communication with the players also plays a key role. Many athletes reach out to us on their own when they need support. At the same time, we keep track of the situation and reach out to specific players when we notice that they haven’t sought therapeutic care for an extended period. This ongoing dialogue allows us to respond early on and manage their recovery in the best possible way.
"This results in a holistic approach that is based not only on methods, but above all on individual support, communication, and trust."
Sandro: “Ensuring that players are in top physical condition is always a team effort. Behind every ice hockey team is a complex network of professionals who work closely together and pool their expertise.”
The head coach is in charge of the team’s athletic direction, supported by assistant coaches and the goaltending coach. The coaching staff is rounded out by the conditioning coach, who is responsible for athletic development and load management. At the same time, the equipment managers also play an important role, as they ensure that the equipment is optimally tailored to the players’ needs.
In the medical department, we work closely with our colleagues to look after the players’ health—from prevention to rehabilitation. We maintain close communication with Gerry Büsser, with whom we coordinate all medical matters. We also collaborate with external partners such as Reha for Health, whose team is specifically assigned to the various teams.
Regular meetings are a key component of this collaboration. Once a month instead of the entire medical team meets instead of discuss current issues, player conditions, and further measures. In addition, daily, informal communication is just as important—whether at the stadium, on the road, or even over a cup of coffee together.
What makes this collaboration special is the strong team spirit. Throughout the season, we spend a great deal of time together, often more than with our own families. With so many away games and trips, daily life is demanding and takes a personal toll. This makes it all the more important that the team functions well, that there is trust, and that we support one another. This close, interdisciplinary collaboration forms the foundation that allows us to get the best possible results for players in every situation.
Sandro: “The greatest sense of achievement in the medical field often isn’t tied to individual spectacular moments, but is reflected in a player’s long-term development—especially after an injury.”
A key milestone is reached whenever an injured player successfully returns to the ice. It’s not just about the timing of the comeback, but above all about the quality: Can the player move without pain again? Is he able to perform at his full potential? for , that is what true success looks like.
At the same time, experience shows that medical guidelines cannot always be followed to the letter. For example, a diagnosis might specify a recovery period of four to six weeks—but in reality, the healing process can vary from person to person and may take longer. That is why we take a case-by-case approach and continuously adjust treatment based on the player’s actual progress.
Another key aspect of our work is our willingness to think beyond our own area of expertise. When we realize we’ve reached our limits, we deliberately bring in additional specialists. These may include doctors, but also practitioners of complementary therapies such as osteopathy or chiropractic. The most important thing is always to provide the player with the best possible support.
for as a medical team, our greatest success is clearly defined: when a player not only returns as quickly as possible after an injury, but is also back to 100% of his ability and can play without any limitations. That is exactly what we work toward—every day."
The interview dates back to 2025 and was conducted as part of our partnership with the ZSC.
What actually happens off the ice when it comes to hockey players’ performance? Behind every appearance on the ice is a well-coordinated team of specialists who work daily to ensure health, injury prevention, and recovery. From the initial diagnosis through targeted treatment plans to a successful return to play—the work of the medical team is a crucial factor for performance in elite sports.
In a conversation with Sandro Kolb from the ZSC Lions’ medical team, we gain fascinating insights into daily life behind the scenes. He explains the challenges involved in caring for ice hockey players, how modern recovery and prevention strategies are implemented, and why teamwork plays a central role in this process.
Sandro: “Working with hockey players presents unique challenges—especially because no two athletes are alike. Every player is unique: pain thresholds vary, injuries differ in type and severity, and the perception of discomfort also varies greatly. It is precisely this individuality that is at the heart of our medical and therapeutic care.”
In the event of an injury, we provide our players with consistent support throughout the entire process—from initial treatment all the way through to a full return to the ice. We rely on close interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve this. A key partner is the Schulthess Clinic, with which we have close ties. Together with Gerry Büsser, Head of the Medical Team, we ensure comprehensive medical care. This includes imaging procedures such as X-rays as well as further medical examinations. Collaboration with other specialists and partners is also an important part of our network.
Prevention is another key focus. Even during the off-season, we work with the coaching staff to design a targeted training program to ensure players are optimally prepared for the upcoming season. At the same time, we recognize that many athletes prefer to follow their own individual approaches—so we strike a balance between a structured team-based approach and personalized support. Younger players, in particular, receive more intensive guidance, while experienced athletes often take a more independent approach.
Preventive measures include regular massages and ongoing monitoring of the players’ physical condition. As soon as the first signs for problems emerge, we intervene early. In addition, we conduct regular tests—both therapeutic and medical—sometimes in collaboration with the Schulthess Clinic. The goal is to identify deficiencies early on and take targeted countermeasures before they develop into serious injuries. This combination of individualized care, close medical collaboration, and proactive preventive work forms the foundation for players’ sustained performance and health.
Sandro: “The right equipment plays a crucial role in ice hockey—both in preventing and treating injuries. It’s no longer just about protection, but increasingly also about functionality, weight, and material properties.”
A key factor is the weight of the equipment. There have been significant advancements in ice skates in recent years: they have become much lighter and more technologically advanced. This development helps reduce the physical strain for and improve their agility on the ice. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement.
One aspect that is often underestimated is the effect of moisture. Heavy sweating during training and games can cause equipment to become heavier. This not only affects performance but can also increase fatigue—a factor that, in turn, can influence the risk of injury.
That is why modern materials and well-thought-out designs are crucial. They must not only be lightweight and durable, but also breathable and moisture-wicking. The goal is to provide players with the best possible support without adding unnecessary strain.
Overall, it is clear that equipment is an essential component of a comprehensive prevention strategy—and is constantly evolving to meet the high demands of ice hockey.
Sandro: “Recovery is a key part of an ice hockey player’s daily routine during the season. To counterbalance the high physical demands of training and games, we rely on a combination of proven and individually tailored recovery techniques.”
Traditional methods include massages, targeted stretching, cool-down exercises, and cold treatments such as cold tubs. In addition, many players also use the sauna to aid recovery. We generally offer a wide range of options—with the goal of finding the optimal recovery strategy for athlete.
Because this is precisely the key point: recovery is highly individualized. Every player has different needs, reacts differently to stress, and prefers certain methods. That is why we tailor our interventions specifically to each individual player. At the same time, we draw on our professional expertise and actively advise on which approaches make sense from a therapeutic perspective to get the player back into top form as efficiently as possible.
Another key factor is close collaboration among the entire staff. We regularly consult with the coaches to determine which additional or alternative recovery options are appropriate—particularly when it comes to active recovery.
Daily communication with the players also plays a key role. Many athletes reach out to us on their own when they need support. At the same time, we keep track of the situation and reach out to specific players when we notice that they haven’t sought therapeutic care for an extended period. This ongoing dialogue allows us to respond early on and manage their recovery in the best possible way.
"This results in a holistic approach that is based not only on methods, but above all on individual support, communication, and trust."
Sandro: “Ensuring that players are in top physical condition is always a team effort. Behind every ice hockey team is a complex network of professionals who work closely together and pool their expertise.”
The head coach is in charge of the team’s athletic direction, supported by assistant coaches and the goaltending coach. The coaching staff is rounded out by the conditioning coach, who is responsible for athletic development and load management. At the same time, the equipment managers also play an important role, as they ensure that the equipment is optimally tailored to the players’ needs.
In the medical department, we work closely with our colleagues to look after the players’ health—from prevention to rehabilitation. We maintain close communication with Gerry Büsser, with whom we coordinate all medical matters. We also collaborate with external partners such as Reha for Health, whose team is specifically assigned to the various teams.
Regular meetings are a key component of this collaboration. Once a month instead of the entire medical team meets instead of discuss current issues, player conditions, and further measures. In addition, daily, informal communication is just as important—whether at the stadium, on the road, or even over a cup of coffee together.
What makes this collaboration special is the strong team spirit. Throughout the season, we spend a great deal of time together, often more than with our own families. With so many away games and trips, daily life is demanding and takes a personal toll. This makes it all the more important that the team functions well, that there is trust, and that we support one another. This close, interdisciplinary collaboration forms the foundation that allows us to get the best possible results for players in every situation.
Sandro: “The greatest sense of achievement in the medical field often isn’t tied to individual spectacular moments, but is reflected in a player’s long-term development—especially after an injury.”
A key milestone is reached whenever an injured player successfully returns to the ice. It’s not just about the timing of the comeback, but above all about the quality: Can the player move without pain again? Is he able to perform at his full potential? for , that is what true success looks like.
At the same time, experience shows that medical guidelines cannot always be followed to the letter. For example, a diagnosis might specify a recovery period of four to six weeks—but in reality, the healing process can vary from person to person and may take longer. That is why we take a case-by-case approach and continuously adjust treatment based on the player’s actual progress.
Another key aspect of our work is our willingness to think beyond our own area of expertise. When we realize we’ve reached our limits, we deliberately bring in additional specialists. These may include doctors, but also practitioners of complementary therapies such as osteopathy or chiropractic. The most important thing is always to provide the player with the best possible support.
for as a medical team, our greatest success is clearly defined: when a player not only returns as quickly as possible after an injury, but is also back to 100% of his ability and can play without any limitations. That is exactly what we work toward—every day."
The interview dates back to 2025 and was conducted as part of our partnership with the ZSC.
