When Matia Birchler crouches down, everything goes quiet. Concentration, focus, adrenaline. Seconds later, he dives towards the puck – save!
On the ice, standing at 1.95 meters tall, he plays goalie for EV Zug; in the office, he works at the front desk for ISS. The 18-year-old juggles his dual roles in sports and work with the same passion: as a team player who takes on responsibility - both on the ice and in everyday life.
What fascinates you about hockey, and what motivates you to balance both despite the dual demands?
Ice hockey is an intense sport - injuries are part of the game, and sometimes just one can change everything. That’s why it’s important to have a second source of income outside of sports. OYM COLLEGE and EVZ offer a great program that makes a dual career possible. That way, I can combine both: sports and education.
How did you get into hockey, and how long have you been playing?
My dad is a huge ice hockey fan and often took me and my brother to the arena. In Einsiedeln, where I grew up, he helped out at the local club - that’s where I started playing when I was six. When I was seven, I switched to goaltending - it was just “my thing.” I eventually made my way to Zug via EHC Seewen. At 15, I transferred fully to the EVZ and have been at OYM COLLEGE ever since.
And how did you end up at ISS?
I first heard about ISS at a “speed-dating” event between companies and students. Since ISS works with athletes and is active at OYM, I was already familiar with the company. The combination of vocational training and athletic support won me over - and so I’m now completing my fourth year of commercial apprenticeship in the E-profile at ISS.
Matia, you’ve been part of the Zug branch team since August, but you’re also an active hockey player for EV Zug. What does a typical day look like for you?
In the morning, I usually work here at the office. Around noon, I head to the OYM, have lunch there, and at 1:30 p.m., ice training begins, which usually lasts until about 4:00 p.m. After that, I do strength, jumping, or speed training - it varies. I finish up around 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. We often have games on Fridays and Sundays; Saturdays are my days off.
What do you particularly like about your position as a goalie?
As a goalie in a team sport, you’re kind of your own team - you stand alone in the net, bear the responsibility, and need calm and focus. I like that role. And there’s no better feeling than saving the team with a save when things aren’t going well.
What parallels do you see between your training in facility management and ice hockey?
Lots! Teamwork is at the top of the list, followed by discipline and strategic thinking. In hockey, just like at work, you have to work precisely, be in sync with each other, and be able to rely on one another. They go together very well.
How do you handle pressure - on the ice and at work?
As a goalie, I’m used to pressure. At work, I try not to let stress build up in the first place - otherwise, mistakes happen. On the ice, you’re punished for that immediately; at ISS, fortunately, that’s not the case (laughs). The key is to stay calm, think ahead, and be in the moment. That applies in both worlds.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
My dream is to become a professional player and make the leap to the pro league. My agent and I are currently exploring where opportunities might be - including internationally, such as in the U.S., Canada, or Sweden. But Zug remains the club closest to my heart.
Until then, though, I’m looking forward to the next few months at ISS. At the office, I get to get a glimpse into many different areas: Right now I’m working at the front desk, but I also help out with administrative tasks. We’re a small team - everyone supports each other - and I really like that.
Thanks for the fascinating insights, Matia. We wish you all the best for your future - both on the ice and in your career!
OYM COLLEGE & ISS SWITZERLAND
As a Swiss Olympic Sport School, OYM COLLEGE supports young athletes in a modern, pedagogically sound environment, helping them optimally combine elite sports with their education. Learn more at oym-college.ch ISS Switzerland has been committed for years to supporting the dual careers of young elite athletes.
In collaboration with OYM, ISS offers flexible apprenticeship and internship opportunities that enable up-and-coming talents to successfully combine their athletic careers with vocational training.