Timo Meier, a Swiss NHL player and Olympian, returns each summer to his hometown of Herisau to run an annual youth hockey camp that has become a beloved community tradition.
Held at the Sportzentrum rink, the very same ice surface where Meier first laced up his skates at age four, the camp welcomes more than 100 children from around the world each year, including a record 108 participants this summer.
The program blends on‑ice drills with mentorship from former coaches and friends, most notably Christian Rüegg, who guided a young Meier during his formative years, and Philipp Kurashev, another Swiss NHL star who attends the camp each year to show his support.
Meier stresses that the essence of hockey lies in fun and joy, a philosophy he says is vital for young players and remains present even at the professional level, while values such as respect, discipline and hard work are woven into every session.
Local residents, longtime teammates and former coaches all pitch in, creating a supportive environment that reflects Meier’s own journey from a boy dreaming of the ice to a professional athlete dedicated to giving back.