NHL player Jonas Siegenthaler hosts hockey camp in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai hosted its first-ever NHL player camp, where Jonas Siegenthaler, a player of Thai heritage, conducted a three-day training session with Under-11 and Under-15 players, marking a groundbreaking moment for Thai hockey.

Playing for Switzerland, Siegenthaler was fresh off his silver medal win at the World Championships in the Czech Republic, narrowly losing the title to the Czechia team.

After the championships, holding a hockey training camp in Thailand quickly came to the forefront of his agenda, said Siegenthaler.

“It has always been my wish to hold a camp in Thailand and I am delighted that it has now worked out in Chiang Mai. We practised various skills for three days. The kids were very enthusiastic. Of course, the level is very different, but it was a lot of fun and enjoyable.”

The camp, held in the newly built ice stadium of Chiang Mai, which was completed in October last year, saw participation from 50 children, including young athletes from Bangkok.

Under the guidance of Siegenthaler, the young athletes received professional training, demonstrating their passion and ambition for the sport.

“I never expected that we would be able to run such a professional camp. The kids were just great, asked lots of questions and one girl even said that she would play in the NHL one day.”

Reflecting on his hopes for hockey’s growth in Thailand, Siegenthaler emphasised the importance of nurturing big dreams and setting ambitious goals.

“I’ve always hoped that ice hockey would develop here, and it would be great if Thailand could one day take part in a world championship. And that’s exactly what I wanted to show here. Having big goals and dreaming big. You can achieve a lot with hard work,”

As the camp concluded, Siegenthaler, now enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Hua Hin, where his mother resides, left behind a legacy of inspiration and hope for the future of hockey in Thailand.

With the enthusiasm and talent displayed by the young players in Chiang Mai, the sport’s growth trajectory in the region appears promising, with the roster of 60 young athletes fueled by Siegenthaler’s pioneering efforts and dedication, reported The Nation.