OHL Ottawa 67's

67's Assistant GM Jan Egert Heads to Winter Olympics

Published on February 4, 2022 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Ottawa 67's News Release


Ottawa 67's Assistant General Manager Jan Egert doesn't foresee any problems transitioning from his current role in Ottawa, to video coach for Switzerland's men's team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

"I'm fortunate to be able to draw on the previous experiences, from the six U-20 World Junior Hockey Championships, in this type of role, having worked previously with each member of the coaching staff at least once," said Egert.

"Both roles share similar mentalities; you're looking to support the team as much as you can, so that you give yourself and the team the best chance at success to reach our goals."

Experience is one thing that Egert, who departed for Beijing last Friday, has no shortage of. Breaking into the Ontario Hockey League as a video coach with the then-Mississauga St. Michael's Majors in 2011, he spent seven seasons with the organization, earning a promotion to Assistant General Manager in 2015, and tacking on a Director of Scouting role in 2016.

Egert joined the 67's for the 2017-18 season, as the team's Assistant General Manager, and also became the team's Director of Scouting in 2018.

Internationally, the Uster, Switzerland native is no stranger to the world stage. Egert served as a video coach for Switzerland at every IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship from 2014-15, to 2020-21, helping his home nation to a fourth-place finish at the 2019 tournament.

While the Olympic Games are a stage that is massive in scale when compared to the World Juniors, Egert isn't letting the moment catch up to him, and is instead focused on what lies in front of him and his charges.

"You don't want to get caught up too much in the size of the event," he said. "But I'm going to enjoy the moment and opportunity, and focus on the task at hand."

With most of the world embroiled in tumult over the past two years, these Games have been no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented immense logistical hurdles, and have resulted in strict protocols implemented by host China, and events that will be contested without spectators.

Still, even with some tension that wouldn't hang over the Olympics under normal circumstances, Egert finds himself no less excited to represent Switzerland at the Winter Games.

"It's an honour to represent your country at any international event; but to be able to participate, and compete at the Olympics is something truly special," said Egert.

"It was a cool moment to receive confirmation that it was, in fact, a possibility that I'd be joining the federation again, and the excitement has been building over the last few months."

Switzerland has come on in the past decade, or so, as a hockey nation to watch. The Swiss have surprised at tournaments such as the World Juniors, and the World Championship, but the Olympics present an opportunity to catapult to the centre of the world stage.

It's an opportunity that they're not taking for granted, making no bones about their goals at this year's tournament.

"We have an experienced group of players. A collection of individuals that have been through some battles in the past, at the World Championship level, and enjoyed success at that stage," Egert said. "The staff is included in that, we have familiarity among our group from the U-20 & Men's National Team level."

"Anytime you participate at a tournament like this, you're always aiming for a medal."

The Swiss will find themselves up against stiff competition, as members of Group B, when the tournament officially kicks off on February 9th. They open the games against the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), before facing off with Czechia on the 11th, and Denmark on the 12th, in advance of the qualifying round, beginning on February 15th.

While winning is obviously the goal, and the team is well-positioned to do so, Egert is also not losing sight of the moment in front of him.

"The Olympics are special; the traditions and history around the event, it only happens every four years. It's special."

Egert also knows, however, that it's the little things, and moments off the ice, that make the overseas adventure something he'll cherish for the rest of his life.

"I've never been to China, so I'm looking forward to experience the culture," he said. "The Opening Ceremonies are circled on my calendar; I think that will be a memorable moment."

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