Switzerland Playing For First World Championship

The surprising Swiss knocked off the red-hot Americans 3-0 on Saturday to advance the IIHF World Championships gold medal game. The Swiss will play the host Swedes, led by the red hot power play featuring Loui Eriksson teaming up with twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin, on Sunday

In doing so the Swiss assured themselves their first World Championship medal win in 60 years (a bronze in 1953). It is the first time the Swiss have had a chance to win the world title since 1935.

The international hockey scene was a whole lot different back then. There was Canada and then there was just about everybody else. The Swiss hockey team of this era was very good. Led by Bibi Torriani and brothers Hans and Ferdinand Cattini, also known as the "Ni-Line" of HC Davos, the Swiss went 6-0-2 before meeting Canada in the decisive final game. The Swiss, reportedly fatigued due to a bad flu bug in the dressing room, had a very respectable showing in a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Monarchs.

Torriani and the Cattinis are all members of the IIHF Hall of Fame. The Swiss won six medals at the Worlds Championships and Olympics.

Here's a look at Switzerland's greatest moments in international hockey history.