Five years after losing to Sweden in the finals, the Swiss national team with Raphael Diaz as captain and coach Patrick Fischer behind the boards was given another chance to become World Champion for the first time at the 2018 IIHF Worlds in Copenhagen, Denmark. Facing the Swedes again, however, the Swiss team once more came out on the short end after losing a dramatic game 3-2 in the shootout.
Raphael Diaz accepted the award on behalf of the team: "It's incredible. Thanks to everyone who voted for us, the whole hockey community, the fans. It's incredible that we can accept this award today. Thanks also to the entire team and the staff."
In the "Best team of the past 70 years" category, which was decided in an online vote, the hockey National team prevailed over nominated teams from track and field, tennis, lightweight rowing, and soccer.
