When the microphones are out and a camera’s bright lights shine in his face, Akira Schmid is a man of few words.

The soft-spoken goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights has been around them often this season. More times than he could have imagined before he found himself in Las Vegas two summers ago.

There has been one constant question that has come up in different forms throughout Schmid’s career season — whether he racks up another win to add to a new career high, or he makes a highlight-reel save.

What has gotten into him this season?

“Just putting in the work,” Schmid said after his latest start, a 21-save win over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. “Trusting the process, trusting the work you put in.”

That process has led Schmid to being named an Olympian for the first time in his career with the Winter Olympics in Milan. The 25-year-old is one of three goaltenders to be on Switzerland’s roster, which begins Olympic play Thursday against France.

Schmid, 16-6-6 this season, was one of nine Knights players selected to represent their country. Forward Jonas Rondbjerg (Denmark) is out with a lower-body injury.

“Obviously, super excited,” Schmid said. “It comes every four years, that opportunity. I’m glad the NHL guys get to go. It’s going to be great hockey. I’m always excited to play for the Swiss national team.”

Success for Swiss

Schmid last represented Switzerland in the 2024 World Championships, where he dominated his way to a 3-0 record with a .946 save percentage and 0.86 goals-against average.

But while the World Championships feature some NHL talent, it isn’t completely best-on-best. This year’s Winter Games is the first time since the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, that the NHL’s stars will get a chance to compete for a gold medal.

Switzerland might be an under-the-radar pick for most to medal with defenseman Roman Josi as the captain, and suitable top-six talent such as Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Kevin Fiala and Nino Niederreiter.

“We got a pretty fast group, and we’re pretty well-rounded from top to bottom,” Schmid said. “I don’t think we’re really missing anything.”

But Schmid, for as good as he was in 2024 and has the NHL experience to boot, might not be the best option in net for the Swiss.

Leonardo Genoni, 38, is a legend in Switzerland. He was the primary netminder in Switzerland’s last two World Championships, where the Swiss captured silver the past two years.

Genoni was the MVP of last year’s tournament. He has 10 wins and five shutouts in his past 14 international appearances.

Schmid might get a couple of games, but it’s likely that come the knockout round, Genoni gets the nod because of his body of work.

Tough road ahead

Whatever playing time Schmid gets in Italy, it’s deserved. The season, for as successful as it’s been, has been anything but consistent from the adjustments he’s had to make mentally.

“He has been our most consistent goaltender,” coach Bruce Cassidy said Jan. 17. “Two guys (Adin Hill and Carter Hart) have been hurt, so they haven’t had the opportunity, really, to get consistency. We need Akira to be that guy we can rely on, and he has been.”

Trying to medal won’t be easy for Switzerland. While they’re the favorites over France, the Swiss are in the same Group A as Czechia and overwhelming tournament favorite Canada.

Schmid’s teammates might have to go with the same mental approach — trust the process.

“You start with France, someone you want to beat, right? And then the next game is against Canada, which is probably one of the best teams ever,” Schmid said. “At the end of the day, you just got to take one game at a time and do your best.”

Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.

Up next

Who: Switzerland vs. France

What: Winter Olympics

When: 3:10 a.m. Thursday

Where: Santagiulia Arena, Milan, Italy

TV: Peacock

Line: Switzerland -1,190; total 5½

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