New country, new competition, soon fatherhood: the funny story of Zug’s surname Andreas Wingerli

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Wingerli. With this surname the puns are on the tongue. Is he a “Centerli” if he played in the center position? This isn’t the first time the Swede has heard this question, but it still makes him grin. Andreas Wingerli is the new winger of the EVZ. A lot of fuss is made about his special surname because it doesn’t sound Swedish at all and with the diminutive “li” at the end it almost has something Swiss. The 26-year-old, from Northern Sweden, has often had to justify himself in his home country.

Wingerli’s answer is all the more astonishing: “Actually, my name should be different.” But? “My father had our family name changed.” In Sweden this is possible because the naming laws there are very liberal and you can simply give yourself a new name, which then has to be approved. And it was precisely this approval that the new EVZ attacker now bears as his surname. So please be a little more precise.

Winger tried with different endings

Wingerli’s father was actually called Benni Persson. “A common surname in Sweden.” During his travels in the surfing scene, the now 68-year-old met a fellow surfer named Winger and told him that he chose the name himself. Persson, whose wife and Andreas’ mother was called Veronica Hedman (60), wanted that too. But Winger was not approved by the authorities. “Then my parents tried out Winger with different endings.” Wingerli was eventually waved through.

The Swedish number two is happy with a unique and recognizable surname. Andreas Wingerli also wants people not to forget him so quickly in terms of sport. Nevertheless, his transfer has made people in Zug pay attention to the recent big names. But the motives of EVZ sports director Reto Kläy are quickly explained: he sees a lot of potential in all areas in the striker, who is only 1.73 meters tall. That’s why he gave him a two-year contract.

Wingerli knows Lakers coach Stefan Hedlund (48, Sd) very well, who was his coach at Skelleftea from 2019 to 2021: “Andreas is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached. A strong runner who contributes something in all game situations. And a great, humble person who puts the team first.”

I didn’t get a chance in the NHL

In his strong 2020/21 season with Skelleftea, Wingerli celebrated his debut with the Swedish national team and attracted the attention of NHL scouts with good international performances. The Colorado Avalanche organization secured his services and gave him a one-year contract.

But despite impressive performances in the pre-season, Wingerli did not play in an NHL game, instead completing the season in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles farm team. “I wanted to make it to the NHL, but I didn’t get a chance,” Wingerli reflects. From no other club, which is why he returned to Skelleftea last season, where he lost the play-off final to Växjö.

And now the move to Zug. When the EVZ showed interest in him, it quickly became mutual. “I didn’t want to degrade my career.” Wingerli sees the EVZ as a club where he can develop and reach his full potential. As a Swede, he is proud of his defensive conscience and loves boxing, but loves responsibility in all situations.

More responsibility off the ice awaits Wingerli soon. His girlfriend Agnes Häglund (26) is expecting their first child together in January, who will be born in Switzerland. “It will be a boy,” the expectant father reveals expectantly. And: His name will be Wingerli.

Source : Blick