New Geneva defender Berni: “It was difficult to reject the ZSC”

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

Blick: Tim Berni, to be honest: we were all a bit surprised that you signed in Geneva.
Tim Bernie: (laughs) I understand that. There were also people around me who were surprised. But everyone supports me.

How did this decision come about?
The most important thing for me was my development in a new environment, leaving my comfort zone and being able to take a new step in my career. Playing in this team allows me to develop both on and off the ice.

There would have been several interested teams, for example the ZSC Lions. Was it difficult to reject your parent club?
Yes that was it. It was very complicated because I thought a lot about the consequences of my decision for the future. I had a few rough nights before I made my decision. Now I am convinced that I made the right choice. Moreover, Geneva is only three hours by train from Zurich, which is less than ten hours by plane (laughs).

What was ultimately decisive?
I feel like I can play a key role in this Geneva team. But I also know that of course it depends on my performance. I believe that this is where I have the greatest opportunity to take responsibility and develop myself further. For me there are two goals: in the long term I want to get back to the NHL and in the short term the goal is to help the team win games.

You talk about responsibility, but with Vatanen and Lennström there are already two dominant foreigners in defense. Don’t you worry about that?
Of course I am aware that I have to assert myself in order to play a bigger role in a team. Whether it’s Geneva or Zurich, the competition is fierce. The competition in Switzerland is of a high level and wherever you play, it is difficult to prevail. I know I won’t arrive here and immediately be the head of the defense.

How hard was it to miss the NHL this season?
I wanted at least a whole year (Berni made his NHL debut on Dec. 6, 2022, editor’s note.) stay in the NHL. I felt like I had a good season and I hoped I could continue to fulfill my dream there. My rights belong to the Columbus Blue Jackets and they had no room for me right now. So yes, it is a bit of a disappointment, but returning to Switzerland also means playing in an excellent competition. It is important to remember that I am lucky to have a job and to be able to develop myself.

What have you learned in your two years in the AHL and the NHL?
I think I’ve become a better defender. I played more than 70 games each season and my physical play became more consistent.

And human?
It was a great experience. Leaving home is a good feeling for any young man. It made me grow. When I went to Cleveland and then to Columbus, I didn’t know anyone. My English has improved a lot.

Aren’t you worried that NHL teams will lose track of you now?
No, because the Swiss championship has improved a lot. The club scouts are everywhere, whether you play in Sweden, Russia or Switzerland. So it doesn’t make a big difference. If you play well, it will be noticed. I spoke to many European scouts who confirmed this opinion.

Denis Malgin returned to Switzerland from the NHL in July. Do you have talked to him before making a decision?
Yes, I trained with him in Zurich and we discussed this. It was very interesting to hear his opinion on this subject. In the end I didn’t have much choice as the situation in Columbus was stuck and Europe was the only solution.

So after learning English, you are now also learning French?
Yes, I still have to learn French. I’ve only spent two nights in Geneva and I don’t know the area very well yet. We usually arrive at the rink and play our games. Not anymore. I look forward to discovering more. I saw the beautiful old town and the lake. In that respect I am not that alienated from Zurich.

An old town and an old ice rink.
(laughs) But she has charm. I have always enjoyed playing here. Of course I realize that this is not the most modern, but that did not play a role in my decision.

Source : Blick