Article by Sam Roering. Photo by Sam Roering.
Raised on a farm in Switzerland, Laura Zimmermann learned early on the value of resilience and hard work. It was there that her passion for hockey began. From skating with her grandma at a local rink to representing her country at the Olympics, Zimmermann’s journey has been shaped by grit and a deep belief in herself.
Her introduction to the ice came when her grandma, who lived near a rink, brought her there. There weren’t small enough skates, so she used blades with straps to put on regular shoes. One day, during an event at the rink, a youth coach asked her if she wanted to try hockey. She said yes, and from that moment on, hockey consumed her thoughts.
Soon, her family moved from the farm to a new home and her days began to revolve around hockey. While she briefly gave skiing a try, the rink became her focus, and she devoted her weekends to the sport. Yet, growing up in Switzerland, hockey wasn’t as big of a deal as it is in places like Minnesota. She never let that stop her, though. The love for the game kept her going, and her opportunities began to grow.
Her hard work paid off as she made national team rosters at a young age, representing Switzerland at two World Juniors, four IIHF Worlds, and the 2022 Olympics, at just 18 years old.
“It’s always a big honor to represent the national team, especially at the Olympics, to make the Olympics when I was still so young,” Zimmerman said.
However, the 2022 Beijing Olympics were far from typical. Covid-19 restrictions meant daily testing, isolation, and limited interaction with other athletes. Despite this, Zimmermann is still deeply grateful for the experience. Stepping onto Olympic ice for the first time was a surreal moment. That feeling drives her as she aims for another Olympic opportunity, perhaps one that will be more “normal.”
Hockey has also allowed Zimmermann to connect with other players she admires. One of her idols was former Husky goaltender, Janine Alder. She got the opportunity to practice with Alder one summer. She not only inspired Zimmermann but she helped guide her towards St. Cloud State.
“We always said if we want to be a good hockey player, you have to go overseas because Switzerland is not that far yet. So that was always my dream,” Zimmerman said.
Arriving at St. Cloud, Zimmermann was met with the reality of a major adjustment. The level of women’s hockey in Switzerland wasn’t comparable to the WCHA, and she quickly realized there was more structure, tougher practices, and higher expectations.
Her first season as a Husky was spent redshirting, a challenging period where she practiced without playing in games. Though tough, it was crucial for her development, and she still got game experience with the national team. Through it all, she kept her goals on her mind, never losing sight of what she was working toward.
With the help of her coaches, she’s made a lot of progress, particularly in her speed and physicality, which helped her compete against the best teams in the country. Though she’s proud of her growth, she knows that there’s more work to do. The same can be said for her academics.
“When I finished my apprenticeship, I told myself I would never go back to school, but here I am, Zimmerman laughed.
As a sports management major, she’s found a unique way to blend her academics with athletics. The leadership skills she’s gaining in the classroom have directly translated to her game, making the balance between school and hockey a little easier to manage.
The work doesn’t end in the offseason either. As part of the Swiss Army, she spends her summer training. The first summer required 18 weeks of basic army training, followed by more of her regular athletic training. After that, she only needs to complete a three week requirement every summer, but Zimmermann chooses to stay longer, using the time to get paid to train.
“You get money from that, just working out. It’s really cool. I don’t have to work during the summer, so I can put all the time I have into the workouts,” Zimmermann explained.
Despite her army responsibilities, she makes sure to enjoy her summers. Hiking in Switzerland with her brother and taking trips with her family are some of her favorite activities. It’s important for her to recharge at home, especially when she spends the rest of the year away.
Zimmermann also enjoys seeing how hockey is growing in Switzerland. The women’s league is improving every year, with more investments and opportunities. Seeing the sport develop makes her excited for the future, and she’s proud to be a part of that growth.
As women’s hockey continues to rise globally, with the creation of the PWHL and increased attention on the game, Zimmermann is focused on her progress. Though she’s motivated by the rising opportunities in professional women’s hockey, she remains focused on the present, taking it step by step.
She wants to make the most of her time at St. Cloud State and that starts with finishing the season strong. Her goal is to get better every day, and she does that by focusing on the power of belief.
“It has a lot to do with mindset. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, it’s not going to work,” Zimmermann said.
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