Devils’ Nico Hischier helps save family in distress in Switzerland

One of the NHL’s most respected leaders made a selfless act over the weekend.

According to 20 Minuten, a news outlet in Switzerland, New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier assisted local police in a rescue of a family in distress this past Saturday afternoon.

The event happened on the Aare River near Bern, when a family of four, two adults and two children, riding a rubber dinghy, were in trouble, though the reasons for their distress remain unknown. Police found the family and went to assist, along with the help of Hischier.

“In this situation,” Hischier explained to 20 Minuten. “Everyone is grateful for support, and we were all relieved that no one was hurt in the end.” 

Hischier noted that several other people also assisted in the rescue. A bystander labeled the 27-year-old’s actions “heroic” because the family was “unable to leave the dangerous area on their own.” Hischier helped authorities pull the family to the Engehalde weir footbridge, as the group was able to get out of the treacherous water.

According to Bern cantonal police: “The police were finally able to pull the boat ashore using a throw bag, and the four occupants were rescued unharmed.”

Along with police and other passerbys, the Bern professional fire brigade and ambulance were called to the scene as a precaution.

It’s selfless acts like that that are what make Hischier one of the most revered players and leaders in the game today. Along with being an exceptional talent, having established himself as one of the top two-way players in the league, the Natens native has been a key part of the Devils’ leadership for the past several years. He was named the 12th captain in franchise history in 2021, a role he has undertaken proudly, and hasn’t given up since.