NHL star Nico Hischier has been hailed as a hero after helping rescue a stranded family of four from treacherous waters in his native Switzerland this weekend.
The New Jersey Devils captain was visiting his home country for part of his summer break when he jumped into action to assist local police on the Aare River in Bern, according to Swiss news outlet 20 Minuten.
The family of four, including two children, had reportedly run into severe trouble while floating in a small rubber boat.
The vessel became stuck near a dangerous dam, according to the report, leaving the occupants unable to navigate out of the hazardous area on their own.
Hischier, alongside local authorities, helped secure the family and pull their boat ashore using a throw bag.
First responders were able to guide all four family members to the safety of the Engehalde weir footbridge. Police later confirmed that all occupants were unharmed.
NHL star Nico Hischier has been hailed as a hero after helping rescue a stranded family
The New Jersey Devils star rescued the family of four, including two children, in Switzerland
One eyewitness to the terrifying ordeal described the hockey player’s actions during the rescue as ‘heroic’.
However, true to his leadership on the ice, the Devils captain quickly downplayed his own impact when asked about the dramatic incident.
‘In this situation, everyone is grateful for support and we were all relieved that no one was hurt in the end,’ Hischier told 20 Minuten.
Following the news, Devils team reporter Amanda Stein took to social media to praise the captain, calling the rescue ‘the most Nico story of all time’.
Meanwhile, the Devils’ official account on X replied to Stein’s post, writing: ‘Reason number 1,113 why we’re damn proud Nico Hischier is a New Jersey Devil.’
The heroic off-ice moment caps off a massive few days for the Swiss native.
It occurred just days after Hischier committed his long-term future to New Jersey, signing a massive five-year, $58.5 million contract extension that will keep him with the Devils through the 2031-32 season.
When he returns to the ice, the 27-year-old will need just four more goals to pass Bobby Holik and Travis Zajac for third on the franchise’s all-time goals leaderboard.
