Switzerland's national ice hockey team is set to face Slovakia on Friday at the start of the Deutschland Cup in Hanover.

Fresh from their resounding home win over Team Canada on Wednesday, the Swiss will be looking to prove they are in top form ahead of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City which is just over three months away.

The Slovakian team is a strong medal contender for the Olympics, but Switzerland has a history of solid performances against them.

Last February, Ralph Krueger's men won two matches against Slovakia: in Lausanne (4-2) and in Bern (3-2).

For Friday's match, coach Krueger has chosen Martin Gerber to be goalie. Patric Della Rossa and Patrick Fischer, who were relegated to the bench in Wednesday's friendly against Canada, will get the chance to prove themselves on Friday.

Notably, Switzerland will have to do without the attacking prowess of Robert Petrovicky.

Switzerland will again face the Canadians on Saturday and the German team on Sunday.

Switzerland plays two more friendly games against Slovakia in the United States, before the start of the Olympics.

swissinfo with agencies

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