Born: 1989 (Switzerland)
Biography:
Florence Isabelle Schelling, born on March 9, 1989, is a Swiss former professional ice hockey goaltender who has left an indelible mark on the sport and shattered multiple glass ceilings. She made history as the first woman to be named the general manager of a professional men’s team worldwide, serving briefly as the general manager of SC Bern from 2020 to 2021.
Raised in Switzerland, Schelling’s passion for ice hockey developed at a young age. She started her career with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland, playing for them from 2003 to 2005. In the years that followed, Schelling became an integral part of the Swiss national team, representing her country in numerous international tournaments.
Schelling’s international career gained momentum when she competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics, 2010 Winter Olympics, and 2014 Winter Olympics as a member of the Swiss women’s national ice hockey team. Her exceptional skills as a goaltender were evident in these tournaments, where she stood tall in net and demonstrated her ability to make crucial saves.
At the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Schelling’s outstanding performance paved the way for a seventh-place finish for the Swiss team. Despite the team’s placement, Schelling showcased her exceptional talent, boasting a .939 save percentage and a 2.40 goals against average in three games.
In 2008, Schelling led the Swiss team to a fourth-place finish at the IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championships, a historic accomplishment for the team. Schelling’s stellar performance in the tournament earned her recognition as the second-ranked goalie and the only goaltender to play every minute of every game, including an overtime period and a shootout. Despite losing the bronze medal game to Finland, Schelling made an astonishing 34 saves.
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver provided another platform for Schelling to display her goaltending prowess. Despite facing strong teams like Sweden and Canada, Schelling’s resilience and skill were on full display as she helped her team secure a fifth-place finish. Notable victories against Slovakia, China, and Russia showcased her abilities.
In 2012, at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Schelling’s remarkable saves propelled Switzerland to the semifinals. In a vital game against Russia, she stopped 32 shots, leading Switzerland to a 5-2 victory. The bronze medal game against Finland showcased Schelling’s exceptional talent as she made an astounding 50 saves, contributing to Switzerland’s commanding 6-2 win.
Schelling’s crowning moment came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where she backstopped the Swiss National Team to a historic bronze medal. Throughout the tournament, she made an impressive 252 saves, inevitably earning her the accolades of Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, and a spot on the All-Star Team. Her talent, discipline, and leadership were instrumental in Switzerland’s success.
Not only did Schelling shine on the international stage, but she also demonstrated her exceptional abilities in the collegiate realm. At Northeastern University, she became a fixture in the team, earning the role of a starting goaltender. Throughout her college career, Schelling garnered numerous accolades, solidifying her reputation as a remarkable player. She showcased her skills by earning the Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week title for three consecutive weeks in her sophomore year, along with recording impressive shutouts and saves.
Beyond her accomplishments on the ice, Schelling’s impact extends far beyond her sporting achievements. As the first woman to be named the general manager of a professional men’s team, she defied societal expectations and shattered gender norms. An inspiration to aspiring female athletes across the globe, Schelling has proven that barriers can be overcome through talent, perseverance, and determination.
Awards:
– Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, and All-Star Team member at the 2014 Winter Olympics
– Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week (multiple times)