The Swiss have a prominent international reputation when it comes to banking, watches, cheese, and versatile knives. But who knew budding hockey powerhouse was on the horizon for this lowly landlocked Alpine state? Two days after knocking off a heavily favored Czech Republic team, Switzerland pulled off an even bigger upset, outlasting gold medal favorite Canada 2-0 in front of a mostly supportive crowd at the Torino Esposizioni.

Aspiring Swiss broadcasters can now practice their best Al Michaels impersonation thanks to the phenomenal play of goaltender Martin Gerber. The Carolina Hurricanes netminder made 49 saves, including 26 in the third period, besting his future Hall of Fame counterpart Martin Brodeur to secure his place in his home country’s sports lore.

“It’s incredible,” said Gerber to NBC. “Especially against Canada, you don’t want to give up early goals. We knew we had to slow them down and I thought we battled hard for our positioning. They did a really good job cutting down the rebounds in front of me.”

Paul DiPietro provided Gerber with all the support he would need. The 35-year-old former Stanley Cup champion was born in Ontario but acquired a Swiss passport just last year to compete in the world championships. His rebound goal in the first and his power play score in the second will ensure his legacy in his adopted homeland.

“We had to capitalize on our chances,” said DiPietro, who last played in the NHL in 1997, to reporters in Torino. “We were in there face all night and didn’t give them any room.”

A critical moment came late in the second, when Gerber spectacularly gloved a hard wrist shot by Rick Nash. Replays showed the puck may have crossed the goal line, but referee ruled no goal after a lengthy video replay. That was the second disallowed goal in the period, as Canada saw Todd Bretuzzi’s tally wiped off the scoreboard because he was in the crease illegally.

The white cross on a red background resembles the logo of the Red Cross, which is fighting symbolism for a Canadian (2-1) team that saw its gold medal aspirations take a major hit. Switzerland (2-1) has only three current NHL players on its roster, compared to 23 active and three reserve NHL participants for the Canadians.

That is not to say the 2002 Olympic champions went quietly. They out-shot the Swiss 26-1 in the third period alone, enjoying a 49-18 advantage for the game. Still, no answer could be found for Gerber. The –year old goalie blanked Canada for the first time in 18 years, back when the USSR Red Army was still terrorizing the international scene.

Canada had a few last chances, but every time they got a break, they gave it right back. Joe Sakic drew a high sticking double minor penalty with less than five minutes remaining. Canada could not convert, and an ill advised slashing penalty by Chris Pronger negated the man advantage. They had one more chance after a cross checking penalty, but Jarome Iginla was called for hooking on the subsequent face off, wasting another power play chance while cementing the outcome.

In all, Canada was 0-10 on the power play. They will now try to regroup against undefeated Finland tomorrow, as they try to regain their place atop the standings in Group A. The Swiss will try to avoid a let down when they take on a disappointing German team looking for its first win tomorrow at the Palasport Olimpico.

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