NHL star reveals heartbreaking family reason behind sudden departure from World Championships

Los Angeles Kings star Kevin Fiala has returned to Team Switzerland at the world championships after withdrawing to be with his wife who recently lost the couple’s second child while pregnant. 

Fiala did not participate in the first two games for Switzerland at the IIHF World Championships due to being with his wife, but rejoined his country earlier this week for its game against the United States. 

Fiala is married to Jessica Ljung with the couple tying the knot in 2022. They have a daughter, Masie-Mae, who was born last May. 

The couple started dating over a decade ago, with Jessica first appearing on his social media in early 2015. Kevin and Jessica got engaged in 2021 in Mexico in a lavish beachside moment.  

The Swiss defeated the Americans 3-0 with Fiala talking about his return to international competition after the victory. 

‘My wife Jessica was pregnant for the second time, but lost the child,’ Fiala said. ‘It hasn’t been easy this past week. She supports me as always, I’m incredibly grateful; she’s simply the best woman. When she’s here, I feel at home. That’s why I performed so well today.’ 

Fiala was able to play for Switzerland after the Kings were eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers.

The 28-year-old is an NHL fixture, having played in the league for over a decade despite his age. 

Without Fiala, Switzerland did not lose a regulation game, falling to Czechia in the opening game in overtime before a 5-2 win over co-hosts Denmark. 

Fiala has been a consistent competitor, rarely missing a game with injury during his last several years, making his absence from Team Switzerland more jarring. 

On his Instagram, Fiala has shared updates with Jessica and Masie-Mae throughout the last year, including a vacation to Mexico. Fiala is under contract with the Kings through the 2029 season.