Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Lian Bichsel is a Swiss professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Dallas Stars in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 18, 2004, in Olten, Switzerland, Bichsel has established himself as one of the country’s promising young hockey players.
Beyond his professional career, Bichsel comes from a family with remarkable sporting connections. His parents are André Bichsel and Melanie Bichsel, while his two brothers, Joel Bichsel and Finn Bichsel, have also pursued careers in competitive sports.
His father represented Switzerland in international handball, his mother played volleyball, his older brother Joel became a professional footballer, and his younger brother Finn followed him into competitive ice hockey.
Bichsel has also publicly discussed his romantic relationship with a Swedish woman named Saga, whom he met while playing hockey in Sweden. However, his current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
Here is a closer look at Lian Bichsel’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Lian Bichsel’s Girlfriend: Who Is Saga?
Lian Bichsel was previously in a publicly documented relationship with a Swedish woman named Saga.
The couple reportedly met during Bichsel’s first season with Leksands IF in Sweden, where he moved in 2021 to continue developing his hockey career.
In a February 7, 2024, interview with Swiss newspaper Blick, Bichsel discussed their relationship and revealed that Saga lived in Leksand.
At the time, she was 19 years old and participated in equestrian activities, including show jumping competitions.
The couple maintained their relationship while Bichsel played for Rögle BK in Ängelholm, approximately eight hours away by car.
According to the interview, Saga occasionally traveled to visit him, and they planned to spend time together in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Bichsel also described enjoying simple activities with his girlfriend, including drinking coffee, eating cake, and playing cards.
However, no sufficiently reliable recent reporting confirms whether Bichsel and Saga remain together in 2026.
How Did Lian Bichsel Meet His Girlfriend?
Lian Bichsel met Saga while playing for Leksands IF in Sweden.
He joined the Swedish organization as a teenager after leaving Switzerland to pursue greater opportunities in professional hockey.
According to Blick, he met Saga during his first season in Leksand and subsequently developed a close relationship with her family.
Spending time with Saga and her relatives also helped Bichsel improve his Swedish language skills.
In December 2023, he explained to the Swedish Hockey League’s official website that Saga’s family lived in Leksand and continued supporting him despite his decision to join Rögle.
Although her relatives enjoyed hockey, they were not especially dedicated followers of the sport.
Bichsel appreciated their encouragement regardless of which team he represented.
Is Lian Bichsel Married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Lian Bichsel is married.
His relationship with Saga was documented in interviews published in 2023 and 2024, but no reliable wedding announcement or marriage date has been established.
Therefore, Saga should be identified as his previously reported girlfriend rather than his confirmed wife or current partner.
Does Lian Bichsel Have Children?
There is no verified public information confirming that Lian Bichsel has children.
The Swiss hockey player has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official NHL biographies and major public interviews do not identify a son or daughter.
Although Bichsel has spoken about enjoying spending time with children and helping friends with babysitting, those experiences do not establish that he has children of his own.
Consequently, his parental status remains unconfirmed.
Lian Bichsel’s Parents
Lian Bichsel’s parents are André Bichsel and Melanie Bichsel.
Both have backgrounds in competitive sports and helped raise their three sons in Wolfwil, a municipality in the Swiss canton of Solothurn.
Their identities were documented in a July 5, 2022, article published by Watson Switzerland ahead of Lian’s selection in the NHL Entry Draft.
Lian Bichsel’s Father: André Bichsel
André Bichsel is Lian Bichsel’s father and a former Swiss international handball player.
According to Swiss sports reporting, André represented Switzerland in 32 international handball matches during his playing career.
His experience in professional sport helped him understand the challenges involved in developing an athletic career.
André encouraged his sons to participate in sporting activities from childhood.
However, he did not insist that they follow his particular sporting path.
In a December 2023 interview published by the Swedish Hockey League, Lian explained that his parents wanted him to pursue his own interests rather than automatically follow his father’s involvement in handball or his older brother’s interest in football.
That freedom helped Lian discover ice hockey.
According to Bichsel, the ice hockey arena was located near the handball facility where his father played and trained.
As a young child, Lian attended an introductory hockey practice and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
André Bichsel’s Influence on Lian’s NHL Career
André has remained involved in supporting his son’s professional hockey development.
In September 2024, D Magazine published an interview describing André and Lian’s agent, Frédéric Holdener, as two important advisers in his career.
The three discussed significant decisions, including Lian’s choice to return to Sweden during the 2023–24 season rather than remain exclusively with the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League.
Bichsel emphasized that although he valued his father’s advice, he remained responsible for making his own professional decisions.
André’s sporting experience provided a valuable perspective during those discussions.
The relationship demonstrates how his father continued supporting him after he moved away from Switzerland to pursue opportunities in Sweden and North America.
Lian Bichsel’s Mother: Melanie Bichsel
Melanie Bichsel is Lian Bichsel’s mother and a former volleyball player.
Her name was identified in the July 2022 Watson article discussing Lian’s family ahead of the NHL Draft.
According to Swedish and Swiss hockey reporting, Melanie played volleyball, adding another sporting background to the Bichsel household.
She helped raise Joel, Lian, and Finn in Wolfwil, Switzerland.
Melanie also encouraged her children to participate in different sports while allowing them to choose their preferred activities.
In July 2022, Lian mentioned his mother’s influence while discussing his cooking abilities during an interview with the Dallas Stars.
He explained that he enjoyed preparing meals for his family and had developed confidence cooking dishes such as risotto.
He jokingly suggested that receiving compliments from his mother was particularly meaningful.
Melanie has generally maintained a private life, and information about her professional occupation outside sports has not been widely documented.
Lian Bichsel’s Parents Supported His NHL Draft Selection
One memorable family occasion came on July 7, 2022, when the Dallas Stars selected Lian Bichsel with the 18th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
The event took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
Bichsel attended the draft with his agent, while his parents, brothers, and grandparents remained at home in Switzerland.
According to the Dallas Stars, his family stayed awake late into the night to watch the event on television.
After Dallas selected him, Bichsel expressed happiness that his relatives could share the occasion despite being thousands of kilometers away.
The selection marked a major achievement for the family after years of supporting his development.
Lian Bichsel’s Siblings: Meet His Two Brothers
Lian Bichsel has two brothers: Joel Bichsel and Finn Bichsel.
Joel is his older brother and a professional footballer, while Finn is his younger brother and a competitive ice hockey defenseman.
Their relationships are confirmed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Elite Prospects, and Swiss sports publications.
1. Joel Bichsel – Lian Bichsel’s Older Brother
Joel Bichsel is Lian Bichsel’s older brother and a Swiss professional football player.
He was born on March 4, 2002, in Olten, Switzerland, making him approximately two years older than Lian.
Joel grew up in Wolfwil alongside his brothers and developed an interest in football during childhood.
He progressed through the youth academy of BSC Young Boys, one of Switzerland’s leading football clubs.
His performances eventually earned him professional opportunities.
During the 2023–24 season, he played on loan for SC Freiburg II in Germany’s third division.
He subsequently joined 1. FC Saarbrücken, where he continued developing as a central defender.
In June 2026, Joel returned to Swiss football after signing with FC Lugano.
The club officially announced his arrival on June 2, 2026, confirming that he had signed a contract extending through June 30, 2029.
His football career demonstrates that Lian is not the only member of the family to reach professional-level competition.
Joel and Lian Bichsel’s Relationship
Joel and Lian developed their sporting interests together during childhood.
Although they eventually chose different sports, both pursued professional athletic careers.
According to Swiss media interviews, the brothers regularly communicate and follow each other’s performances.
In April 2025, their younger brother Finn explained to the IIHF that Joel’s professional approach and determination influenced his own development.
Joel’s sporting achievements also provided an example of the discipline required to succeed at an elite level.
The three brothers continue sharing advice despite living in different locations.
2. Finn Bichsel – Lian Bichsel’s Younger Brother
Finn Bichsel is Lian Bichsel’s younger brother and a Swiss ice hockey defenseman.
He was born on May 5, 2007, in Olten, Switzerland, making him approximately three years younger than Lian.
Unlike Joel, who pursued professional football, Finn chose to follow Lian into competitive ice hockey.
He began his development through EHC Olten before progressing into the EHC Biel-Bienne organization.
During the 2024–25 season, Finn competed with Biel’s junior teams and represented Switzerland at international youth tournaments.
He was selected for the Swiss national team at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, held in Texas.
The tournament provided an opportunity to travel to the same region of the United States where Lian was playing for the Dallas Stars.
Lian and Finn Bichsel’s Hockey Relationship
In an April 28, 2025, interview with the International Ice Hockey Federation, Finn discussed his close relationship with Lian.
He explained that he grew up watching his older brother compete in hockey and viewed him as an important example.
Finn also recalled attending games with their grandparents, who frequently took the brothers to watch professional hockey.
According to Finn, those experiences helped inspire his decision to pursue the sport.
The brothers maintained regular communication even after Lian moved to North America.
Finn explained that he often called Lian several times a week to ask questions and discuss hockey-related challenges.
He also watched Dallas Stars games to follow his brother’s performances.
During the 2025 Under-18 World Championship, Finn and Lian managed to meet for coffee in Texas.
Although their demanding hockey schedules limited their time together, the meeting provided an opportunity to reconnect.
Both brothers play as defensemen, although Finn has described his own playing style as somewhat more offensively oriented than Lian’s.
By the 2026–27 season, Finn was continuing his development in the EHC Biel-Bienne organization.
Does Lian Bichsel Have a Sister?
There is no verified public information confirming that Lian Bichsel has a sister.
Swiss media and the International Ice Hockey Federation consistently identify Joel, Lian, and Finn as the three Bichsel brothers.
No sisters have been publicly identified in the family biographies reviewed.
Lian Bichsel’s Family Background and Childhood
Lian Bichsel was born on May 18, 2004, in Olten, Switzerland, and grew up in Wolfwil in the canton of Solothurn.
He was raised in a family where participation in sports was encouraged from an early age.
His father played international handball, his mother played volleyball, and his brothers developed interests in football and ice hockey.
Lian also participated in basketball, volleyball, and tennis during his childhood.
However, hockey eventually became his main interest.
He began playing through the EHC Olten youth system before joining EHC Biel-Bienne.
His early development attracted interest from hockey organizations outside Switzerland.
In 2021, at approximately 17 years old, Bichsel moved to Sweden to join Leksands IF.
The move required him to adjust to a new country, language, and hockey environment.
Nevertheless, he quickly developed confidence and independence.
His experiences in Sweden also helped him learn the language and develop friendships outside hockey.
Lian Bichsel’s Professional Hockey Career
Lian Bichsel developed into a highly regarded defensive prospect while playing for Leksands IF in the Swedish Hockey League.
His size, physical strength, skating ability, and defensive awareness attracted attention from NHL scouts.
The Dallas Stars selected him with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
He signed his three-year entry-level contract with Dallas in May 2023.
After beginning his North American career with the Texas Stars, he returned to Sweden during the 2023–24 season to play for Rögle BK.
He subsequently rejoined the Dallas organization and continued developing with the Texas Stars.
Bichsel made his NHL debut on December 12, 2024, against the Nashville Predators.
He scored his first NHL goal during the game, making his debut especially memorable.
During the 2024–25 NHL regular season, he recorded four goals and five assists for nine points in 38 games.
He also gained valuable experience during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
During the 2025–26 regular season, he played 50 games for Dallas and recorded four goals and four assists.
By the 2026–27 season, Bichsel was continuing his development as a young NHL defenseman.
The Bichsel Family’s Sporting Tradition
The Bichsel family has attracted attention in Switzerland because several members have competed at elite levels in different sports.
André represented Switzerland in handball, Melanie played volleyball, Joel became a professional footballer, and Lian reached the NHL.
Finn has also pursued high-level ice hockey through Swiss youth teams and international tournaments.
In a March 2025 interview published by Swiss sports outlet Slapshot, Lian explained that the family regularly communicates through a group chat.
Because several family members are active in competitive sports, hockey, football, and other sporting discussions frequently appear in their conversations.
Despite the family’s accomplishments, Bichsel has described them as an ordinary family that enjoys supporting one another.
That connection has remained important as the brothers have pursued careers in different countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lian Bichsel’s Family
Who is Lian Bichsel’s girlfriend?
Lian Bichsel was previously in a relationship with a Swedish woman named Saga. Their relationship was documented in a February 2024 interview with Blick. However, their current relationship status has not been reliably confirmed.
How did Lian Bichsel meet Saga?
Lian Bichsel met Saga during his first season playing for Leksands IF in Sweden. Spending time with her family also helped him learn Swedish.
Is Lian Bichsel married?
There is no verified public information confirming that Lian Bichsel is married.
Does Lian Bichsel have children?
There is no reliable public information establishing whether Lian Bichsel has children.
Who are Lian Bichsel’s parents?
Lian Bichsel’s parents are André Bichsel and Melanie Bichsel. His father was a Swiss international handball player, while his mother played volleyball.
Who is Lian Bichsel’s father?
Lian Bichsel’s father is André Bichsel, who represented Switzerland in 32 international handball matches and has supported his son’s hockey career.
Who is Lian Bichsel’s mother?
Lian Bichsel’s mother is Melanie Bichsel, a former volleyball player who raised her three sons in Wolfwil, Switzerland.
Does Lian Bichsel have siblings?
Yes. Lian Bichsel has two brothers named Joel Bichsel and Finn Bichsel.
Who is Lian Bichsel’s older brother?
Lian Bichsel’s older brother is Joel Bichsel, a Swiss professional footballer who joined FC Lugano in June 2026.
Who is Lian Bichsel’s younger brother?
Lian Bichsel’s younger brother is Finn Bichsel, a Swiss ice hockey defenseman who has represented Switzerland at the under-18 international level.
Does Lian Bichsel have a sister?
There is no verified public information confirming that Lian Bichsel has a sister.
Did Lian Bichsel’s father play professional sports?
Yes. André Bichsel represented Switzerland in international handball and played at a high competitive level.
Is Finn Bichsel related to Lian Bichsel?
Yes. Finn Bichsel is Lian’s younger brother. Both play ice hockey as defensemen and have represented Switzerland internationally at youth level.
Where is Lian Bichsel’s family from?
The Bichsel family is associated with Wolfwil in the Swiss canton of Solothurn. Lian was born in nearby Olten.
How old is Lian Bichsel?
Lian Bichsel was born on May 18, 2004, making him 22 years old in November 2026.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
