"You really like this guy, don't you?" I suggested.
"Like him?" Raffi shot back. "I love him. We all do in Switzerland. Look how much pride he's given to Swiss hockey."
I know all about Swiss hockey; which explains why my daughter, Avigail, 13, and my son, Ariel, 15, are playing for HC Thun's hockey program.
They began in September and finished the season last month.
A half-year of Swiss instruction has improved their games by at least 50 percent. Plus, both teenagers are secure in the knowledge that Swiss hockey products have made a positive impact in the NHL
I speak firsthand, having watched Nino Niederreiter originally star for the Portland (Oregon) Winterhawks Junior team in the Western Hockey League.
Nino eventually made it to the Islanders and currently is starring for the top-rated Carolina Hurricanes.
Nico Hischier is captain of the New Jersey Devils and has been acclaimed as a future superstar.
And Islanders fans always will have fond memories of defenseman Marc Streit who captained the Nassaumen for several seasons.
But the Swiss "Man Of The Moment" is Bern's favorite son, Roman Josi. Not only is the Nashville Predators captain in the running for the Norris (Best Defenseman) Trophy but the Hart Trophy as the National Hockey League's most valuable player.
"We can't wait to see Roman back skating in Bern," is the way my buddy, Raffi, put it. And his view is echoed by the entire Swiss hockey community.
Rafi will soon get his wish. The NHL announced on Thursday that the Nashville Predators will be playing an exhibition game against Bern at Post Finance Arena on Oct. 3 as part of the NHL's Global Series Challenge.
For sure, Bern's ice palace will sell out. In fact, they will have to find extra seats for the exhibition game between the Preds and SC Bern.
The last time the Swiss capital hosted an NHL exhibition, SC Bern almost beat the New Jersey Devils.
On a broader scale, the upcoming game will demonstrate that Swiss hockey fans rank among the world's most intense; not to mention knowledgeable.
"Nobody has to tell us who's the best player in the NHL," chirped my pal Raffi. I added that Josi reminds me of Montreal Canadiens Hall of Famer Larry Robinson. Roman plays the complete game.
When I mentioned that to Raffi, he again opened his ski jacket to be absolutely certain that I had a good view of the message: JOSI FOR THE NORRIS TROPHY!
I nodded in agreement, secure in the knowledge that all of Switzerland's hockey fans second my motion.
