Lian Bichsel's skillset extends beyond the ice rink

MONTREAL -- They say a mother knows best. So, when Lian Bichsel said his mom approves of his cuisine, then he must be one heck of a cook.

The newest member of the Stars admitted as much when he spoke to members of the media shortly after being selected by Dallas with the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre in Montreal on Thursday.

In fact, the Olten, Switzerland native is proficient in a lot of things.

WORTH WATCHING: [Bichsel excited to join Stars organization / Bichsel makes his way to the stage]

"I'm a really good chef," the 18-year-old said with a big smile. "[In Switzerland] I was cooking at home for my whole family."

His signature dish? Risotto. Not an easy one to nail right out of the gate, but Bichsel said he honed his craft when he wasn't hitting the ice. "I was learning it in Sweden," he said. "But I was cooking a lot before. Mom says I cook really good, and that means a lot to me."

It's been a whirlwind past few days for Bichsel, who didn't arrive in Montreal until Wednesday. His family, he said, is still back home in Switzerland.

"Everyone is back home watching it," he said. "They're still awake. I know they're super happy."

Bichsel was the ninth-ranked European skater in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, moving up five spots from his midterm ranking of 14. The 6-foot-5, 216-pound defenseman spent the majority of the 2021-22 season with Leksand of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), posting three points (one goal, two assists) in 29 games. He also appeared in 11 games with Leksand's junior team, earning seven points (three goals, four assists).

It should be noted that hockey and cooking aren't his only skills.

Bichsel said he comes from a sports family, which includes two brothers - one of which plays soccer. "I like to play volleyball and basketball with my brothers," he said. "Tennis. Everything."

He also speaks German, Swiss-German, English and has been learning Swedish while playing in the country last season.

Stars fans will have to wait a little longer to see Bichsel in person, as he's expected to fly back to Switzerland shortly after the draft to begin training with the Swiss national team in advance of the world juniors in August.

"It's a great night," he said. "The whole family is up. They're all together at home. It's a great, great night."

Rounds 2-7 will be broadcast on NHL Network and ESPN+ beginning at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, July 8.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.