The deal was brokered by InfrontRingier Sports & Entertainment Agency and will involve the support of nine national teams at junior and senior levels as well as match officials during domestic league matches.

Zurich will join Shakeria, Skoda and Tissot as second-tier partner's of the SIHF in a move which is hoped to further boost the competitive fortunes of a senior men's team which won a superb silver medal at this year's World Championships held in Sweden and Finland, their first since 1953.

Marc Furrer, President of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, was delighted with the new partnership.

"It was not easy to find the right partner but Zurich and Swiss Ice Hockey are attractive and established brands that are made for one another," he said.

"I am very pleased that this collaboration could be done."

Switzerland celebrate after a shock victory over Canada on their way to a silver medal at the 2013 men's World Championships - their first for 60 years







Joachim Masur, chief executive of Zurich Switzerland, was similarly pleased and is "looking forward to working with the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation."

"Ice Hockey fascinates Swiss people," he said.

"This sport's tradition is teamwork, precision, dedication and willingness to give your best, all of which corresponds with the message Zurich wants to give."