The city can't help fall hockey.

The local government of Jesenice has announced it will not provide financial support to the autumn hockey club, citing legal concerns over potential illegal funding of the sports association. The decision was made after consultations with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sport, which concluded that providing two hundred thousand euros would constitute unlawful financing of the organization. This comes as the new leadership of the Hockey Club Jesenice (HDD) faces mounting pressure to stabilize the club’s finances and preserve its status as a community sport. The announcement came during discussions regarding the allocation of municipal funds, following a meeting held earlier this month. According to the mayor of Jesenice, Peter Bohinec, the decision was based on legal assessments that deemed such support inappropriate under current regulations. He explained that the city council had not included the proposal on the agenda for its June session because the hockey club had not submitted the required documents. Furthermore, he emphasized that it would not be possible to allocate proportionally higher funds to other sports associations if assistance were given to the hockey club. The move has sparked concern among club officials, particularly the newly elected president of HDD, Gregor Goričar. In a statement, Goričar expressed disappointment that the town hall and the municipality have failed to support the club, especially given the dire financial situation it currently faces. He noted that the previous leadership, which included former mayor Peter Bohinec and director Anže Pogačar, left behind a severely deteriorated financial state, far worse than previously documented. Goričar has sent a letter to the city's administrative officers, urging them to reconsider their stance and to explore alternative ways to assist the club. He also pointed to examples from Ljubljana, where the Municipal Council found legal avenues to support the Hockey Club Olimpija. Goričar stressed that the lack of support from local authorities could lead to the club’s collapse, potentially resulting in the loss of the autumn hockey team altogether. The club plans to release detailed information about its financial status to the public early in August, offering transparency to the community and stakeholders. Bohinec, who has publicly denied all allegations of mismanagement, stated that the club’s difficulties stem primarily from the withdrawal of its main sponsor, the company SIJ Acroni. He reiterated his commitment to supporting the club and maintaining its role within the local sports scene. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the current financial constraints and the need for creative solutions to ensure the sustainability of the team. As the situation unfolds, the future of the autumn hockey team remains uncertain. With no immediate financial backing from the local government, the club must rely on internal efforts and possibly seek alternative funding sources. The upcoming financial disclosure in August may offer clarity on the extent of the club’s troubles and whether there is room for external support. For now, the focus remains on stabilizing operations and preserving the legacy of winter hockey in Jesenice.