Cancer: Goals are attainable, but we must set the bar high

On June 18, 2026, the annual general meeting of the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association took place in Ljubljana, where members elected the leadership for the mandate period of 2026–2030. The most significant outcome was the re-election of Matjaž Rakovec as president of the association, marking his fifth consecutive term in office. Rakovec has held this position since 2010, and his reappointment received unanimous support from all present delegates, who voted 20 to zero in favor of his candidacy. This decision underscores the confidence placed in his leadership and the stability he has brought to the organization over the years.

During his presentation, Rakovec emphasized the successful functioning of the association during previous mandates, highlighting the strong hockey infrastructure in Slovenia and the collaborative efforts between the federation and clubs. He also reiterated his commitment to not interfering directly in professional operations, focusing instead on strategic goals such as improving club competitions and infrastructure. One major project under consideration is the construction of a new arena in Kranj, which will require several more years before completion. Despite these challenges, Rakovec expressed optimism about the future of Slovenian ice hockey, particularly noting the achievements of the national team and younger age groups.

The election results included the appointment of two vice-presidents: Miha Butara of Olimpija Ljubljana and Gregor Goričar of Jesenice. Both individuals have been instrumental in their respective clubs and bring valuable experience to the association’s leadership. Additional members were selected for the board of directors, supervisory committee, appeals court, and disciplinary commission. Notably, Branislav Terglav, who had served on the supervisory committee for 42 years, announced his retirement from further involvement in hockey administration.

Financially, the association reported a profit of €58,000 for the previous year, with total revenues amounting to €1.57 million. Rakovec acknowledged the financial contributions made to clubs, explaining that without these investments, the association would have achieved a higher profit margin. However, he raised concerns about the sustainability of the current number of clubs in Slovenia, suggesting that continued support is crucial for maintaining the sport's presence in the country.

The success of the men's national team in remaining within the top division for three consecutive years was highlighted as a significant achievement. Additionally, the performance of youth teams U-20 and U-18, along with the women's national team, was recognized as vital for ensuring the long-term development of Slovenian ice hockey. These accomplishments were seen as evidence of the sport's growing strength and potential for international recognition.

Looking ahead, Rakovec outlined ambitious goals for the association, including hosting at least one group of the World Championship in Slovenia by 2032. He emphasized that the International Ice Hockey Federation recognizes Slovenia's capabilities in organizing such events, citing discussions during the recent congress in Zurich. Furthermore, he expressed aspirations for the national team to qualify for the Olympics once again and potentially reach the quarterfinals of the World Championships, drawing inspiration from Austria's recent successes.

Infrastructure improvements remain a critical challenge for Slovenian ice hockey. While progress has been made, such as the renovation of the Tivoli arena, there are still deficiencies in facilities in cities like Maribor and Celje. Rakovec noted ongoing discussions regarding the expansion of ice rinks, particularly in Maribor, where plans for two new arenas are being considered. The approval of the Slovenian Public Procurement Office (OPPN) for additional covered ice surfaces in Ljubljana is anticipated to contribute significantly to the development of the sport.

At the club level, the situation appears to be evolving positively. Olimpija Ljubljana has demonstrated strong performances, while Jesenice, under the new leadership of Gregor Goričar, aims to return to its former glory. Goričar, coming from the business sector, brings a fresh perspective to managing the club, with plans to collaborate with Jesenice Young, another local team, to strengthen the overall structure of the region's hockey scene.

In addition to these developments, the association is exploring opportunities for international collaboration, including potential partnerships with countries such as Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia. Although past experiences with certain projects have been challenging, Rakovec remains optimistic about the possibility of achieving shared objectives in the near future.

The upcoming season presents both opportunities and challenges for the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association. With a clear vision set forth by its leadership, the focus now lies on implementing strategies that will ensure sustainable growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced competitiveness on the global stage. As the association moves forward, the emphasis will be on maintaining the momentum generated by recent successes while addressing the persistent issues that continue to affect the sport in Slovenia.