The Autumn Hockey Players enter the new season under a new name.

The Jesenice ice hockey team will enter the new season under a new name and leadership structure. According to reports from the MMC RTV Slovenia portal, the team will compete in both the national league and the Alps League under the name HD Jesenice, led by members of the former HDD Jesenice club's youth organization. The new head coach, Czech Martin Ekrt, has already arrived in Jesenice, marking a fresh start for the franchise. The transformation follows a series of developments within the Hokejsko Drsalno Društvo Jesenice (HDD Jesenice). In April, the club received new leadership for the mandate period 2026–2030, with Gregor Goričar assuming the role of president. However, after reviewing the financial operations, the board discovered discrepancies between the situation presented during the takeover and the actual conditions. This revelation prompted all members of the board to resign in July, citing unforeseen past liabilities whose legal status and financial scope had previously been inadequately disclosed. HD mladi Jesenice, a brotherhood society, emerged as the solution. They described themselves as financially stable, well-organized, and established, recognizing the gravity of the situation and expressing willingness to take over responsibility for the club’s senior team using their own programs and structures. Miha Rebolj, president of HD mladi Jesenice and a former national team player, explained to TV Slovenia that they learned about the crisis in the club’s senior hockey just a month ago. He stated that together with like-minded supporters who believe in Jesenice hockey, they decided to step in and assume control of the organization. Martin Ekrt will serve as the new head coach, supported by former international player Sabahudin Kovačević, who will also oversee the junior teams. Rebolj outlined the team composition as a mix of seasoned players and young talent, aiming to play dynamic hockey that would yield positive results and successes. Jesenice has always had loyal fans, and despite numerous disappointments in the past, the new leadership hopes for continued support from them. The opening match of the Alps League for HD Jesenice is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, when they will face Sisku away. Their first home game in the league will be on Thursday, September 24, against Asiago. The transition from HDD Jesenice to HD Jesenice reflects broader changes in the club’s governance and operational framework. With the previous board stepping down due to undisclosed financial obligations, HD mladi Jesenice stepped in to ensure continuity in the team's participation in domestic and European competitions. Rebolj emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s identity while addressing its challenges. He highlighted the commitment to building a competitive team capable of achieving success in both local and continental leagues. The integration of experienced players alongside younger talents aims to create a balanced squad that can perform consistently throughout the season. The new coaching staff, including Ekrt and Kovačević, brings a blend of experience and expertise to the table. Ekrt’s arrival signals a strategic shift towards more structured training methods and tactical approaches aimed at improving performance on the ice. Kovačević’s dual role in managing both the senior and junior teams ensures a cohesive developmental pathway for emerging players. As the new season approaches, the focus shifts to preparing for the upcoming matches. The team’s first challenge comes in the form of an away game against Sisku, followed by a home match against Asiago. These early fixtures will test the effectiveness of the new management and coaching strategies, providing insight into how well the team can adapt to the changes. The community response has been cautiously optimistic, with many fans hoping that this new chapter will bring stability and success to Jesenice hockey. The club’s history of resilience amid adversity suggests that the current leadership’s efforts could lead to renewed achievements on the ice.