Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe with a population of just over 2 million people. Despite its size, Slovenia has produced some of the best ice hockey players in the world. Slovenian players have competed in the NHL, KHL, and other major international leagues.
From Anže Kopitar and Jan Muršak to Ziga Jeglič and Miha Verlič, Slovenia has produced some of the game’s most dynamic and skilled players. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ice hockey players to come out of Slovenia.
1. Anže Kopitar
Anže Kopitar is an accomplished professional hockey player and captain of the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL). He hails from Slovenia, and he was the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
This made Kopitar the first Slovene to ever play in the NHL, and he made his debut in 2006. Kopitar is an important figure in the hockey world, having made history as the first Slovene to play in the NHL.
His career has been marked by success, as he has won the Stanley Cup twice, in 2012 and 2014.
He has also represented Slovenia in international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics. Kopitar is not only recognized for his hockey accomplishments but also for his charitable work.
He is involved with several organizations, including the Kings Care Foundation and the Kopitar Family Foundation, which help to raise awareness for mental health and provide assistance to those in need. Kopitar is an inspiration to many, both in his home country of Slovenia and around the world.
He has set an example for aspiring hockey players everywhere, and his legacy as the first Slovene to play in the NHL will live on for years to come.
2. Jan Urbas
Jan Urbas is a Slovenian ice hockey player who is making a name for himself in the professional leagues. He is currently playing with the Fischtown Pinguins in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, which is the top professional ice hockey league in Germany.
Urbas has been playing professionally since 2012 when he started with the KHL Medveščak Zagreb. Since then, he has played in the DEL and the Austrian Hockey League and is now making a name for himself in Germany’s top league.
He has been a consistent performer throughout his career and is known for his work ethic and leadership. He is a fierce competitor who never gives up and always puts the team first. His skill and determination have earned him a lot of respect from his peers and coaches.
Urbas is an important member of the Fischtown Pinguins, and he plays a key role in the team’s success. Jan Urbas is proof that hard work and dedication can take you far in the sport of ice hockey.
He is a great example for aspiring young players and is a leader on and off the ice. He is showing no signs of slowing down and will continue to be a force in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga for a long time to come.
3. Robert Sabolič
Robert Sabolič is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He is currently playing for EC VSV in the ICE Hockey League.
Sabolič has also been an integral part of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team, having represented his country at several IIHF World Championships. Prior to joining EC VSV, Sabolič had a successful stint with the Swedish team Södertälje.
His time with the Swedish team saw him achieve some impressive results, which has no doubt helped him in his current role with EC VSV. Sabolič is an experienced player who is well-versed in the game of ice hockey and a valuable asset to his team.
4. Žiga Jeglič
Žiga Jeglič is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He is currently playing for Fischtown Pinguins, a team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). This is the highest level of ice hockey in Germany. Jeglič is also a member of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team.
He has been playing for the team since 2011 and has represented Slovenia in various international tournaments such as the World Championships and the Olympics.
Jeglič is a talented player with a lot of promise, and his contributions to the Slovenian national team have been invaluable. He is a highly respected player both in Slovenia and Germany and is an inspirational figure for aspiring ice hockey players in both countries.
5. Ken Ograjenšek
Ken Ograjenšek is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia currently playing for the Graz99ers of the ICE Hockey League. He began his career playing two seasons in the French Ligue Magnus with Dauphins d’Épinal before returning to the EBEL in 2016.
On July 4th of that year, Ograjenšek signed a two-year contract with the Graz99ers, ensuring his presence in the league for the foreseeable future. Since then, he has been an important part of the team, contributing to its success in the league.
Ograjenšek is a talented and experienced player, and his presence in the Graz99ers is undoubtedly an asset to the team.
6. Žiga Pavlin
Žiga Pavlin is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He is currently without a team and is a free agent.
Pavlin has represented his country on the world stage, playing for the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team in numerous International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships.
During these tournaments, he has helped to further demonstrate the strength of Slovenian ice hockey on the global stage. Pavlin has been playing professionally for many years, and during that time he has earned a great deal of respect from his peers.
His skill and experience has been invaluable to the Slovenian national team, and he has been instrumental in helping them achieve success in the IIHF World Championships.
His contributions have been appreciated by his teammates and coaches, and he has become an important part of the team’s culture. Pavlin is an example of what a professional and dedicated ice hockey player should be.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring young players, and his example serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success in any field. Pavlin is a great example of how a player can make a lasting impact on his team, both on and off the ice.
7. Rok Tičar
Rok Tičar is an accomplished Slovenian ice hockey player who has been playing for Klagenfurt Athletic Sports Club in the ICE Hockey League since 2021.
He is well known for his participation in the IIHF World Championships, representing the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team. His impressive record has earned him a place in the team for the 2021 Championships. Throughout his career, Tičar has achieved several notable feats.
He competed in the 2020 IIHF World Championship Division I, helping his team secure a top-three finish in the tournament.
In addition, he was also part of the Slovenian team that captured the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship Division I.Tičar is recognized for his exceptional talent on the ice, where he has continued to demonstrate his skill and determination.
His commitment to the sport of ice hockey has made him a role model for aspiring hockey players in Slovenia and beyond. He is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in sports.
8. Miha Štebih
Miha Štebih is a Slovenian professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing in two leagues – the Polish Hockey League and the Slovenian national team.
He is a very experienced player, having represented Slovenia in international tournaments.Štebih has been playing with Cracovia in the Polish Hockey League since the 2016–17 season. Prior to that, he had played for several teams in Slovenia.
He was part of the Slovenian national team at the prestigious 2015 IIHF World Championship. This tournament brought together teams from all over the world and featured some of the world’s best players.
His performance at the tournament was impressive, helping his team to a fourth-place finish.Štebih has continued to show his skill on the ice, becoming an integral part of the Slovenian national team.
His leadership and experience have been invaluable for the team, and he has been an important part of their international success. As he continues to develop and hone his skills, Štebih can be expected to remain a key player in the Slovenian national team for years to come.
9. Luka Gračnar
Luka Gračnar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Eispiraten Crimmitschau of the DEL2, a German ice hockey league.
He has also represented his home country, Slovenia, in the 2013 IIHF World Championship, an international ice hockey tournament held annually. Gračnar is an experienced goaltender, having played in both professional and international hockey.
He has gained recognition for his skill and dedication as a goaltender, and been praised for his ability to make difficult saves and keep his opponents from scoring.
His performance at the 2013 IIHF World Championship was particularly impressive, as his efforts helped Team Slovenia to a respectable showing in the tournament. Gračnar has been praised for his leadership and poise in the net and has demonstrated a strong understanding of the game.
He is a reliable goaltender who is capable of making crucial saves when needed. He has also developed a reputation for being a strong competitor, always working hard to help his team get the win.
Overall, Luka Gračnar is a talented and experienced professional ice hockey goaltender who has achieved success in both the professional and international arenas. His strong work ethic and skill have earned him recognition and praise from his peers and coaches alike.
He has shown a commitment to excellence and a dedication to his team, and will no doubt continue to be a valuable asset for Eispiraten Crimmitschau and Team Slovenia in the future.
10. Matic Podlipnik
Matic Podlipnik is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He plays the position of defenseman, which is an important role in the game of hockey. Defensemen’s primary responsibility is to prevent the opposition from scoring.
Podlipnik is currently a free agent, meaning he is not contracted to any team. Free agency is a period in which a player is able to negotiate with teams to sign a contract. During this period, teams can contact players and offer contracts to them.
If a player accepts the offer, they will sign a contract and become part of the team. Podlipnik is currently taking advantage of this period to explore his options and find the best team for him.
Podlipnik has not yet announced his decision, and it is unclear when he will make a decision about his future. He is sure to have a lot of teams interested in his services, as he is a talented and experienced defenseman.
It will be interesting to see which team he chooses to join and how he will contribute to their success.
11. Žiga Pance
Žiga Pance is a Slovenian professional ice hockey forward who is making a splash in the ICE Hockey League. He is currently competing with HK Olimpija, and he has been a member of the Slovenia men’s national team for a number of years.
Pance has represented Slovenia in several International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships, making a mark on the international ice hockey scene. Pance has had a decorated career in the sport.
He has been a regular member of the Slovenian national team since his debut in the 2006 IIHF World Championships. Since then, he has gone on to compete in a total of 6 World Championships, as well as several other international tournaments.
He has been a key contributor to the team’s success, helping them to a number of respectable international finishes. At the club level, Pance has also made a name for himself. He began his professional career with HK Olimpija in 2008, and he has been with the team ever since.
He has been a consistent contributor to the team’s success, helping them to a number of trophies and titles over the years. Žiga Pance is an impressive ice hockey player who is making a name for himself both at the club and national level.
His dedication to the sport and his strong performance in the ICE Hockey League have earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
He is a valuable asset to both HK Olimpija and the Slovenia men’s national team, and his presence on the ice is sure to be felt in the years to come.
12. Gasper Kroselj
Gašper Krošelj is a Slovenian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for BK Mladá Boleslav of the Czech Extraliga. He has been an integral part of the team since the 2018-2019 season. Krošelj has an impressive track record of international tournaments and events.
He was part of the Slovenian national team at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where he achieved the distinction of picking up one clean sheet. He also competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics, which is an impressive achievement in itself.
Krošelj has been a consistent performer for BK Mladá Boleslav over the years, and his continued presence in the Czech Extraliga has been a major asset to the team.
His professionalism and dedication to the game have been evident throughout his career, and he has proven to be an invaluable asset for the team.
13. Blaž Gregorc
Blaž Gregorc is a Slovenian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He is a player who has been involved in the sport for a long time, having most recently played for Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
He has also represented his country, Slovenia, at the 2011 IIHF World Championship as a member of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team. Gregorc has played for a number of teams in his career, including the Augsburger Panther of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
He has also been an integral part of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team, participating in the 2011 IIHF World Championship.
His presence on the team was an important factor in their success in the tournament. Gregorc is an experienced player who has been involved in the sport for many years.
His skillset and knowledge of the game have been instrumental for a number of teams he has played for, and he has been an important asset to the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team.
His experience and leadership have been valuable to his team and have helped them to be successful. Gregorc is currently an unrestricted free agent, which means that any team is allowed to seek his services.
He is a talented player who is sure to be an asset to any team that signs him. With his experience, leadership, and skill, he is sure to be a valuable addition to any team that is lucky enough to secure his services.
14. Aleksandar Magovac
Aleksandar Magovac is a Slovenian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing in Slovenia for HK Olimpija of the ICE Hockey League.
He has been playing professional hockey since 2010 and has played for various teams in Slovenia and other European countries. Magovac began his professional career in 2010 with HDD Olimpija, which is based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
He played for the team for two seasons before moving to HC Asiago in Italy. He then returned to Slovenia and joined HK Olimpija. He has been playing for this team since 2017. Magovac is currently part of the ICE Hockey League, which is the top tier of ice hockey in Slovenia.
He plays in the forward position and is known for his strong defensive play.
He is also one of the top players in the league and is considered one of the best Slovenian players in the league. Aleksandar Magovac is a highly experienced player who has been playing professional hockey for a decade.
His experience and talent have made him a valuable asset to his team and to the league. He is an important part of the team and helps lead them to success each season.
15. Jan Muršak
Jan Muršak is a Slovenian ice hockey player who currently plays for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League. He began his career in Slovenia with HDK Maribor, a team he spent several seasons with before moving on to the Czech junior league.
After playing one season in the Czech league, Muršak returned to Slovenia and resumed his career with HDK Maribor. After a few successful seasons, he was offered a chance to join Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League.
Since then, Muršak has become a valuable member of the team, playing an important role in their successes. He has also represented Slovenia at the international level, competing in the World Junior Championships and other tournaments.
Muršak’s career is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in the world of ice hockey.
16. Greg Kuznik
Gregory Kuznik is a former professional ice hockey player who was born in Canada but has Slovene ancestry. He was selected by the Hartford Whalers, an NHL team, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, with the 171st pick.
During the 2000–01 NHL season, he was given the opportunity to play a single game for the Carolina Hurricanes. This was his only appearance in an NHL game, and he was unable to make a lasting impression with the team. His career in professional hockey ended shortly thereafter.
17. Marcel Rodman
Marcel Rodman is a retired professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He was a forward in the sport, playing in the offensive end of the ice.
His career spanned a number of teams in Europe and North America, and he is considered one of the most talented Slovenian players ever to have graced the ice.
Rodman was known for his skillful passing and dynamic scoring ability, often creating scoring opportunities with his speed and agility. He was also a strong team player, known for his leadership and ability to motivate his teammates.
After his career ended in 2010, Rodman became an ambassador for Slovenian hockey, appearing in promotions and speaking to young players. He is looked up to by many young hockey players in Slovenia, and his legacy continues to live on.
18. David Rodman
David Rodman is a Slovenian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for DVTK Jegesmedvék in the Tipsport Liga of Slovakia. Before joining DVTK Jegesmedvék, Rodman had a stint with the Graz99ers of the EBEL during the 2014–15 season.
In January 2015, he switched teams and signed with IK Oskarshamn of the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan. Rodman’s contributions to his teams have been substantial, leading to many of his teams’ successes over the years.
He has a steady presence on the ice, making him a reliable player for any team. With his experience and skill, David Rodman is an asset to any team he plays for.
19. Edo Terglav
Edo Terglav is a Slovenian former professional ice hockey player who played as a right winger. He made history when he was selected 249th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first Slovenian ever to be selected in an NHL Entry Draft.
This was a major achievement for Terglav and a huge milestone for Slovenian ice hockey, as it showed that players from the country could compete at the highest level of the sport. Terglav’s selection marked the beginning of a new era for Slovenian hockey, and it opened up the possibility for other Slovenian players to be drafted in the NHL.
Although Terglav wasn’t able to make the transition to the NHL, his selection was a major step forward for Slovenian hockey and it demonstrated that the country’s players could play at the highest level.
Since Terglav’s selection, several other Slovenian players have been drafted into the NHL. His selection was a major breakthrough for the sport in Slovenia and it has helped to raise the profile of the country’s hockey players.
Terglav’s achievement is still remembered and celebrated by hockey fans in Slovenia, and it stands as a testament to the fact that players from the country can compete at the highest level.
20. Tomaž Razingar
Tomaž Razingar is a retired Slovenian professional ice hockey player. He played the position of a winger during his career. He was a member of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team and competed at several IIHF World Championships.
He was an important part of the team, helping them to achieve success on the international stage. Razingar was a highly respected player in Slovenia, having played for several clubs throughout his career.
He was renowned for his skill and commitment to the game, often putting in extra effort to help his team succeed. After his retirement, he was praised for his contributions to the sport and was inducted into the Slovenian Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.
He is remembered fondly by Slovenian fans and is considered a national hero.
21. Aleš Kranjc
Aleš Kranjc is an accomplished ice hockey player from Slovenia. He is currently playing for EV Lindau Islanders in the southern division of the German Oberliga, which is the third tier of the German ice hockey league.
He has represented Slovenia at various International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships as a member of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team. Kranjc has also had a successful career in the Slovenian league, winning several championships and awards.
His impressive hockey skills have been recognized in both Slovenia and Germany. He is a dedicated and talented player who is committed to helping his team reach its full potential.
22. Aleš Mušič
Aleš Mušič is a Slovenian professional hockey player who currently plays for the Fehérvár AV19 team. He is a winger, meaning he is responsible for taking the puck down the ice and creating offensive opportunities for his team.
In addition to his club career, Mušič has also represented Slovenia in international competitions. He has competed in several IIHF World Championships as a member of the Slovenian men’s national ice hockey team.
Mušič’s performances in these tournaments have been exemplary, as he has helped lead his team to several victories and has been a consistent contributor to their success. In addition to his international career, Mušič has also had success in other leagues around the world.
He has been a part of successful teams in the Slovak Extraliga, the Austrian Ice Hockey League, and the Swedish Hockey Allsvenskan. Mušič’s versatility and skill make him a valuable asset to any team, whether it be at the international or club level.
23. Andrej Hebar
Andrej Hebar is a Slovenian professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing with Újpesti TE in the Erste Liga.
He was part of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team that participated in the 2011 IIHF World Championship.Heber began playing ice hockey in his native Slovenia and has since gone on to become a professional player.
He has been a member of the Slovenia men’s national team since 2011 and has been a key contributor to the team’s success.
He was a member of the team that participated in the 2011 IIHF World Championship and helped them to a respectable seventh-place finish. Hebar has since become a mainstay in the Erste Liga, where he plays for Újpesti TE.
He is a versatile player, often playing in the defensive zone as well as the offensive zone. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and he has been a key factor in their success. Hebar is dedicated and driven to succeed.
He is constantly striving to improve his game and become the best player he can be. He is a role model for younger players in his native Slovenia, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
His accomplishments on the ice have been impressive, and he is sure to continue to be a valuable member of the Slovenian national team for years to come.
24. Ernest Aljančič Jr.
Ernest “Nestl” Aljančič was an influential figure in the world of ice hockey. He was a Slovenian ice hockey player, and he also had a successful career as an ice hockey official. As a player, he was known for his speed, agility, and determination on the ice.
He always had a passion for the sport and was committed to bringing it to his home country of Slovenia. After his playing career, Aljančič stayed involved in the game by becoming an ice hockey official.
He was a part of the Slovenian Ice Hockey Association for several years, and he was also the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation from 1984 to 1988.
During his time as president, he worked to promote the game globally, encouraging the growth of the sport in new countries. Aljančič was also an important figure in the international ice hockey community, serving on the International Olympic Committee from 1981 to 1984.
He was also a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Hall of Fame, an honor given to those who have made a significant impact on the game. Ernest “Nestl” Aljančič was an important figure in the world of ice hockey.
He was a successful player and official, and his influence helped to grow the sport internationally. He left a lasting legacy in the ice hockey world that will be remembered for years to come.
25. Stan Reddick
Stanley “Smokey” Otis Reddick is a renowned former Canadian ice hockey goaltender. He was an important part of the Canadian hockey scene for many years and will always be remembered as a great player.
He was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and first started playing hockey at the age of 12. He quickly developed a strong skill set for the position of goaltender and by the age of 15 he was playing in the Junior Hockey League.
He continued to develop and hone his skills over the years and eventually made his way up to the professional level. At the peak of his career, he was playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL.
During his time there, he was a part of two Stanley Cup winning teams and was considered one of the best goaltenders in the league. He retired from the NHL in 1984 after having a long and successful career.
After his retirement, Stanley “Smokey” Otis Reddick devoted his time to coaching and mentoring young hockey players. He was the goaltending coach for the University of Manitoba Bisons for several seasons and even served as an assistant coach for the Canadian National team.
He is a respected figure in Canadian hockey and is remembered as one of the great goaltenders of his time.
26. Štefan Seme
Štefan Seme is a Slovenian ice hockey player who made a name for himself in the sport. He is best known for his participation in the men’s tournament at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
This was a major event that took place in Sapporo, Japan. Seme was part of the Yugoslavian team that competed in the tournament. He was a key player and helped the team reach the quarterfinals, where they eventually lost to Czechoslovakia.
Despite this loss, Seme was still able to make a name for himself and his performance at the tournament was highly regarded. Seme continued to be an active ice hockey player even after the 1972 tournament.
He played professionally in the Yugoslav Hockey League, where he was an important part of his team’s success. He also represented his country in a number of international competitions.Štefan Seme is an important figure in Slovenian ice hockey.
His performance at the 1972 Olympics helped put Slovenia on the map in the sport. He is also remembered for his dedication to the game and his commitment to helping his team succeed. He is a true inspiration to all aspiring ice hockey players in Slovenia.
27. Bogdan Jakopič
Bogdan Jakopič was an ice hockey player from the former Yugoslavia. He is remembered for his contributions to the sport and his participation in international competitions.
Jakopič was part of the Yugoslavia men’s national ice hockey team that competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
This was the first time Yugoslavia had competed in the Olympics since the nation was formed in 1945. Jakopič was a standout player during his time with the Yugoslavian team. He was known for his strong skating ability, great passing, and smart tactical decisions.
He was also noted for his leadership skills, which helped motivate and inspire his teammates. At the 1976 Winter Olympics, Jakopič and the Yugoslavian team played well but ultimately failed to medal.
Despite this, Jakopič’s performance was highly praised and he was later inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 1998. Bogdan Jakopič is remembered as one of Yugoslavia’s most talented and influential ice hockey players.
His accomplishments on the international stage have been recognized and honored, and his legacy continues to live on in the sport today.
28. Rudolf Knez
Rudolf Knez was a highly accomplished ice hockey player, hailing from Slovenia. He made two appearances in the Olympics, firstly in the 1968 Winter Olympics, and then again in 1972. After a long and successful career, Rudolf Knez passed away on 5 August 2022 at the age of 77.
Knez was an icon of Slovenian ice hockey, and his presence was felt at both the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics. During his time in the Olympics, he showcased his talent as an ice hockey player and was highly respected amongst his peers.
He was known for his tactical play, and his ability to move the puck around the ice with ease. Knez spent a considerable amount of time in the public eye, and his career was well documented. He was admired by fans and players alike and was a role model for the sport.
He will be remembered for his achievements, both on and off the ice. Even after his death, his legacy lives on and his name will be remembered by ice hockey fans all over the world. Rudolf Knez was a true pioneer in the sport of ice hockey.
With his performances in the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics, he firmly cemented his place in the hearts and minds of ice hockey fans, and will forever be remembered as a great athlete and a beloved figure in the ice hockey community.
29. Toni Tišlar
Toni Tislar is an accomplished athlete from Slovenia. He was a professional ice hockey player for many years before retiring from the sport. Tislar played in many European leagues, including the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) and the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL).
He was also a member of the Slovenian national ice hockey team, which he represented at multiple international tournaments. Throughout his long career, Tislar was recognized for his outstanding skills on the ice.
He had a strong presence on the ice, often leading his teams to success. He was known for his ability to read the game well and make smart decisions in both offensive and defensive situations.
He was also a great team player, often working with his teammates to create scoring opportunities. Tislar’s impact on the game of hockey was not limited to his playing career. He has also served as a coach for many of the Slovenian teams.
He has been credited for helping to develop a new generation of ice hockey players in the country.
Tislar has also been involved in various charity efforts, including helping to build an ice rink in his home village. Toni Tislar is an example of a successful and dedicated athlete. His success in this sport is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence.
His career in ice hockey will continue to be an inspiration to many players and fans alike.
30. Matjaž Kopitar
Matjaž Kopitar is a well-known figure in the world of ice hockey. He is a former professional ice hockey player from Slovenia who has achieved great success in the sport.
As a player, he was known for his defensive prowess, and his abilities as a leader and mentor on the ice. Not only did Matjaž have a successful career as a professional hockey player, but he has also left his mark on the sport in another way.
He is the father of two sons, Gašper and Anže Kopitar, who are both professional ice hockey players.
Both of his sons have had successful careers in the NHL, with Gašper currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings, and Anže playing for the Washington Capitals. As a father, Matjaž has been a major influence in his sons’ lives.
He has acted as a mentor and coach to them, providing them with guidance and advice throughout their careers.
He has also been a strong supporter of their successes and has been present at their games to cheer them on. Matjaž Kopitar is a respected figure in the ice hockey community.
He is a former professional player who paved the way for his sons to have successful careers in the NHL and is a great example of the impact a father can have on his children’s lives.
31. Mitja Robar
Mitja Robar is a well-known retired Slovenian ice hockey player. He began his professional career with the Slovenian club HK Olimpija in 2000 and went on to play for several other clubs such as HK Acroni Jesenice, SIJ Acroni Jesenice and KHL Medveščak Zagreb.
During his career, he won two Slovenian championships with Acroni Jesenice in 2003 and 2004. He also represented Slovenia at the World Championships from 2001 to 2011. Robar was a standout forward who was known for his defensive play, physicality, and determination.
He was named the Slovenian Player of the Year in 2005 and he was a three-time Slovenian All-Star. In 2011, he was named the Slovenian Player of the Decade. He was also the first Slovenian player to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Robar retired from professional hockey in 2015, after 15 years of playing in the top leagues of Europe. He is now involved in various sports-related activities and serves as an ambassador for Slovenian hockey.
He is a respected figure in his country and is remembered for his outstanding achievements in hockey.
32. Nik Zupančič
Nik Zupančič is a former professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He was born in 1966 and began playing in the Slovenian Professional Hockey League in 1983.
After playing several seasons in the Slovenian league, Zupančič decided to take his career to the international level. He played for several teams in the German professional hockey league and eventually moved to the United States to play in the American Hockey League.
He played for the Binghamton Rangers, the Cleveland Lumberjacks, and the Syracuse Crunch. During his career, he earned several awards and accolades, including being named the MVP of the Slovenian national team in 1998.
Zupančič retired from professional hockey in 2003 after a successful career. Since his retirement, he has been involved with the Slovenian hockey program, assisting with coaching, development, and the promotion of the sport in his home country.
He is also a frequent guest at international hockey tournaments in Europe and North America. His legacy as a Slovenian hockey player lives on, and he is a great example of the hard work and dedication that is needed to be a successful hockey player.
33. Andrej Tavželj
Andrej Tavželj is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He is currently playing for HDD Jesenice, a team in the Alps Hockey League. Tavželj also participated in the 2011 IIHF World Championship as part of the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team.
During the tournament he was a key contributor, helping the team to a fourth place finish. This was a historic accomplishment for the team, as it was the first time they had ever made it to the top division of the tournament.
Tavželj has continued to be an important player for the Slovenian team and is viewed as an important leader both on and off the ice. He has also been involved in several charities and initiatives related to ice hockey in Slovenia.
This makes him a true ambassador for the sport in his home country.
34. Boštjan Goličič
Boštjan Goličič is a professional ice hockey player from Slovenia. He currently plays forward for Boxers de Bordeaux, a team in the Ligue Magnus. He is the brother of fellow ice hockey player, Jurij Goličič.
Boštjan has participated in multiple IIHF World Championships with the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team. This includes events such as the World U20 Championship, World Championship Division I, and World Championship Division II.
Boštjan has proven to be an asset to the Slovenian team, as he has helped them to achieve success in various tournaments. Boštjan’s skill and dedication to the sport is a major reason why the Slovenian ice hockey team has done so well.
He is a great role model for other athletes and an inspiration for the Slovenian ice hockey community.
35. Robert Kristan
Robert Kristan is a professional ice hockey goaltender from Slovenia. He currently plays for the HK Olimpija team in the Alps Hockey League. The Alps Hockey League is the top-tier league in the country, featuring teams from Austria, Italy, and Slovenia.
Robert has been playing in this league since he was a junior and has been a reliable goaltender for his team. He is a highly experienced goalie, having played for both the Slovenian National Team and many clubs in the Alps Hockey League.
His impressive skills have made him a highly sought-after player, and he is respected among his peers. Robert is an important part of the HK Olimpija squad, and they rely on his skill and experience to help them win games.
He is a valuable asset to the team and is an important leader in the locker room.
Conclusion
The best ice hockey players in Slovenia are a testament to the country’s dedication to the sport. Their skill, hard work, and commitment to the game have made them some of the best players in the world.
They continue to impress both on and off the ice and have helped Slovenia become one of the premier ice hockey nations in Europe.
