GAME 4 OLL VS HCP

GAME 4 MATCH REPORT 

OLL 2-1 HCP

UNBEATEN STREAK CONTINUES THANKS TO ELECTRIC THIRD PERIOD

Olimpija are one of only three teams whose results look like WWWW. If not for a sparkling third period, this would not have been the case. The first two periods were a real throwback to early last season, with powerplay after powerplay going down the drain and very little going on offensively. Mercifully, just like last season's team, they flipped a switch in the 3rd period and got the win.

Stars of the game

* Lukaš Horak - I don't just follow the team's Instagram vote or MVP choice post-game, but he did have 72% of the former and won the latter. The best goalie in the league, no contest. Post-game belly flops on the ice just the cherry on top of yet another dazzling display. The only reason he didn't have the shutout was due to a dodgy overturned call on a clear high stick.

** Blaž Tomaževič (1G) - Finally got his name on the scoresheet as a reward for all his hard work. The 2nd line and 2nd pairing are the only units not to have seen any changes due to illness or injury so far this season, so it should be no surprise that they are gelling well together. Tomaževič has been a revelation as the 2nd line centre. His powerful physical play helps glue together the more finesse-based Mahkovec and Kapel, but he showed his own finesse with a delicious deflection goal.

*** Aljoša Crnović - I feel he is so underrated, even by his own coaching staff. His skating is such an asset and he combines being a penalty killer with being a real offensive threat and playmaker. I know I like his play more than most will, but I am content to be biased here.

Honorable mentions: Bičevskis and Hebar, see below...

Lineup

The team's PR announced post-game that Mašič and Ćosić were both out ill, whilst the severity of Kerbashian's knee injury is still to be determined. Hebar came in on the top pairing and did an admirable job. He combined with Bičevskis, who resumed his role from last year as top line centre and poked in Hebar's rebound goal. This ended up being the game winner. Simšič was the 3C, centring Mehle and a returning Zajc.

Game flow

P1

8:31 - PENALTY ON HCP - 2 minutes for interference (slapped down Hebar's stick). Couple of SOGs but nothing dangerous.

3:55 - PENALTY ON OLL - 2 minutes for slashing on Tomaževič after a Horak save.

P2

18:16 PENALTY ON HCP - trip. 2 SOGs, nearly concede to the player coming out of the box.

11:29 PENALTY ON HCP - 4 minute double minor for roughing and some 'afters'. Simšič had pushed the guy beforehand, but within the rules, and the diminutive Italian did it back illegally. One SOG, looking quite discombobulated. Obviously, HCP are getting a lot of penalty killing practice here, but we should really be doing better with all these powerplays. One shot on a 4 minute double minor is just painful.

7:05 Smash Attack - Sodja can't convert on a 4th line triple forward play. The lights go off, which is representative of the play at the moment. Clearly, HCP are defending well, but we are not creating anything thus far. HCP are getting a lot of quality shots onto Horak, though. Like last season, Horak is having to bail out the team for their lack of offense.

P3 

18:31 GOAL - PAVLIN'S SHOT GETS DEFLECTED IN BY TOMAŽEVIČ

1-0

Mahkovec secondary assist.

16:24 GOAL - HEBAR'S SHOT REBOUNDS AND BIČEVSKIS BACKHANDS IT IN 

2-0

Sabolič secondary assist.

Look what happens when you 'put the puck on net' instead of endless and listless passing!!!

The crowd's vocal cords have certainly been given a workout with some long goalscorer names tonight!

5:48 GOAL - HCP - BUT CALLED OFF FOR HIGH STICK. VIDEO REVIEW OVERTURNS THIS VERDICT AND IT'S A GOOD GOAL.

2-1

Certainly looked like a high stick to me; the Italians shouldn't have been allowed to swarm the referees like they did... The Mission Impossible theme tune was a great touch on the video review.

3:34 PENALTY ON HCP - Sodja draws his 4th penalty in two games, interference after a player upended him off the puck.

ENDS 2-1 - lots of hugs for Ege and Atwal, former HCP players.

0/4 PP 

1/1 PK

Final thoughts

Being 4-0 on the season feels like a dream. However, the sight of Kerbashian in the VIP box reminded us of the potential nightmare scenario that we lose him for the season. The turgid first two periods were a reminder of what life without an elite first line centre looks like. I don't want to take anything away from Bičevskis, who played well, but he is more of a defensive centre than an offensive creator like Kerbashian. We will have to keep praying it is not a season-ending injury for him when more scans get done.

We did so well without him, Mašič and Ćosić. Lovely to see some good squad depth. Let's hope the top guys come back and get well soon!

GAME 3 MATCH REPORT - OLL VS ASIAGO

GAME 3 - OLL VS ASIAGO

2-1

OLIMPIJA REMAIN UNBEATEN, BUT IT COMES AT A COST 

Olimpija ground out a win tonight against an improved Asiago team. The usual excellent play from Horak kept them in it while Asiago repeatedly cut through our defensive zone, before Pance single-handedly got us back level at 1-1 and Ege forced in the winner. Kerbashian going down with a nasty-looking knee injury was shellshocking. If he is out long term, it changes the outlook of our season pretty significantly. Prayers up that it's only along the lines of an MCL sprain rather than any tears. There was another injury even earlier than that, when on the first action of the game the puck flew way back into the West stand and hit a young boy in the face. Wishing him a speedy recovery, too! Make sure you're watching the puck, people!

Stars of the game

* Žiga Pance (1G) - his brilliant interception and 5-hole goal sparked some life back into the team and led to the eventual victory, where he was the one corralling the puck at the very end with 6 on 5 pressure from the visitors.

** Lukaš Horak - I doubt Horak will go much lower than 2nd star or above this season. His outstanding efforts kept Olimpija in the game while nothing was going on at the other end. Without him, we lose this pretty convincingly.

*** Wyatt Ege (1G) - really nice to see Ege make a mark on the game tonight. He was frequently joining the rush and scored his goal at the net-front, all the while making key interceptions in the defensive zone.

Honorable mention: Sabolič looked dangerous on his debut, with an assist to show for it. 

Lineup

Zajc and Mašič were both out - I was at training on Thursday and Zajc seemed to be limited, but not Mašič. Do they even release injury information in this league?

Sabolič started as the first line left wing, moving Simšič down to the 3rd. Ćosić took over the first pairing role with Atwal. Crnović rejoined his old partner Pavlin on the 3rd pairing, with Rožle Bohinc the 7th D-man. Apart from letting Asiago walk right in on their goal, he looked good in the small doses we saw of him. 

Kumanović was the 13th forward, and he joined Mehle and Bičevskis on the 3rd line after Simšič moved up to take over Kerbashian's 1st line centre role. He was active and that line seemed energetic, even if they didn't get too much going.

Game flow breakdown

P1

PEN on Asiago for (didn't hear)

Asiago SCORE 0-1

Kerbashian injured

PEN on Sabolič for goalie interference

PEN on Asiago for hooking Pavlin, 4 on 4 for 1:39

P2

Pance SCORES 1-1 

Smash Attack - no burgers this week.

PEN on Asiago for slashing 

P3

Asiago hit the post

Ege SCORES 2-1 

PEN on Asiago, Sodja tripped

PEN on Asiago, Sodja tripped again

Asiago go empty net for 6 on 5

END

Big Moments / Game Notes

P1

After a pretty lacklustre clapping of players coming out of the tunnel, the first action of the game ends up high in the West stands and hits a young boy, who gets medical attention. Best wishes to him!

18 - penalty on Asiago. PP1 sees Sabolič come in for Simšič.

PP1 - Atwal, Sabolič, Tomaževič, Kerbashian, Lavoie

PP2 - Crnović, Mahkovec, Ege, Kapel, Bičevskis.

PP3 - Pavlin, Pance, Sodja, Beričič, Ege

PP2 gets a shot on goal, PP3 has a good chance across the net. PENALTY KILLED OFF.

15 Pavlin gets a bloody nose off an Asiago player.

GOAL ASIAGO - Bohinc lets Asiago walk right in and stab it around Horak. 0-1 

14 Immediate response with Sabolič, good chance blocked. Atwal does a nice spinarama move and his shot is blocked, too.

13 Horak glove save.

12 PENALTY ON ASIAGO - Sodja tripped. Kerbashian fans on one, Lavoie then breaks his stick. Sabolič nearly squeezes one through the 5-hole. Kerbashian misses, Lavoie can't control it. Kerbashian goes to twist and shoot powerfully, but goes down clutching his left knee and writhing in pain. Desperately hope he is ok, but it didn't look good.

Ćosić, Ege, Bičevskis, Kapel and Mahkovec are out. We are not clean enough on our one-timers to make an impact. 

9 Pance has a shot on goal, Bohinc is out with Atwal on the first pair.

6 A well-worked three-way passing attack comes to nothing.

PENALTY ON SABOLIČ - GOALIE INTERFERENCE. Quite soft, the goalie still saved it and looked to be out of his blue area. Sabolič not happy.

PK1 is Bičevskis, Pance, Crnović and Pavlin. Last year's PP1 pair of defenders back together again!

Kumanović and Mehle on 3rd line with Bičevskis. Horak saves.

PENALTY ON ASIAGO - HOOK ON PAVLIN. 1:39 into their powerplay, they make it 4 on 4.

Tomaževič, Mahkovec, Gregorc and Ege out for the 4 on 4. 

4 Good Horak save and better Ćosić hit.

Sabolič comes straight out of the box for a great chance driving to the net, well-saved by Asiago's goalie. Atwal and Sabolič shots on goal, Asiago keeper does well again.

2 Kumanović with a lovely backhand dish across to Mehle, who can't connect. Horak with a big sprawling save off a rush at the other end, followed by a glove save. Horak isn't happy with his defenders.

0 We're letting Asiago skate right through us in the defensive zone, while without Kerbashian we are being kept to the outside in their zone.

END P1

Interval - Olimpija, Bled and Slavija juniors take penalties against each other.

P2 

19 Lavoie goes well wide with his shot, followed by Kapel saved. Horak saves at the other end 

18 Ege with a massive interception on a 2 on 1.

17 Bičevskis with a big hit into the boards, but leaves him offsides. 2nd puck over the glass, this time lower down in the West. 

16 Ege with a good cross-goal pass, but no connection.

15 Horak with a glove save and another pad save off the resulting faceoff. Bohinc with a nice hit.

Messy sequence of a giveaway, Atwal interception and Tomaževič squandering the chance at the other end.

Gregorc and Ege do well in the net-front battle. 

13 Pance's net-front chance saved. Quite sloppy at the moment, until...

12 PANCE SCORES - he intercepts a defender's pass out from behind the net and Pance pounces with a 5-hole screamer to get the crowd and team going! 1-1

12 Horak blocker save.

11 Ege shot glove saved.

Tomaževič's juicy-looking assist gets blocked well.

9 Sabolič hits the right post.

8 Kapel shot on goal. We are trying to do too much in terms of passing around the offensive zone instead of getting the 'puck on net', as the Canadians always say.

7 Horak save.

SMASH ATTACK - 'gremo burger' - to no avail. Sabolič serves up one for Lavoie, but it sloshes wide. Asiago look more likely to score, but thankfully they do not - Horak glove save.

Kapel breaks away but it's offside.

5 Atwal fans on a slapshot.

4 Ege loses it behind the net, Beričič bails him out with an interception.

3 Pavlin SOG, Crnović's shot deflects wide.

2 PENALTY ON ASIAGO FOR SLASHING

PP1 = 12, 55, 19, 98, 20.

Asiago clear their zone 4 times and keep us out wide and ineffective. Synergy obviously affected by Kerbashian being out (we lack a lot of play-driving and puck-carrying as a result).

0 Crnović with some trademark swooping skating, opening up a chance around the offensive zone that doesn't get converted.

END P2

P3

19 Ćosićs shot blocked, sharp chance down other end.

18 Pavlin to Mehle net-front - goes over the bar.

16 Pance punishes Asiago player for hacking away at Horak.

Lavoie too ambitious with his cross-ice passing, two Asiago players are easily there to intercept.

15 Asiago hit the right post.

13 Pad save from Horak.

12 EGE SCORES - Sabolič and Tomaževič on the assists. Blaž shoots and Ege has two goes net-front to shovel it in. His machine gun celebration on the screen goes down very well in the crowd.

10 Sabolič has an impressive net drive saved. Horak saves off the rush.

8 PENALTY ON ASIAGO Sodja tripped again. Asiago have possession for 30s. Sabolič SOG pad saved. Tomaževič has a great chance but can't elevate the puck over the falling goalie. 

6 We are doing too much again. As the old men sitting behind me say, SHOOT!

5 Sabolič to Simšič with a scintillating pass, shot is aved.

3 PENALTY ON ASIAGO is this Sodja tripped for the third time?! The man is out here winning powerplays like there is no tomorrow! Sadly, we are back to our old ways with a fat 0% conversion rate.

2 Sabolič sharpshot.

1 Ege fans on an empty net chance. Asiago's coach (probably rightly) is incensed at a no-call on a trip.

END P3

Final thoughts

5 powerplays, 0 PPGs. Ouch. Still, a win is a win, especially with a strengthened Asiago team and a lack of three star players for us (Zajc and Mašič pregame, Kerbashian mid-game). We will have to wait for the MRI results with bated breath, if the team will even announce anything. Safe to say Kerbashian won't be playing on Sunday, at the very least. Tomaževič could move up to the top line, but they may just keep Simšič there. Pustertal beat Innsbruck pretty convincingly, so it will be a tough revenge game for the playoffs last year, as well as for Atwal and Ege.

GAME 2 MATCH REPORT - KAC VS OLL

HUGE 3-4 OT WIN IN KLAGENFURT

What a sea-change we have witnessed here. Our last time at KAC, we got destroyed 8-1 (I was there to witness it...). Last game, we had 0% powerplay and 0% penalty kill. Today, we win 3-4 in OT and go 100% on the PP (2/2) and 100% on the PK (2/2). Let's give the coaching staff their dues here - I was ready to settle in for another season of poor special teams play. Instead, we go perfect against the regular season leaders from last year. Magnificent stuff!

Stars of the game

* Kale Kerbashian - 1G 1A - Game winning goal in OT and key assist. Was a real engine for the team tonight, driving so much play. Such an important signing for us, we needed an elite centre and we got one!

** Lukas Horak - made his usual preposterous amount of saves on high danger chances. He ends up with a .923 save percentage. Dneska ne!

*** Jan Ćosić - 1G 1A - Another brilliant game, very impressive stuff from him so far.

Lineup

Same as last time, except Crnović comes in as the 7th defender for Hebar. 

Game flow breakdown

P1

KAC score

GOAL - Beričič, assisted by Ćosić 

KAC score

PENALTY ON KAC - crosscheck

P2

PPG - Tomaževič, assisted by Kerbashian

PENALTY ON OLL - Mehle high stick

PENALTY ON OLL - Crnović holding

P3 

KAC score

GOAL - Ćosić

OT

PENALTY ON KAC - too many men

PPG - Kerbashian, assisted by Lavoie

Stats

SHOTS - KAC 39, OLL 29

BLOCKS - KAC 3, OLL 4

FACE OFF WINS - KAC 28, OLL 26

PP - KAC 0/2, OLL 2/2

PK - KAC 0/1, OLL 2/2

PENALTY MINUTES - BOTH 8

Big moments / game notes

P1

19 - fast start, but Lavoie and Simšič can't link up in front of the net.

18 - good zone entry by Ege results in KAC icing.

17 - Big chance saved by Horak, Zajc with a key partial breakup on the 2 on 2.

16 - Lovely carry by Kerbashian, backhand shot saved

15 - Pavlin shot on goal (SOG)

14 - Horak double save.

12 Quite disjointed play from OLL, big KAC pressure. 

11 Vodlan appearance on the 3rd line! KAC hit the post.

10 Mašič has 3 shots on goal in the same sequence, one blocked and two saved.

9 Horak pad save on a rush by KAC's Pastujov - a quick turn and shot by the same man beats Horak over his glove, 1-0.

8 - BERIČIČ SCORES IN RAPID RESPONSE! Lovely little 'ping pong', as the commentators said, with Ćosić, who continues his offensive spree this season. Great work from him joining the rush to help Miha seal the deal. 1-1 

7 - Sharp kick save from Horak, followed by a trademark flashy glove save.

6 - nearly an own goal! Horak's foot saves the embarrassment.

It seemed like there would be a 4 on 4 sequence here after some crosschecks were exchanged between Beričič and a KAC player, but it remains 5 on 5.

No90 for KAC scores - a fast paced drive around the net and pass back against the grain leaves him wide open. Atwal and Simšič both chased after the other player, and Mašič and Kerbashian couldn't cover in time. Speed kills, as they say, but we need to work on not losing our defensive structure like that. In fairness to the boys, it was a great pass. 2-1

Mahkovec has a decent shot on goal, saved.

3 Atwal gets a good stick on a shot chance, Horak pad save.

Simšič loses it and gets stood up as he tries to enter the zone, leading to a slapshot chance the other way. Thankfully it went wide!

1 - PENALTY on KAC 81 for crosschecking. OLL and KAC get a shot on goal. KAC's Maier hacks away at Horak - he looks like a rat and plays like one, too!

P2

39s left of PP.

9s left... PPG TOMAŽEVIČ. Kerbashian shoots powerfully and Tomaževič is there to shovel in the leftovers! 2-2

19 - Horak saves.

18 - Mehle has a good shot on goal.

PENALTY high stick for Mehle.

PK2 turns out to be Beričič, Sodja, Gregorc and Ege. Zajc and Simšič come on as the 3rd forward pairing.

Penalty killed off! Now that's nice to write!

14 - big KAC pressure after the penalty ends, Horak making saves.

13 - Kapel makes an impressive net drive, nearly scores. KAC goalie Dahm pokes one just in time to make sure Mehle can't connect.

Another moment where it looks like it will be 4 on 4 after Bičevskis and a KAC player go at each other, but again it stays 5 on 5.

11 - Kerbashian loses it and Horak saves the resulting chance.

10 - Lavoie shoots into traffic but it's saved.

KAC have a couple of offsides, always handy!

8 - Nice to see Atwal give some physicality back after a KAC forward pushes him around a bit.

Kerbashian makes a powerful net drive, so much so that the goal comes off its placing!

7 - Crucial blocker save by Horak off a KAC rush.

6 - Lavoie's pass intercepted and Horak makes the save, then another blocker save on a net front chance. Ege and Kerbashian pleasingly hack the net front man after the play.

Some lovely skating from Crnović leads to a Kerbashian chance, followed by one for Kapel.

4 Another messy sequence from OLL, Horak saves but it is not controlled or corralled.

3 Slapshot from Kerbashian.

2 KAC rush chance just wide, Horak glove save.

1 Tomaževič nearly falls into the bench after trying to obliterate a KAC player, you love to see some mean intentions! I didn't know what to think of him when we signed him, but I am really liking what he has to offer to this team.

PENALTY on Crnović for holding. KAC miss backdoor chance.

P3

19 Sharp blocker save from Horak, Pance intercepts one and has a brilliant shorthanded chance saved by Dahm. PENALTY KILLED OFF.

17 Mahkovec hasn't really been able to get anything going offensively...but makes a diving stop on a great chance for KAC.

16 Sustained pressure from KAC leaves the 2nd line and 2nd pair on the ice for a long time, they start looking tired...But Gregorc eventually clears.

15 2 on 1 chance for KAC goes wide. Bičevskis with a nice pickpocket and turn into a dangerous cross-goal pass.

14 Beričič also gets in on the pickpocketing action in the offensive zone.

Gregorc does well on 2 on 1 chance the other way, no call on a trip of Crnović?

12 The centre of the ice is open again and Horak gets beaten 3-2. My toilet break curse from last year continues!

11 Mahkovec winds up for a big shot but puts it wide. KAC think they've scored but the goal comes off its moorings and Horak saves it so that it bounces wide anyway.

10 Awkward bounce off the boards leaves Horak sitting back on his own net with the puck!

9 Atwal passes to Kerbashian, who fires over the top of the net. He follows this with another strong net drive.

7 A dangerous screened shot is blocked and corralled by Mašič and Horak.

6 A fast rush entry from Kerbashian, who skates all the way around like Kaprizov for Minnesota.

ĆOSIĆ SCORES!!! High up in the offensive zone, Jan takes it, keeps drifting to the left and fires past Dahm, screened by his own D-men, for the equaliser. You really can't say enough about Ćosić's offensive blossoming this year. It's only two games, but he looks like he has made a significant jump in his development. 3-3 

4 Tomaževič with some good behind the net play, sets up Mahkovec whose shot is saved.

3 Horak saves on a screened shot.

0 KAC make a dangerous cross net pass and should have really scored with 36s to go. Horak makes the save but the KAC player should have done better, he was wide open right in front of the goal. We are very lucky to stay at 3-3 and must be more vigilant in future!

OT 

Kerbashian, Lavoie and Atwal starting. All new signings!

4 Lavoie loses an edge and we nearly concede 8 seconds in.

Horak with a beautiful glove save. It's all KAC for the first couple of minutes, as is usually the case for us in OT.

3 Simšič, Kapel and Mašič are on now. Horak saves 1 on 1 off the rush.

Mahkovec, Tomaževič and Ege on.

2 Kerbashian hits the bar!!!

1 PENALTY ON KAC - too many men! I thought this was us again, as it was something that happened often last year. Imagine my relief when it's actually on KAC!

1:57 to go before the shootout and it's a 2 minute penalty on KAC.

It's Kerbashian, Pance, Lavoie and Atwal for the 4 on 3.

Lavoie shoots wide...but then sets up KERBASHIAN FOR THE GAME WINNER!!!! A lovely cross-ice pass to Kale, who one-times it home with 45s left.

The broadcast doesn't show why Atwal gets booed and escorted off the ice early, but he continues his nasty streak - we love it!

Final thoughts

It was a very tight game, and I was happy to just to get to OT and get a point out of it. To win in OT against a team of this calibre should be a huge boost to the confidence of this squad. Some things need to be cleaned up a bit, as we got caught following the puck a couple of times for the KAC goals, but overall the literal 0-100 on both the powerplay and penalty kill is something to be lauded and marvelled at.

We shouldn't reduce a fantastic team win to one player's impact, but Kerbashian's elite centre play makes such a huge difference. He was everywhere tonight and had more than enough chances to warrant being the game winner.

On to Asiago next week - another win in the books, hopefully!

Right, I have some NFL RedZone to watch - enjoy your Sunday evenings, everybody!

GAME 1 MATCH REPORT: OLL VS VSV SEASON OPENER

 

OLIMPIJA LJUBLJANA VS VSV VILLACH

3-2

An excellent start to the season marred by a ridiculous 4 minute double minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct

Stars of the match

* Nik Simšič (2G) - absolutely electric on the 1st line as a winger.

** Jan Ćosić (2A) - looked like he has added a significant offensive element to his game. (Credit to @zangradisek for the correction to 2A, they did not announce his assist on the Pavlin goal but he did pass it to him)

*** Žiga Pavlin (1G) - was deployed much more effectively on the 3rd pairing and did end up 'leveraging his powerful shot more' as I had hoped in my season preview article!

Key stats

3-0 at 5 on 5

0-2 on special teams (powerplay 0%, penalty kill 0%)

Unfortunately a familiar story for Olimpija, but if we can tighten our PP and PK units up then our 5 on 5 dominance will continue to serve us very well.

Lineup 

Simšič - Kerbashian - Lavoie

Mahkovec - Tomaževič - Kapel

Zajc - Bičevskis - Mehle

Pance - Beričič - Sodja

Mašič - Atwal

Gregorc - Ege

Ćosić - Pavlin

(Hebar, Vodlan)

Horak

Surprises, or what I got wrong in my predictions:

Simšič at wing - it worked out very well, he looked back to being fast and dangerous out there tonight.

Tomaževič at 2C - I didn't know where he'd fit in, but he looked competent and was using his frame well around the boards. I can see what Coach Karhula is doing here, as this dirty work opens up opportunities for the slighter wingers, Mahkovec and Kapel, to get some good looks (scoring chances in hockey lingo).

Gregorc instead of Crnović - I thought Gregorc played well and looked calm on the puck. I wonder if Aljoša is injured, as I don't think Hebar is worthy of a place over him.

3rd line of Zajc, Bičevskis and Mehle - well done to Mehle for making the 3rd line, he looked dangerous out there and drew a penalty (which, of course, was not converted).

Pance on the 4th line - very weird, perhaps some time management with his age or an injury? 

Where is Sabolič? Who does he replace when he's back? Is it Kapel on the 2nd line, which would shift him down to the 3rd and Mehle down to the 4th? (Update - I read on IG that Sabolič is serving a suspension from last season.)

What I got right:

Ćosić and Pavlin on the 3rd pair and PK - they looked great together, with a goal from Pavlin and some excellent play in both zones from Jan.

Mašič and Atwal on the 1st pair - they didn't dominate as I had expected, but still look a pretty formidable pair for us this year when they settle into a game.

It was nice to see Kapel out there looking sharp again after being out for so long last season.

Kerbashian was very active and did end up on the 1st line.

Special teams units:

PP1

Tomaževič, Simšič, Kerbashian, Lavoie, Atwal.

Two centres seems unusual, but Kerbashian was roving around.

PP2

Bičevskis, Mahkovec, Kapel, Mašič, Ege.

Interesting to go with 2 D-men here.

PK1

Pance-Bičevskis

Ćosić-Pavlin

PK2 - I didn't catch this. Next time!

Big moments/game notes:

P1 

15 min to go: Simšič scores, assisted by Ćosić and Kerbashian. Kerbashian squeezes the puck through to Nik on the left, who fires home. 1-0

11 - Gregorc slapshot saved.

9 - Gregorc good stick work in the D zone to foil an attack.

8 - VSV hit the post!

7 - interference on Mašič, pretty soft.

6 - 1-1 VSV get the stretch pass across to make Horak move side-to-side, the classic thing you want to do on the powerplay, and it's 1-1. 

Quite messy from here on out, until...

1 - Mašič misses a high danger back door chance

5s left - PAVLIN SCORES ON A DEFLECTION!!! A very casual assist from Ćosić and a good fly-by screen by Zajc. Finally, unlike last season, we are the ones to score right before the period ends! 2-1

P2

19 - Horak two sharp glove saves.

13 - Sodja 1v1.

12 - Simšič scores again! Assisted by Lavoie. 3-1

Smash attack - 1:35 where if they score, everyone gets a free burger from Smash restaurant?! Ćosić puts a great chance wide!! Smash's CEO breathes a sigh of relief... A burger or two coming Jan's way, perhaps... 

Lavoie is getting knocked off the puck a lot.

9 - Horak huge save moving to his left. DNESKA NE on the screen ('not today' in Czech!).

4 - 3rd line is not looking very synergised, despite Mehle's strong play. Zajc and Bičevskis are very quiet tonight.

2 - Ćosić pulls off a great shimmy move to gain space in the O-zone and set up a good chance. Nice to see some offensive development from him, to go along with his solid defensive chops.

Tomaževič is really strong working the boards, Mehle hits the post!

Ege had a shaky start but looked more like his classy preseason self as the game wore on.

27s left ATWAL 4 MINUTE DOUBLE MINOR PENALTY FOR...CHATTING?! Unsportsmanlike conduct, apparently, but 4 minutes is outrageous given that Villach were the instigators. The Austrian refs strike again, although the crowd is too polite to break out into 'Schweine Avstrija, tra-la-la-la-la'.

I am not sure what exactly started the incident, but it involved John Hughes from VSV and a few Olimpija players. There was a lot of jawing. As it was fizzling out, Atwal comes over and says a few choice words to Mr Hughes, at which point the ref throws his toys out of the pram and escorts Atwal to the box. I thought it was harsh for a 2 minute minor, but a 4 minute double minor is extraordinary. I would love to hear what he said to deserve that!

P3

17 - VSV score with one minute left on the Atwal penalty, reviewed for a high stick but not overturned. It certainly looked high to me! 3 - 2 

12 - Simšič misses a 3v1 chance for the hat-trick, we have to do better with those.

10 - Bičevskis and Mehle link up for a wonderful tap in chance that goes wide.

9 - Pance with a trademark steal and backhand chance.

7 - HOOK ON MEHLE DURING BREAKAWAY, FIRST PP OF THE GAME FOR OL.

6 - Kerbashian SOG (shot on goal) after a good dribble.

5 - Excellent VSV save on Atwal deflected shot.

1 - Mašič with a great Ronkainen-esque body lockup/engage to slow down an advancing attacker.

Great work from Kerbashian to generate another SOG. Simšič misses out on a hat-trick again!

0 - Pance misses the empty net!

It's over - Simšič is MVP!

Overall thoughts:

3-1 was a fair reflection; the Atwal penalty was criminal and gave them their way back into the game. The Powerplay looked slightly better than last year, not that that is saying much. We need more from the 3rd line, but I am pleased with how we looked tonight. Away to KAC on Sunday will be a real test, but we could catch them early in the season. Anyway, a great start to the season - you always love to beat Villach! Auf wiedersehen! :)

Finally, a quick shoutout to the Olimpija fan who thought I was Austrian and told me not to come to the west side of the stadium. I showed him my signed Pavlin jersey and told him what I thought of Austria!

Quick update

I just met Kale Kerbashian, our new centre, in Prešeren Square. He's an absolute legend, such a nice guy! I thought Atwal was going to be my jersey purchase this year, but it might be a Kerbashian one now. I wished him the best of luck for the season, long may his preseason scoring run continue!

Projected lines!

 

Friends, Romans, countrymen - lend me your ears! Here are my projected lines for the season's start.

Forward lines

1st line

Zajc - Bičevskis - Lavoie

2nd line

Mahkovec - Kerbashian - Sabolič

3rd line

Pance - Šimšič - Kapel

4th line

Mehle - Beričič - Sodja 

(Vodlan, Kumanovic, Tomaževič)

Notes: Kerbashian could replace Bičevskis as the 1C, but we'll see. Sabolič and Lavoie are probably interchangeable, although you might have to consider the defensive aspect of those combos. It's something I will monitor in my match reports.

The top two lines look dangerous, which is pleasing. Last season, goals didn't flow as freely as you would want, at least until later on in the calendar. The defence, as you will see below, has been reinforced fantastically, so it would really help us propel ourselves up the rankings if we can match that with more goals. As the legendary Sean Dyche said, we need to both keep it out of our net AND put it in their net.

I like the Olimpija veteran 3rd line of Pance, Šimšič and Kapel. If Kapel is healthy, this could be a very useful group for steadying the ship - while keeping a scoring threat - in tough games.

I love this 4th line, transplanted from last year. I would like to see growth from all three of them to really start impacting games, particularly Mehle. These guys adding value to the team would help balance out the ice time and keep everybody healthy and effective.

In terms of reserves, I do think I am being biased towards the younger guys from last year. I haven't seen much of the new ones, and I don't know where Tomaževič fits in yet. I would prefer to have the young guns on the 4th line so we can give them the chance to show some improvement. With that said, Kumanović is both young and played well in the preseason game I saw, so he may be worth slotting in over Mehle or Kapel, depending on who is playing well.

Defensive pairings

Mašič- Atwal

Crnovic - Ege 

Ćosić - Pavlin 

(Hebar, Gregorc, Bohinc)

Look at this defence. LOOK AT IT! This is a clear upgrade on last season's squad. I liked Dodero and Magovac, but Atwal and Ege look like they're in a different league (in admittedly limited viewings thus far). Moving Pavlin down to the 3rd pair makes sense, and should unleash Mašič on the top pair even further. 

It will be interesting to see if Gregorc factors in; currently, I wouldn't take Hebar or Bohinc over anyone in those pairs. I honestly cannot wait to see these boys in action in front of Horak. We could be a pretty formidable team on the back end this year, which is exactly how I like my teams set up. Now we just have to score!

Goalies

Horak 

Kolin

You know how it's going to go down. I think they should rotate Kolin in more, but I think if Coach Karhula is in doubt he will ride Horak till the cows come home.

Powerplay

Mašič - Lavoie - Sabolic - Zajc - Kerbashian

Atwal - Pance - Kapel - Mahkovec - Bičevskis

I'm not sure how these will shake out, as players have been in and out of the squad in the preseason thus far. Regardless, it can't get much worse than last season. The injection of silky North American skill should help here on the PP1.

Penalty Kill

Ćosić - Atwal

Crnovic - Pavlin

Keep the effective Crni/Pavlo pair from last year but bump them down to PK2 and add in some bite with Jan and Arvin on PK1.

Welcome to the 24-25 season

 

Welcome to the 2024-25 season in the Austrian Win2Day ICE hockey league with Olimpija Ljubljana! With new ownership, Slovene Railways choo-choo out of the main branding and in comes Mr Lefebvre's new emphasis on the L and 'made of legend' tagline. Not sure that's the best translation, but the team have made good signings and started to offer more merch, so I'm not complaining!

Inspired by Rob Staton of Seahawksdraftblog.com and Lindy's Magazine's imperious NFL coverage, please see below for a rundown of the changes over the summer and the current squad. Elite Prospects was used in the making of this article: https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1895/olimpija-ljubljana. 

In terms of introductions, my name is Seb and I only arrived in Ljubljana for the 23-24 season. As a result, my passion will have to make up for my lack of deep Olimpija historical knowledge. I will be aiming to write match reports for every game this season, as I am a season ticket holder and will pay to stream the away games. Wishing everybody a great season, Forza Zmaji!

Let me finally preface this by saying that I have the utmost love and respect for all the players who wear the jersey. I intend to keep the blog positive!

Farewells

GK - 

None

D - 

Kristjan Čepon (28, SLO) - left early on to join Vasterviks of the Swedish Allsvenskan. Good size but didn't really show anything spectacular and his loss wasn't overly damaging to the team. Now playing for Amiens in the French Ligue Magnus.

Will Cullen (28, USA) - I had dreams of seeing a top offensive blue line dynamo when I heard about Cullen signing, but he left even earlier than Cepon to go back to the ECHL's Toledo Walleye in the US, before bouncing back over to Europe for his old Belfast Giants. Didn't offer enough offensively to make up for his woeful defensive efforts, which is perhaps why he can't seem to stick on one team.

Charlie Dodero (31, USA) - became a fan favourite due to his fiery play and tendency to rile up the opposition, but he played good defense and contributed offensively, too. Sad to see him go. Now plays in the English League for Guildford.

Aleksandar Magovac (33, SLO) - on the older side, but a surprising departure. He was solid defensively and looked good when he went roaming in the offensive zone. Like Cepon, also plays for Amiens in the Ligue Magnus now.

Nejc Stojan (25, SLO) - retired. Won a great fight once but wasn't getting much game time, so an understandable decision. Happy trails!

Taneli Ronkainen (29, FIN) - started out well as a very technical defender, but his play suffered as the season went on, to the point where he started becoming a liability. Was too often easily outmuscled and offered almost nothing offensively. Playing for Jastrzebie in the Polish league now.

F - 

Trevor Gooch (29, USA) - this one hurts. Graz splashed the cash and took away our leading points scorer. Often was too flashy for his own good, but had more than enough heroic moments. We will miss him! 

Jaka Šturm (25, SLO) - I was really willing him on to make an impact, as he had a lot of near misses in terms of scoring points. Ultimately, he skated like a praying mantis but did not have the same killer instinct and thereby let down an otherwise exciting 4th line, alongside Beričič and Sodja. Moved back to Jesenice in the Alps League.

Ville Leskinen (29, FIN) - had an absolutely wicked shot, and provided the best and worst moments of the season: tying us up 2-2 with seconds to go away at Villach to silence their crowd, much to the joy of the large travelling Olimpija contingent, and then needlessly giving away an offensive zone tripping penalty in the knockout overtime playoff game against Pustertal, which they scored from and which sent us home. I would have liked him back, but it seems all the Finnish players left! Currently a free agent.

Oliver Kiljunen (26, FIN) - speaking of which... Kiljunen was a bowling ball of a player, delivering crunching hits and causing turnovers. Only came very late in the season and didn't do enough offensively. Free agent.

Aljaž Predan (24, SLO) - consistently flattered to deceive. Started off the season in very exciting fashion as the 3C, but kept turning over the puck in high danger areas and started to lose some of the coach's trust. With the Vienna Capitals this season (boo!).

Jure Povše (22, SLO) - I thought he would be a helpful injection of skill into the team, but, as his former Finnish junior team presumably realised, his lack of size meant he kept getting knocked off the puck. Appears to be a free agent at the moment, although he played well for HK Celje in the Alps League on loan, so may feature with them.

New players

GK - None

D:

Arvin Atwal (28, CAN) and Wyatt Ege (29, USA) - so happy to have these two former Pustertal defenders. They have instantly and significantly upgraded our blue line, which was particularly weak down the right side last year. Both have played big minutes in the preseason games and both have looked silky smooth with the puck on their stick. The benefits of signing North Americans!

Blaž Gregorc (34, SLO) - played for Graz last year and didn't seem to make much of a mark in terms of points. Very experienced, but may well be competing for playtime given how strong the rest of the D-corps is.

Rožle Bohinc (20, SLO) - young former Jesenice player. Didn't look comfortable in the second preseason game, but he was playing his off-side, in fairness. Like Gregorc, will likely be competing for a third pairing spot. Listed as a D/F, however, so he could be a utility player.

F:

Kale Kerbashian (34, CAN) - a former ECHL player who has been playing in Europe. Last year in Slovakia he had a very healthy number of assists, which would be welcome here. Reinforcing centre depth is wise, given that an upgrade at 2C over Šimšić was necessary. Moving Nik down to 3C could allow Žiga Pance to play more wing. UPDATE - I met him in person and he's such a friendly guy. Wishing him all the best this season!

Alex Lavoie (31, CAN) - looking to be our Gooch replacement. Top scorer in the French league last year, and has looked sharp in preseason.

Lovro Kumanović (SLO/CRO, 20) - young player from Jesenice, looks strong and took his goal well in the second preseason game.

Blaž Tomaževič (26, SLO) - as a former Olimpija player, apparently ruffled some feathers moving to Villach a couple of season ago. Doesn't seem to score tons of points, but he's a big unit who surely will be expected to be physical with the opposition, taking on a Kiljunen-type role, perhaps.

Robert Sabolič (35, SLO) - Slovenia's captain and a high scorer for Villach last year. Here's hoping he does the same for us!

Returning players

Goalies:

Lukáš Horák (30, CZE) - comfortably Olimpija's best player last season. Long stretches early on in the season where he was the only player really making a good account of himself. Absolutely elite and we are lucky to have him. With all that said, I did notice a tendency of his that got exploited in the playoffs - his willingness to lower his stick to the ice on rush chances leaves his blocker side open for chip shots, which Pustertal repeatedly took advantage of. High danger chances are high danger chances, however, and this is only a minor point that will hopefully lead to an evolution of his game just like the goalies have to do in the NHL.

Luka Kolin (20, SLO) - played very well in the few games in which he featured, should probably share more of the workload with Horak if playoffs are being planned for. 

Lan Kavčič (19, SLO) - a prodigy in the making, but shouldn't play in the ICE league this year if all goes well.

D:

Jan Ćosić (21, SLO) - feisty player who puts his body on the line. Dependable and unafraid to get stuck in. The kind of player you'd rather have on your team.

Aljoša Crnovic (25, SLO) - trusted with PK duties and generally defended well, but it was his marvellous skating and carrying the puck into the offensive zone that wowed me. Want to see more of that this season.

Žiga Pavlin (39, SLO) - a fantastic leader of the team. Some thunderous hits and great length in the D-zone (ha-ha), but as the season wore on his lack of speed became a noticeable issue. I don't think he warrants being on the first pairing this year. I would like to see him leverage his powerful shot more often, although I doubt he'll be given PP time as his distribution was not helping the team last year.

Bine Mašič (21, SLO) - a Rolls-Royce type player, such a huge part of the second half renaissance of the team last season. Doesn't have much size but defends and attacks excellently thanks to his skating and game sense. One of the few Finnish cast-offs to really impress. He signed a long term contract and I am excited to see more of him this year.

Tian Hebar (19, SLO) - was understandably nervy in his few appearances, but clearly has potential. Will be hard for him to break through with the new signings.

F:

Žiga Mehle (22, SLO) - big hitter and energy guy who may chew his mouthguard like a Tkachuk and hit like one, but hasn't yet shown he can finish like one. Was moved up from the 4th line a few times due to injuries and didn't make as much of the opportunity as he could have. With that said, I still think he has the potential to take over games, very much hoping to see some of that this season.

Luka Vodlan (21, SLO) - likely to be the reserve forward. I like his effort, but no part of his game really distinguishes itself as of yet. I hope to see some development from him, if he can get the ice time.

Jaka Sodja (23, SLO) - an absolute dawg on the penalty kill. Scored a couple of shorthanded goals last year and is a key part of this team alongside his partner in crime Beričič.

Miha Beričič (20, SLO) - a smooth-skating 4th line centre who deserves time higher up the lineup. He did get some 3rd line action last year, but wasn't able to fully take advantage of it. Hopefully he can build his confidence this season! On an unrelated note, I just can't shake the sense that he looks like a Medieval soldier out of a FromSoft game.

Marcel Mahkovec (20, SLO) - some clutch playoff scoring helped make his year seem better than it was overall. Hope to see more from him this time around, as he has the potential to make an impact and could be really valuable in helping to replace some of Gooch's goals.

Žiga Pance (35, SLO) - probably the most skilled player on the team, with some frankly outrageous passing on display. Wealth of experience and leadership skills. Not a fast skater by this point in his career, but more than makes up for it.

Nik Šimšič (SLO/CRO, 27) - technically very detailed in his defensive work at centre, but can definitely offer more offensively than he showed last year. He did score a couple of screamers in the playoffs, so let's hope that continues into this regular season. I would expect him to be moving down from 2C to 3C, or to the wing, to accommodate the newly-signed Kerbashian.

Miha Zajc (27, SLO) - the definition of streakiness. Had some monster games (e.g. 3G 2A) and then disappeared for weeks on end (and even had to be publicly told to keep his stick on the ice near the net by Gooch). Hoping for more of the former than the latter!

Maris Bičevskis (33, LAT) - ripped a beauty once that made me go 'ah, that's why he's the first line centre!', but didn't do much to take over games and grab ahold of the position (e.g. being replaced by Predan for a spell). A very useful defensive centre in the Bergeron mould, you would like to see him unlock more offensively.

Rok Kapel (25, SLO) - sadly injured for much of last season, but I hope to see him back and fighting for a spot as we were lacking in right handed wingers without him.

Coach

Coach Upi Karhula did a great job turning around what was a pretty dismal start to the season, coalescing the team sufficiently into making a late playoff run. Although this ended in an agonising overtime defeat to Pustertal, I feel we have the right man behind the bench. Having said that, the Powerplay last year was painfully bad at times, inducing all sorts of groans from the crowd, so we definitely need some improvement on that front. Mercifully, our new signings look like they will be piled into PP time to try to enact that change.

Overall outlook

Yes, it is only preseason. But the new signings, comprising more than a few North Americans, look sensational out there on the ice. If Coach Karhula can get things started off a bit sooner this year, we should be looking to be relatively comfortably placing ourselves into a playoff spot, even if other teams like Graz and Vienna have been spending big money this offseason.

Personally, I feel I have contributed to the team's future success by buying a non-playoff season ticket, thereby ensuring they will make the playoffs. You're welcome. 

Finally, I have made an Instagram page @olimpijahockeyblog, give it a follow!