Release from 29.12.2021

Boštjan Groznik has changed sides

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Boštjan Groznik is a familiar name on the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League match reports this season. The Slovenian, who years ago was known as a tough defender with 520 league games for Olimpija Ljubljana, has switched sides and is now refereeing. On Thursday, he will work the game between EC Red Bull Salzburg and the Dornbirn Bulldogs.

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At 1.94 metres, Boštjan Groznik is hard to miss. The 39-year-old Slovenian rarely needs an introduction anyway, having played a total of 520 league games in ten seasons for Olimpija Ljubljana. The former defender wanted to stick with the sport of ice hockey beyond his active career and decided to train as a referee. "My friend Aleš Mušič asked me if we wanted to try it together. I liked it right away," says Groznik, who remembers the early days: "It was really hard. You've been playing hockey for over 20 years, and as a referee you suddenly have no idea where to stand. As a player you don't pay attention, the referee simply needs a broader perspective. It then takes a few games to position yourself correctly."

"I know exactly where to look"
Groznik then quickly recommended himself for higher tasks. After the first games in the youth, he also worked matches in the Slovenian league as well as the Alps Hockey League. Last season, his first appearance in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League followed in the match between Salzburg and Linz. "I can still remember it well. It was nice to see Johnny Hughes, J.P. Lamoureux and Brian Lebler again. They were surprised and smiled. We then talked normally with each other".


As a player, Boštjan Groznik was known for his tougher approach.

Since this season, the father of two has been part of the referee squad in the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League. On Thursday, the Slovenian will work the game between league leaders EC Red Bull Salzburg and the Dornbirn Bulldogs. For the 39-year-old it is an advantage that players know him from his active career. His playing style - Groznik was known for being tougher with 721 penalty minutes - also benefits him in his current role. "I know exactly where to look. Because I used to be a tough player myself".

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Images (4)

Boštjan Groznik, Ladislav Smetana and Pierre Racicot
4 974 x 3 316 © HCB/Vanna Antonello
Boštjan Groznik and Ladislav Smetana
2 335 x 3 502 © HCB/Vanna Antonello
Pierre Racicot, Simon Riecken and Boštjan Groznik
4 554 x 3 426 © HCB/Vanna Antonello
Boštjan Groznik
2 774 x 3 698 © HCB/Vanna Antonello