Release from 15.09.2026

Erik Svetina: “We have a good chance – we just need to work hard”

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The 27-year-old Erik Svetina has been part of HD Jesenice since his youth and knows the club inside out. After a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, the 2023 Alps Hockey League champion is determined to help Jesenice return to its former strength. In the interview, Svetina talks about the fresh start with a revamped roster, the mix of youth and experience within the team and why he believes Jesenice can make a deep playoff run.

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Last season certainly didn’t go according to plan for your team. What gives you confidence that the upcoming season will give you and your fans more reasons to celebrate?
Erik Svetina: “We need to focus on this year. We have a better team, with some good new players as well as a mix of younger and older players. I think we have to focus on this year because this is a new chapter.”

There have been quite a few changes to the roster. Do you feel this team has what it takes to bring Jesenice back to its successful days and compete for titles again?
Erik Svetina: “I think we have a good chance. We just need to work hard and stick to the plan to go far in the playoffs.”

You’ll open the season against Sisak on Saturday. Facing one of last season’s semifinalists should be a great first test to see where the team stands, shouldn’t it?
Erik Svetina: “It’s always a tough game against Sisak on their home ice. But it’s also just the first game. We’ll take it step by step and see how the team improves. It’s a long season.”