Release from 13.05.2026

Marcel Mahkovec: “We want to prove that Slovenia belongs in the Top Division”

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Slovenia’s World Championship campaign in Fribourg (SUI) begins on Saturday with its opening game against Czechia. Just like last year, the main objective is to avoid relegation. Marcel Mahkovec also understands how important remaining in the top division is for Slovenian hockey. Together with his team, the 22-year-old forward wants to prove that Slovenia now belongs permanently among the world’s elite. In the interview, Mahkovec also talks about the defeat against Austria during the World Championship preparations and explains why the clash with Italy has special meaning for him.

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For the second consecutive year, Slovenia will compete in the top division of the IIHF World Championship. Last year, the team finished seventh with four points and sent France down to Division IA. Once again, the nation from the win2day ICE Hockey League is considered one of the outsiders in Group B alongside Italy, with the group being played in Fribourg.

Mahkovec is one of twelve players from Olimpija Ljubljana who made Slovenia’s World Championship roster. In addition, four more players from other win2day ICE Hockey League clubs are part of the squad, including Rok Ticar from runner-up HC Falkensteiner Pustertal. Having such a strong core from the domestic league gives the 22-year-old confidence ahead of the tournament: “Overall, I’m satisfied with the progress we’ve made. We used the preparation period to grow together as a team and test our systems. Winning two out of five games showed part of our potential, even though we know there is still work ahead of us and we need to keep improving our performances.”

One of Slovenia’s three defeats came last Saturday in Klagenfurt against Austria. However, Mahkovec sees the 1–4 loss as an important learning experience: “The loss against Austria was an important learning experience for our team. We realized that we need to improve our special teams — especially our power play — if we want to compete at the highest level. We also need to be mentally better prepared and more disciplined.”

At the upcoming World Championship, Slovenia enters Group B as one of the underdogs. Therefore, the team’s primary goal is clear: “Our main goal is to stay in the top division. We want to prove that Slovenia belongs in this league. Beyond that, we want to be competitive in every single game, regardless of the opponent. Our aim is to give ourselves a chance to win and earn points every night.”

Slovenia opens the tournament on Saturday at 20:20 against hockey powerhouse Czechia — immediately facing one of the world’s top teams. For the underdog, it will be a huge challenge: “Yes, opening the tournament against a top nation like Czechia will be a massive challenge for us. It will be crucial for our goaltender to deliver a strong performance, for us to capitalize on our chances efficiently, and to stay disciplined throughout the game without giving them too many power-play opportunities.”

After that, Slovenia will face Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Canada, and Denmark before concluding the group stage against Italy. That game could prove decisive in the battle to avoid relegation. For Mahkovec, however, the matchup carries additional significance because he knows many of the Italian players from the domestic league: “Games against Italy are always special. Over the years, a real rivalry has developed between us. It’s unique to play against players you usually face during the season. There is great mutual respect between us, but of course we all want to beat each other. Our full focus is on getting the win for our team.”

Slovenia’s World Championship Schedule:
Sat., 16 May 2026, 20:20: Slovenia vs. Czech Republic
Sun., 17 May 2026, 20:20: Norway vs. Slovenia
Tue., 19 May 2026, 20:20: Slovenia vs. Slovakia
Wed., 20 May 2026, 20:20: Sweden vs. Slovenia
Fri., 22 May 2026, 16:20: Canada vs. Slovenia
Sat., 23 May 2026, 12:20: Denmark vs. Slovenia
Mon., 25 May 2026, 20:20: Slovenia vs. Italy