Release from 16.05.2025

Slovenia defender Bine Mašič benefits from ice time with Olimpija

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The Slovenian national team is still not going according to plan at the Ice Hockey World Championship, losing its first four games. Bine Mašič scored the consolation goal in the clear defeat against Finland. The defender took the next step in his development in the past win2day ICE Hockey League season and was one of the mainstays of Olimpija Ljubljana's defense.

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On Thursday, Slovenia suffered their fourth defeat at the Ice Hockey World Championship, a very clear 9-1 loss to Finland. "Finland is a very strong team, they have a good structure. It's difficult to hold your own against teams like that. They scored a few quick goals and just kept going - it's really difficult then. We were pretty close to getting back into the game in the second period. But unfortunately it didn't go the way we wanted it to," said Bine Mašič, summing up the game. The 22-year-old scored Slovenia's only goal, his first at a senior World Cup. “I was happy that the puck went in and I hope the next one goes in too.”

In three games against relegation
Goals are urgently needed, with only four goals Slovenia has the weakest offense of the tournament so far. The next task will by no means be any easier for the Slovenians, as World Cup hosts Sweden await them in Stockholm's Avicii Arena on Friday evening. "We're expecting a tough battle. The fans will be on their side, but we have to play our game and just keep our heart on the ice. Nothing is lost yet. There are still a lot of points up for grabs, so we have to stay focused,“ said Mašič, who also addressed the remaining games against Austria and France: ”Those two games will probably decide the outcome. We just have to build on the good things, because they have been there too."

Plenty of ice time with Ljubljana
Mašič gained his first experience of senior hockey with Jesenice. After a season in the Alps Hockey League, he moved to Finland in 2021, where he played for both the U20 team and the Vaasan Sport Liiga team. In 2023, the defender played his first senior World Cup with his home country, to which he also returned at club level: in January 2024, Mašič joined Olimpija Ljubljana in the win2day ICE Hockey League, where he immediately impressed. In the past season, the 22-year-old received a lot of trust from the coaching team and even recorded 24 points in 47 games. "It's a great league and a great experience for me. Getting so much ice time at this level is very good for my development," says the national team player confidently. After another elimination in the pre-playoffs, Ljubljana has already announced some big-name additions for the coming season. "We want to make the playoffs. I'm really happy that things are moving in the right direction at Olimpija".