Four games in five days
The next couple of days will be hard for HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana: The Slovenians will play four games in five days: From Thursday to Saturday the Dragons take part at a tournament in Zvolen. There the Dragons fight for the title against the Slovakian top clubs HKM Zvolen and MSHK Zilina and KLH Chomutov from Czech Republic. After only one day rest John Hughes and Company on Monday, 15th August 2011 host league rival KHL Medvescak Zagreb.

Already on Wednesday morning the team of Hannu Järvenpää started the 650 km long bus-trip to Slovakia. The only missing player was striker Ales Music, whose wife is expecting a baby in the next few days. The Slovenes are well prepared for their first few games as Olimpija-headcoach Hannu Järvenpää reported: "Everyone is looking forward to the first games. The last week we did conditional training. But we also worked on our game - five on five or power play. The players have seen that there is plenty to do. So far I am very satisfied with the preparation. Our squad is even stronger than last year. Goalie Jean-Philippe Lamoureux made a good impression so far. Also in the defense, we have many new faces. All the guys have left a very strong impression so far and showed that they can play hockey", told us Hannu Järvenpää, who will also use his second goalie Matija Pintaric at the tournament in Zvolen.

The Finn has clearly aims for the tournament in Slovakia: "As a coach or player you always want to win. But of course we know that our opponents follow the same goal and are already on the ice longer than us. I would like to see my new players for the first time in a game situation. Also, I want the guys to give everything in every game, 60 minutes!"

After only one day rest John Hughes and Company than on Monday, 15th August 2011 host league rival KHL Medvescak Zagreb...

>>The Pre-Season 2011

Friendly games HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana in Zvolen
Thursday, 11. August 2011: MSHK Zilina – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana (15:30)
Friday, 12. August 2011: HKM Zvolen – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana (19:30)
Saturday, 13. August 2011: KLH Chomutov – HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana (15:30)

James Sixsmith stays in Jesenice
US-Forward James Sixsmith has decided to stay with HK Acroni Jesenice.