Two weeks ago, from the office of the Alpine League, the most beautiful congratulation to KHL Sisak for the club's 90th anniversary arrived. On that day, the club from Banovina officially became a member of the league in which Italian, Austrian and Slovenian clubs compete, and which is a big qualitative step compared to what they have played so far.
That will be the case from the 24/25 season. Siščani will be the 14th club in the league, along with six Italian, five Austrian, and two Slovenian clubs. According to the sports director of Sisak, Luka Jarčov, negotiations began in December last year.
- The first time we got a rejection. The problem was in Bregenzwald, a club that did not like the fact that it had to travel 900 km to Sisak. After that, I sent an email to the league leadership to reconsider our request. Then we came to an agreement that we would play all away games with Bregenzwald, and in case we meet in the playoffs, we would play the home games in Slovenia.
Players from Europe are being watched
A new and better league requires an incomparably bigger budget, how do you stand on that issue?
- Over 70% of the budget has been secured, we are in negotiations with sponsors for the other 30%. The planned figure is around half a million euros, which financially places us in the lower house of the league. We are also negotiating with a TV company about broadcasting domestic matches.
A stronger environment, apart from finances, also requires a better roster. How will Sisak look in this regard?
- The skeleton of the team of about 10 players remains. We want to bring all the best domestic players who want and can play this league with quality. We will add six foreigners to our base. We also narrowed down the choice for a coach to 3-4 names. Also, Shaone Morrison (480 NHL games, op.a.), former Medveščak player, will be in the role of advisor.
According to Jarčov, when it comes to foreigners, they will look at players from Europe...
- They are cheaper simply because we don't have to pay for their plane tickets across the pond twice a year. Only if it is about players from our roots, then the North American market comes into consideration.
From 4 to 40 kids in the school
By going to the Alpine League, the club will no longer play in the IHL?
No. Although I would personally like it, mostly because of those "marginal" players for Alpska who would have the opportunity to temper. It is questionable whether and in what form the IHL will be played next season.
In addition to the success of the seniors, Jarčov is also pleased with the large number of participants in the hockey school.
- When I came to the club in 2021, there were four participants in a small school, today there are over 40.
On this track, we come to another important project when it comes to Sisak, which is the hockey academy.
- It is a huge logistical challenge and the academy is another 2-3 years away. There is a lot of organizational work, because we have to provide the participants with quality education, quality training and the most important thing - quality competition. That way, our players would not have to go outside, but would have everything with us. Our partners and sponsors like this idea and are ready to support us.
The league starts on September 21st, when are you planning to get together?
- The plan is to leave with the ice around August 10.
And finally, result expectations?
- With the budget at our disposal, we can fight for the playoffs.
