With that, the ‘Knights’ of Sisak crowned their excellent season, which they played in the International Hockey League with Slovenian, Serbian, and Croatian clubs. In the playoffs after the IHL, Sisak showed that bringing in several experienced players, three quality American hockey players, and player and coach Luka Jarčov made for a memorable season.
In the four final playoff games against Zagreb, Sisak secured their spot on the throne of Croatian ice hockey this year. In the first game in Sisak, they won 5:2, narrowly lost in Zagreb 2:3, and won 3:2 in the third game played in Sisak.
What kind of season is behind Vitez is also shown by the fact that among the four best players are three from Sisak. American David Neill Anderson was named the best goalkeeper, Luka Jarčov was the most useful player in the playoffs, and Patrik Dobrić was the top scorer.
“We played the best hockey throughout the season, and winning the championship is a great reward for us. None of us hoped to win the championship in the first season, but the guys who came to Sisak were very motivated and dedicated. Various people put their feet on every corner, but we endured it and showed that we were the best. Of course, all this would not be possible without the support of our fans, friends of the club, and sponsors, and especially without the city of Sisak, who made us an ice rink. We are certainly overjoyed with everything; I hope we have made our fans and citizens of Sisak happy, who also became champions along with us. The city of Sisak has suffered a lot in recent years, and this championship is for all of them,” said player and coach Luka Jarčov enthusiastically after last night’s victory.
Sisak, which in 2018 imposed itself as the ice center of Croatia with the construction of the modern Zibel Ice Hall, and especially after the Zagreb earthquake and damage to the Sports Hall, hosted the Golden Pirouette last December. The Zibel Ice Hall is now home to ice hockey champions, and Sisak has a great reason to celebrate.
“Sisak is a proud city. We are proud when we suffer the worst misfortunes in silence, but we are also proud when we win and find ways to show the world that we know and can. This is more than a victory. This is a symbol that Sisak can when everyone else predicts that we can’t. The people of Sisak breathe with their hockey players even when they lose, and there is no greater happiness for Sisak and the people of Sisak when the Knights win,” commented Mayor Kristina Ikić Baniček, who regularly cheers the Knights from the stands.
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