New Head Coach Appointed: Ben Cooper

HK Olimpija Ljubljana Takes a Bold Step Forward – New Head Coach Appointed: Ben Cooper

The role of head coach at HK Olimpija Ljubljana for the upcoming season will be taken over by renowned Canadian expert Ben Cooper.
Ben Cooper arrives in Ljubljana with outstanding international coaching experience, including roles in the NHL, AHL, Danish League, the Canadian national team, and, most recently, in the ICEHL, where he led Red Bull Salzburg to four championship titles. He has worked with teams such as the Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks and was part of the coaching staff for Team Canada, winning a gold medal at both the Olympic Games and the World Junior Championship (U20).

Cooper is known for his analytical precision, modern approach to player development, and strong focus on team spirit – values that align perfectly with the philosophy of HK Olimpija Ljubljana. His arrival represents a major reinforcement and a clear signal of the club’s ambitions to become a leading hockey force in the region – not only on the ice, but also in player development and professional operations.

Anže Ulčar, CEO of HK Olimpija, said:
“We were searching for a high-quality young coach who also already has extensive experience working within top-level hockey organizations, and above all, has a proven track record of winning championships at various levels. There are not many coaches of this profile available on the market, so we are thrilled that we have succeeded in bringing Ben Cooper to HK Olimpija Ljubljana. With Ben, we will be able to continue building the best team in the region.”