19. 06. 2025

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Nick Bonino se vrača v NHL

Dvakratni zmagovalec Stanleyevega pokala, ki je našo ekipo okrepil novembra lani se vrača v ligo NHL. Podaja se na novo karierno pot, v vlogi pomočnika trenerja pri moštvu Pittsburgh Penguins, s katerim je kot igralec dvakrat osvojil naslov prvaka lige NHL.

Nick je v zeleno-belem dresu odigral 22 tekem in dosegel 17 točk, a njegov vpliv sega bistveno dlje od statistike. Poleg očitnega hokejskega znanja se je izkazal kot izjemna osebnost, vodja in mentor mladim soigralcem. Nick je sodelovanje s klubom HK Olimpija Ljubljana podaljšal tudi za sezono 25/26 in se je veselil vrnitve v Ljubljano. Pred kratkim pa je dobil ponudbo Pittsburgha za pomočnika trenerja, ki dokazuje njegovo osebno veličino in spoštovanje, ki ga uživa čez lužo.

Odločitev je bila težka, vendar ga v klubu razumemo in mu bomo omogočili ta velik korak v njegovi karieri, saj se zavedamo, da se taka priložnost posamezniku ponudi zgolj enkrat v življenju. Dejstvo, da je sprejel trenerski izziv na najvišjem hokejskem nivoju, je naravna nadgradnja poti vrhunskega športnika, ki globoko razume igro, zna povezati ekipo in vodi z zgledom. V hokejskem klubu Olimpija Ljubljana Nicku iskreno čestitamo in mu iz srca želimo veliko uspeha na njegovi poti. Ponosni smo, da je bil del naše ekipe, da je prepoznal vizijo in energijo projekta, ki ga v HK Olimpija gradimo z jasnim ciljem: postati vodilna hokejska organizacija v regiji.

Nick Bonino: “Dobil sem edinstveno priložnost, da postanem pomočnik trenerja pri Pittsburgh Penguins, zato se poslavljam od igranja profesionalnega hokeja. Odločitev ni bila lahka, saj smo se z družino v Ljubljani počutili odlično. Navijačem se zahvaljujem za izjemno toplo dobrodošlico in podporo skozi celotno sezono. Eden od trenutkov, ki se mi je zares vtisnil v spomin, je bil, ko smo skupaj s soigralci osvojili naslov državnega prvaka in ga praznovali z navijači. Klub piše izjemno zgodbo in pred Olimpijo je svetla prihodnost, ki jo bom z veseljem spremljal.”

Anže Ulčar, direktor HKO: »Nickov klic me je seveda presenetil in sprožil mešane občutke. Izgubiti igralca kot je on – z vso njegovo kakovostjo na ledu, izkušnjami iz lige NHL, predvsem pa vrhunskimi osebnostnimi lastnostmi ni lahko. Po drugi strani pa ga razumem in spoštujem njegovo odločitev, ki tudi zanj ni bila lahka. Tak klic ne pride pogosto in Nick, ki ima visoke trenerske ambicije ga je enostavno moral sprejeti. Želimo mu vse dobro na nadaljnji poti. Bo pa Nick še naprej ostal naš ambasador in pomagal klubu s svojim renomejem ter znanjem.«

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19. 06. 2025

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Nick Bonino se vrača v NHL

Two-time Stanley Cup champion, who joined our team last November, is returning to the NHL. He’s embarking on a new career path as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team with which he won the NHL championship twice as a player.

Nick played 22 games in the green-and-white jersey, scoring 17 points, but his impact goes far beyond the statistics. In addition to his obvious hockey expertise, he proved to be an exceptional personality, a leader, and a mentor to younger teammates. Nick had extended his contract with HK Olimpija Ljubljana for the 2025/26 season and was looking forward to returning to Ljubljana. However, he recently received an offer from Pittsburgh to become an assistant coach — a testament to his stature and the respect he commands across the Atlantic.

It was a tough decision, but the club fully understands and supports this major step in his career. We recognize that such an opportunity comes only once in a lifetime. The fact that he’s taken on a coaching challenge at the highest level of hockey is a natural progression for a top-level athlete who deeply understands the game, knows how to bring a team together, and leads by example. At HK Olimpija Ljubljana, we sincerely congratulate Nick and wholeheartedly wish him great success in his new role. We are proud he was part of our team, that he recognized the vision and energy of the project we are building at HK Olimpija with a clear goal: to become the leading hockey organization in the region.

Nick Bonino:
“I’ve been given a unique opportunity to become an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and so I’m retiring from professional hockey. This was not an easy decision, as my family and I truly enjoyed our time in Ljubljana. I want to thank the fans for their incredibly warm welcome and support throughout the season. One moment that really stood out for me was when we won the national championship with my teammates and celebrated it with the fans. The club is writing a remarkable story, and Olimpija has a bright future, which I will gladly continue to follow.”

Anže Ulčar, General Manager of HK Olimpija:
“Nick’s call certainly surprised me and triggered mixed emotions. Losing a player of his caliber — with all his on-ice quality, NHL experience, and above all, his outstanding character — is not easy. On the other hand, I understand and respect his decision, which wasn’t easy for him either. Such a call doesn’t come often, and Nick, who has strong coaching ambitions, simply had to accept it. We wish him all the best on his next journey. Nick will remain our ambassador and continue to support the club with his reputation and knowledge.”

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