Jessheim 2025: Slovakia’s Path to Milano Cortina

When the puck drops at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, six teams will skate for the final two slots up for grabs at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Taking place in Jessheim, Norway from 5-10 November, the tournament will feature: Slovakia, Korea, Norway, Japan, Sweden and Kazakhstan. 

The USA, Canada, Czechia, China and Germany have already secured their tickets to join hosts Italy at the Paralympic Winter Games by finishing in the top five at the A-Pool Worlds. 

Here’s an inside look at Team Slovakia heading into the Qualification Tournament. 

How they got here

Slovakia continues to build its reputation as one of the fastest-rising programs in Para ice hockey. After earning promotion to the A-Pool for the 2023 season and holding their own against elite competition, the Slovaks narrowly missed direct qualification for Milano Cortina 2026 following a challenging campaign at the 2025 World Championships. 

Their steady improvement and disciplined structure have made Slovakia a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting any team in Jessheim. With momentum from recent international experience and a strong core of seasoned players, they arrive in Norway with one goal — to earn their nation’s second consecutive Paralympic Winter Games berth.

Winter Games history

Since first joining the international circuit in the late 2010s, Slovakia has advanced from the C-Pool to the A-Pool in remarkable time — a testament to the federation’s investment in development and the growing popularity of the sport at home. They made their Paralympic debut at the Beijing 2022 Games, finishing in last place in the tournament. 

Take note — it’s the road to @milanocortina2026 over five days of competition! ⚡️

The tournament schedule is just below 🧵#ParaIceHockey #Jessheim2025 pic.twitter.com/Na93Z7oW3P

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) October 27, 2025

Roster

Forwards: Miroslav Stasak, Marian Linda, David Korman, Martin Joppa, Milos Vecerek, Jozef Grabbar, Robert Turic
Defenders: Erik Fojtik, Slavomir Ferencik, Michal Hlinka
Goaltenders: Miroslav Pastucha, Eduard Lepaceck
Head Coach: Ivan Hricko

Keys to Victory 

Slovakia’s success in Jessheim will depend on combining defensive discipline with opportunistic offense. Their structure and teamwork are the backbone of their play, often frustrating faster teams and creating chances of counterattacks. Strong goaltending from and leadership will be essential in close games.

Game Schedule 

Wednesday, 5 November @ 15:30 vs. Kazakhstan
Thursday, 6 November @ 12:00 vs. Japan
Friday, 7 November @ 12:00 vs. Sweden
Sunday, 9 November @ 19:00 vs. Norway
Monday, 10 November @ 15:30 vs. Korea