Inroducing Rok Ticar

24 - years old talented forward played last two seasons in Cologne Sharks, where helped the team to advanced to play - off finals two times in a row. Ticar was also a part of Slovenian national team, during their historical advance to Olympics quarterfinal!

What have you been up to these days?

I took two weeks off after a long season and just relaxed at home. I start practicing now and I want to be  100% ready for KHL! I haven’t been on holiday yet. Maybe I will have a few days off after my preparation for a new season. 

Are you interested in World Championships in Belarus?

Yes of course. I have watched some games of World Championships in Belarus. All teams are very good and strong. Games are thrilling and balanced. Every game has a great attendance. I think that Russia has played very well. After not being very successful in Olympics many players came to team for World Champs. They have not lost yet and have a best chance to win it all. I also watch NHL play-offs.

What is your favourite team?

I’m cheering for Los Angeles Kings. My teammate and friend Anze Kopitar plays for Kings. They have played very well in play offs. They made it to the conference final. I think that series against Chicago will be very long and tough but I hope they’ll do it and advance to Stanley Cup final. 

What are your feelings from Cologne and DEL league?

I spent two great years in Cologne Sharks. I had an opportunity to play in a great league with perfect players in my team. Organization in Cologne worked very well during all two years, also town was pretty fine, huge with many interesting places. It was a great experience for me and I’m happy that I could be a part of  the Cologne team.

How do you rate your last season in Cologne Sharks?

It was a season with some up‘s and down’s. I had a good start of the season. We made it to the play off final but unfortunately we lost it in game 7. It was the second time we lost in final in two years it was a little bit dissapointing for all players. Team was together two seasons and we had a great chance to do it. But it’s time to forget about it and concentrate on Slovan in KHL!

Cologne has a huge arena, What was the atmosphere there like?

The ice – rink Arena of Cologne - Lanxsses is pretty big. Capacity is 18 500 for hockey. I  played at small stadiums before and I was a little bit shocked when I played there for the first time. It was such a big difference. Fans were really good, we had sold out many games, and the atmosphere was amazing.

We have a great atmosphere too. Have you knewn about it?

The atmosphere was so unbelievable in Bratislava during World Champs in 2011, the crowd was very loud and we couldn’t hear the coach and each other on the bench. Obviously I have some information about HC SLOVAN home games attendance and  about its atmosphere. I’m so looking forward to your fans andI think that it can be even better than in Cologne!

How do you remember on Bratislava during World Champs 2011?

We spent most of the time on the ice rinks. I remember very kind and helpful people in Bratislava. I don’t remember the town so much, hope I’ll have a few days free time to visit some places there.

What do you expect from your first KHL season?

I have watched couple of games especially in play – offs. I expect every game in this league to be even stronger, faster. To play in KHL is a step forward in my carrer, and good challenge for me. I’ll try to do my best and looking forward to my first game in one of the best world  leagues.

Do you think that your cooperation with Ziga Jeglic can help Slovan in KHL?

I think so! We play together in a same line in Slovenia national team and we played together in Jesenice. We are very thrilled that we’ll be in one team in Kontinental Hockey League. We know each other pretty well on the ice and we’ĺl try to do our best, play great hockey and help the team to win as many games.

How do you describe yourself as a hockey player?

I think I’m a good skater, technical type of player. I like to pass the puck to scoring opportunities. Of course I can score goals too, but I am more of a playmaker.