Slovakia

Learn how to play hockey in
Slovakia

Explore a country where hockey is a genuine national passion and the mountains rival the Alps at a fraction of the cost.

Slovakia offers an authentic European experience with medieval castles, dramatic Tatra mountains, and welcoming locals who are fiercely proud of their hockey heritage.

The pace of life is pretty relaxed and you'll find yourself part of a tight-knit hockey community that really cares about the sport.

Ex-pat Friendliness:

Moderate
English is improving among younger Slovaks. Slovaks are patient and helpful with import players, and learning a few basic Slovak phrases (Ahoj- Hi/Bye, Ďakujem- thank you) goes quite a long way in building connections in-season.

Cost of Living:

Very Affordable
Cost of living is quite affordable in Slovakia. Players have many expenses already covered by clubs, but they always tell us they're pleasantly surprised how far their native currency gets them when it's converted.

Weather/Climate:

Diverse (Regional)
Continental climate with distinct seasons. Cold-ish winters (25-35°F/-4 to 2°C) and warm summers (70-82°F/21-28°C).

Proximity of Travel:

Eastern Explorer

Of course there's Bratislava just to name one in Slovakia, but then you have Vienna, Prague, Budapest all within a few hours.

The Tatra Mountains offer incredible hiking and skiing. Access to Poland, Hungary, and Austria makes for diverse weekend adventures or on few day off breaks for players in-season.

Hockey Culture:

Strong

Hockey in Slovakia is a big deal sport wise.

Slovaks are fiercely proud of their hockey heritage, and the sport is woven into the culture from youth levels up through the pro levels.

Leagues

In Slovakia, the Extraliga is the top league (the full league name differs slightly over time due to sponsors).

Underneath the top league, you have Slovakia2 which goes by 1. Liga.

Slovakia has many strong youth up through junior aged leagues as well.

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