Ice Dogs sign Import Samuel Ivanic

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The Sydney Ice Dogs have continued to shore up their blueline the signing of Slovakian defenceman Samuel Ivanic. A right handed shot at 6'3" and 26 years old, Ivanic is a formidable presence on the ice and has a wealth of experience playing at both the national and international level.

Ivanic started his hockey career in his home country of Slovakia, playing for his hometown club of HC Banska Bystrica in the Under 18s league in the 2011-2012 season. The following year, he split his time between the Under 18s team and the Under 20s team, where he notched an impressive 15 points in 27 games in the Under 18s team. Ivanic continued to develop his skills over the next two years, playing in Sweden's top national league, the Junior Super Elit League. Over the course of his Youth Career he had played for the National Slovakian Youth team at three tournaments.

In 2015/2016, Ivanic had the opportunity to represent the Slovakian National Junior Team for the World Junior Championships. In the tournament, Ivanic faced off against some of the best young talent in the world, including Colorado Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen.

After his successful stint in the World Junior Championships, Ivanic spent a short time playing in the Finnish Men's Mestis League before returning home to HC Banska Bystrica. In his final year of junior hockey, Ivanic posted an impressive 28 points in 33 games as a defenceman.

“Samuel Ivanic is going to be a welcome addition to the Sydney Ice Dogs defence. Samuel has size and a long reach, plays a defensive game and isn’t afraid to throw his big frame around. Samuel has a hard shot but I am particularly impressed with his ability to read the game. Samuel represented Slovakia and the U20 World Championships playing along side Tampa Bay Lightning's Erik Cernak with most of his competition currently playing in the NHL. I look forward to seeing Samuel strengthen our D core this year” says Head Coach Jason Kvisle

Since then, Ivanic has been playing in Sweden's Hockey Ettan League, where he has played in 149 games, establishing himself as a reliable and skilled defenceman.

“I’m excited to be a part of this organization and I’m looking forward to playing for ice dogs in front of the Sydney audience. I’m enjoying being on ice Down Under. The team is looking sharp and we are definitely ready for the rivalry season opener at Macquarie” adds Ivanic.

You can catch Samuel patrolling the blue line at the Home Opening Battle of Sydney April 15^th