“Everything just works – on and off the ice, so I have really enjoyed playing here. I am happy to stay here for another season. Ljubljana has a good history and the club offer us a good environment - for example, the gym is right at the ice rink. It is nice to train there.”

Being from Finland, Erving is used to cold weather which is why his first trip to Slovenia caught him slightly off guard as the temperatures there were much different than back home.

“I remember arriving for my first season in August last year. It was like 30 degrees outside, and you could feel it indoors too,” remembered Erving, “but obviously the temperatures cooled down as the year went on.”

Before going to Ljubljana, Erving spent three seasons in Slovakia. The two European ice hockey nations share some qualities, but in others, they are different from each other.

“Where to start,” said Erving pausing for a second, “when it comes to ice hockey, the ICE is a bit more straight forward and clearer. In Slovakia, the teams tend to slow down the game more. The teams we play aim to get to the net and turn the game from defence to offense fast.”

“Regardless of the different playing styles, both are great sports and hockey countries. I think ice hockey is the biggest sport in Slovakia, just like it is in Finland, so it was always nice to play there, the atmosphere was good and the crowds were big for games,” said Erving comparing the two countries.

Despite the ICE season still being some time away, the squad is slowly forming ahead of Ljubljana’s first venture onto the international ice hockey scene.

“I think our team seems to be forming pretty well. There is a good core of guys from last season and most of the people know each other and have played with each other,” said Erving.

2022/23 will mark Ljubljana’s first appearance in the Champions Hockey League – “It is a great opportunity for the team and the players. I think most of our guys, if not all, haven’t played CHL hockey before so obviously everybody is very excited,” said Erving, “we have everything we need to win and it is nice to get a chance to play against some new teams.”

Ljubljana will face Grizzlys Wolfsburg from Germany, EV Zug from Switzerland and TPS Turku from Finland in the Group Stage. The Slovenian team will most likely be seen as an underdog, but that fits them perfectly.

“I am sure that the games will be tough, but still, it is great to get to meet new teams and also visit Finland for a game!”

“The fans will also be excited to see how we will play against teams from other leagues and countries. These are great opportunities to show what our players are made of,” said Erving.

Erving is known for being a steady defenceman and that is exactly what he wants to bring to the team as they gear up for elite European club ice hockey.

“I want to be a solid player for our team. I try to open the game as fast as possible for the forwards and aid with my skating in all areas of the ice. My role will become clearer as the season comes closer,” he explained.

Erving has already seen a lot of European ice hockey, but he still has a burning desire to compete and improve his game.

“It’s always been important for me to enjoy the game so I will play for as long as I get that feeling of joy on the ice,” he concluded.