ABOUT US

COACHES

Peter OBONA

Head Coach & Founder of Slovak Hockey Academy

At the age of six, he embarked on his journey as a figure skater, and by eight, he had joined the hockey club Iskra Banská Bystrica, taking his first steps into the world of ice hockey. His promising path was interrupted at seventeen by the school system, which curtailed his ability to continue training.

Undeterred, he rekindled his passion for the sport at twenty-five, diving into street hockey. His dedication and skill led him to ascend to the highest extra league, and he proudly represented the Slovak national team at the world championships.

Upon relocating to Germany, he seamlessly transitioned into a dual role as both a coach and player. His leadership and expertise quickly earned him the position of head coach. In that same year, he guided his U13 team to a league title, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career.

Patrik Obona

Coach & Co-Founder of Slovak Hockey Academy

21 years old, he was born in Slovakia and has made a significant impact in the world of ice hockey. He began his journey in the sport at the age of 13, playing for Timmendorfer Strand. His talents soon led him to play for the Hamburg Crocodiles U15 before moving to Hamburg SV, where he continued to excel, playing from the U15 level all the way through to the U20 team in the North 3rd Bundesliga

His career progressed as he played for the Hamburg Sailors in the 5th league and currently competes for the Timmendorf Beach Devils in the 4th league. His academic pursuits in Slovakia were equally impressive, as he attended a private sports and economy gymnasium, where he earned his qualifications as a sport manager and obtained a B license as an ice hockey trainer in 2022.

Embarking on his coaching career in 2022, he began training the U11 team. The following year, he achieved his C license in Germany and expanded his coaching role to include both U11 and U13 teams. His dedication and skill were evident when he led the U13 team to a commendable 3rd place finish in 2023. His journey reflects his unwavering commitment to ice hockey, both as a player and a coach, inspiring young athletes with his passion and expertise.

Waldemar Bartuli

Coach

51 years old, he is a dedicated family man, married with three children who also share his passion for ice hockey. His extensive qualifications include a degree as a sports teacher and an A-level coaching license in ice hockey. Residing in the southern part of Hamburg, he has dedicated the past 25 years to working with numerous clubs in and around the city. His coaching expertise spans from youth teams to association and regional league teams.

Among his notable achievements, he played a pivotal role in youth coordination for the Hamburg Freezers, where he identified and nurtured several promising talents. Many of these players have progressed to the Oberliga, the 2nd DEL, and even the prestigious First DEL. His love for the sport is boundless, and he takes immense joy in passing on this enthusiasm to the next generation, instilling a deep appreciation and passion for ice hockey in their young hearts.