In this episode of Slovakia Today, we take you to the heart of Trenčín—a city with a mighty hockey legacy and a school that's been nurturing future stars for generations. As Slovakia marks 60 years of student and sports education at one of its most storied institutions, we explore how this small city has produced some of the country’s biggest hockey names. But with Slovakia finishing 12th at the 2025 IIHF World Championship and fewer players reaching the NHL, the question arises: what’s changed, and where is Slovak hockey headed?

We speak with local legends like Stanley Cup champion Marián Gáborík, a headmaster who believes in the power of sports-integrated education, and a veteran coach guiding today’s youth through new challenges. Along the way, we hear from young players navigating the demands of school, training, and rising costs. This report digs into what it takes to build elite talent in modern Slovakia—and whether the next generation has what it takes to bring the country back to the top of the hockey world.