On Sunday night, things will be busy at Aerodrom Ljubljana when airplanes packed with Hockey players arriving in the Slovenian Capital. Adding to the Players already confirmed, three players will add their strengths to the team. Tomi Mustonen, Kevin Kantee and John Hughes all agreed Terms at the Tivoli.
John Hughes should come as a household name to Erste Bank Eishockey Liga fans. After winning the Jim Mahon Trophy as the top-scoring right winger in the OHL, he made the switch to Europe, and scored 56 points in 58 games with EC Red Bull Salzburg. After a spell with finnish side Tappara and a stop with Hannover Indians in Germanys second division, Hughes is ready to don the green shirt of HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana.

Another class act coming in is Kevin Kantee. The heavily-built Defenders strengths surely lie in Defence. Born in Idaho Falls, ID, USA, he represented Finland at U-18 and U-20 Level, and was drafted by NHL franchise Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the NHL entry-draft in 2002. He never suited up in the States or Canada, though, opting to play in his parents’ home, Finland. He carved a career for himself with Jokerit, but moved on to TPS, Ilves and JYP. Despite the defenders physical posture, 134 PIM in 303 games at top-level in Finland show an intelligent and calm approach to the game.    

The third player to join the Dragons is Tomi Mustonen. Another Finn, coming through the same ranks as Headcoach Hannu Järvenpää at Kärpät Oulu, he won the SM-liiga twice in 2006/07 and 2007/08 with that team. His speed and precise shot have served him well in the progress of his career that took him to Allsvenskan team Björkloven last season.

HDD TILIA Olimpija Ljubljana have got a fine array of quality import and young talented players on their roster and will surely be a contender if the team finds good chemistry between them quickly. Further signings are not out of the question, either.