Two newcomers to the Bowling Green hockey team arrived with experience on bigger rinks on the world stage and focused on their goal of playing college hockey.
Freshmen forwards Adam Zlnka (Slovakia) and Johannes Løkkeberg (Norway) both played in the States before coming to BG.
“I found it a pretty good opportunity to connect hockey and school in one. It doesn’t necessarily always work out, hockey-wise, so I wanted to have a back door,” Zlnka said. “That’s why I came to the United States to play junior hockey, so the next step can be playing in college.”
Since arriving in the United States in 2021, Adam competed in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Sioux Falls Stampede, Waterloo Black Hawks, and Des Moines Buccaneers. In 2022, Zlnka was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL Entry Draft.
Løkkeberg arrived in North America in 2023, spending a year with the West Kelowna Warriors in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and using the time to adapt to North American hockey.
Løkkeberg noted the size of the rink as the biggest difference between European and “North American style” hockey.
“In European hockey we play on a bigger ice, so you get more space. We try to keep the puck more and it’s more of a possession game, rather than here, where it’s more straight lines and dump and chase,” Løkkeberg said. “I like the playing style we have here. It fits my game very well.”
Not only have Zlnka and Løkkeberg played on larger rinks, but they have competed on one of the biggest stages in the hockey world – the U20 World Junior Championships. BG assistant coach Stavros Paskaris described the tournament as “the Olympic version for Under 20 hockey players.”
Zlnka competed in the Championships for Team Slovakia in 2023 and 2024, while Johannes competed in 2024 as captain of Team Norway.
“It was amazing, honestly, I really enjoyed it. It was a privilege and honor and a great experience,” recalled Zlnka. “It’s been a huge eye-opener, especially playing against teams like Canada, United States, Finland and the hockey world’s best teams and players in that age group.”
Løkkeberg said he had a similar experience.
“I hadn’t done anything like that. It’s probably one of the biggest things you could do at that age,” Løkkeberg said. “I had a lot of Norwegian fans there and people that I knew from Sweden were there, so it was an amazing experience.”
Following their time on the big stage, Zlnka and Løkkeberg prepared to begin their college hockey careers.
“I really liked how and what people were saying about Bowling Green hockey, and the school, too,” Løkkeberg said. “I just kind of fell in love with it and that’s why I wanted to come here.”
Løkkeberg said being part of a world tournament provided valuable experience.
“It’s prepared me for how big it is,” he said. “College hockey is obviously huge here and the same thing for the World Juniors. It got a lot of attention, and you knew there were cameras on you all the time and scouts there watching.”
Paskaris agreed.
“The crowds and the amount of fanfare that comes with [the World Juniors], and even maybe some of the pressure that comes with that, I think those are all experiences that they could pull from and hopefully utilize as they further their career,” Stavros said.
“It’s been great in that way to learn how to play inside the rink, not behind the boards,” Zlnka added.
As the Falcons’ season enters Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) play, the freshmen continue to adjust to college hockey.
“It’s way more structured and everyone is obviously at a higher level,” Løkkeberg said. “Everyone expects a certain level from each other, so when you’re on the ice or in the gym, you do everything you can 100% and that’s just the standard here.”
The pair said they hope to use their individual strengths to make an impact for the Falcons.
“I think I bring speed, and I bring skill,” Zlnka said. “I feel like I also have a great shot.”
Paskaris said he sees Zlnka’s potential.
“Adam’s a talented player. It’s always been a matter of, not if, just when he was going to showcase all his talents,” Paskaris said. “He’s skilled and he can be really gritty. He can be on pucks all the time.”
Paskaris said Løkkeberg’s time as captain for Team Norway brings leadership experience to Bowling Green.
“Johannes is someone who’s responsible and cares more about team success than sometimes his own personal success. I think that’s why he was the captain for the Norwegian World Junior team,” Paskaris said. “He can filter in a bunch of different roles and be helpful.”
Løkkeberg said wearing the C on his chest for Team Norway taught him some valuable lessons.
“I definitely learned a thing or two, being a captain and facing the struggles we had,” Løkkeberg said. “I always try to be myself, whether I have a letter on me or not.”
The Falcons are now 2-0 in CCHA play, after sweeping Ferris State.
“As a team we have the highest goals, so that’s winning the CCHA and moving forward in the tournament,” Zlnka said. “We will try to win every single game, no matter who we play.”
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