IGNAC BENE COMMITS TO VSM BRATISLAVA CAPITALS

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA — September 22, 2026 — The VSM Bratislava Capitals are pleased to announce the commitment of forward Ignac Bene for the 2026–27 season.

The 2005-born forward from Milford, Connecticut, joins the Capitals after gaining valuable experience throughout the North American junior hockey system, including the NCDC, OJHL and GOJHL.

Bene stands 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds and shoots left. His development has included stops with several respected hockey programs, including Blyth Academy Bruins, Mount St. Charles Academy, Skipjacks Hockey Club and Elite Hockey Academy.

CONTINUING HIS DEVELOPMENT IN BRATISLAVA

Bene spent the 2025–26 season competing in the NCDC, appearing in 44 games between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights and Connecticut Chiefs North.

Earlier in his development, Bene demonstrated his offensive ability at the U18 level with Blyth Academy Bruins, recording 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points in 42 games during the 2023–24 season.

His experience across multiple levels of junior hockey has provided Bene with a strong foundation as he moves into the next stage of his career.

Bratislava now gives him an opportunity to continue that development while combining hockey with his education.

AN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Bene will join the Capitals as they begin their first season representing VSM City University of Seattle in the European Union College Hockey League.

The program provides student-athletes with the opportunity to pursue an American university education while competing internationally and experiencing life in one of Europe's most historic hockey cities.

For Bene, the move represents more than simply continuing his playing career. It provides an opportunity to experience a new culture, play the game he loves and work toward his academic goals at the same time.

“We are very happy to welcome Ignac to Bratislava,” said Head Coach Karol Fako. “He has gained experience in several different hockey environments, and we believe this next step will give him an opportunity to continue developing both as a player and as a student-athlete. We are looking forward to working with him.”

A NEW CHAPTER

Bene joins a Capitals roster that includes players from across North America and Europe, creating an international team environment both on and off the ice.

The team will play its home games at TIPOS Arena, home of HC Slovan Bratislava, providing the Capitals with a first-class hockey environment for their inaugural season.

For Bene, the upcoming season represents the beginning of a new chapter—one that combines competitive hockey, university education and the opportunity to experience life in Slovakia.

The VSM Bratislava Capitals welcome Ignac Bene to Bratislava and look forward to supporting him throughout the 2026–27 season.

Welcome to Bratislava, Ignac.

Welcome to the Capitals.

College Hockey's Next Level.