LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA – Former University of Alaska Anchorage hockey player Luka Vidmar will represent Slovenia at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games.

This will be Vidmar's first time representing his native Slovenia at the Olympics, but has played for Team Slovenia at several international competitions. He has played on three World Championships teams (2010, 2015, 2016), two World Junior Teams (2005, 2006) and two World Junior Under-18 Teams (2003, 2004).

“Since I represented the national team in all the main events in the last few years, it wasn't a total shock that I was selected, but it was definitely great news as it is one of the biggest honors to represent your country at the Olympics,” said Vidmar.

This will be the second time that Slovenia has participated in the Olympics since becoming a country in 1991.

“Being from a country of only two million people and qualifying for the Olympics for the second time in a row is our Miracle on Ice,” said Vidmar.

Vidmar (2007-11) scored six goals and 27 assists for 33 points in 114 career games at defense during his career at UAA.

Vidmar is the second UAA hockey player head to Pyeongchang. He will join former teammate Mat Robinson (2005-09) who will represent Team Canada. The two were teammates for two seasons (2007-08 & 2008-09).

“I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet, but I am sure we will connect in PyeongChang and I look forward to catching up,” said Vidmar.

“I am looking forward to the whole experience from the opening ceremony, to our games and watching other events and athletes all perform in the biggest sporting event in the world. I want to showcase Slovenia in the highest possible way,” said Vidmar.

Team Slovenia will face the United States on Feb. 14 and follow up with games against Russia on Feb. 16 and Slovakia on Feb. 17.