Hi everyone! My name is Olivér Barna.

I’d like to share my journey from Dunaújváros, Hungary, all the way to the United States.

I started playing ice hockey when I was five years old. My older sibling was the reason I fell in love with the sport. I still remember the day they came home from a tournament wearing a medal around their neck. At that moment, I knew I wanted to experience that feeling too. It became a huge source of motivation for me.

I began my hockey career with the Dunaújváros Acélbikák, where I played from the age of five until I was fourteen. After that, I spent one season with the Kárpáti Farkasok, before moving to Germany to join ESC Dresden U17.

That season was one of the most successful in the club’s history. We finished third in the league, and I led the league in scoring during the regular season—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.

In August 2023, with the support of Study N Sport, I moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where I joined the Oakmoor Patriots Academy U18 AAA. The league is considered one of the three strongest youth hockey leagues in the United States.

The first month was definitely an adjustment. I had to get used to the smaller ice surface and the faster pace of the game. Once I adapted, however, I was able to elevate my performance and averaged more than one point per game.

At the end of October, I received an incredible opportunity when the St. Cloud Norsemen of the NAHL (North American Hockey League) invited me to Minnesota for a two-week tryout. Thanks to my performances, the tryout was extended to four weeks. To the best of my knowledge, I became the youngest Hungarian player ever to compete in the NAHL.

Unfortunately, because of my visa situation, I had to return to Des Moines and continue my studies, even though I would have loved to stay with the Norsemen. It was an outstanding opportunity to develop in one of North America’s top junior leagues.

On December 10, we played a hard-fought game against Northstar, winning in overtime. After the game, the head coach of the Minot Minotauros (NAHL) offered me a tender contract for the following season.

That was an incredible milestone in my career. The Minotauros were leading their division and ranked among the top four teams across all American junior hockey leagues.

Looking ahead, my goal is to earn a place in the USHL, the highest level of junior hockey in the United States, through the draft. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll join the Minot Minotauros in the NAHL for the next season.

Both my American and Hungarian advisors believe in my potential and are committed to helping me reach the highest level possible. Most importantly, though, I believe in myself. That belief is what drives me every day to keep working toward my dream.