The boys of winter are back: Reflecting on the Czech summer

It is with great pleasure that Velvet Hockey returns from an extended break. After taking a year break from engaging with hockey, I’m feeling refreshed and ready to bring news and views from the Czech Republic and Slovakia and (hopefully) neatly summarise them in English.

HC Zlin: Extraliga Champions 2013/14
Photo: Lukáš Urbanik, hokej.zlin.cz

It has been a busy summer in the Czech Extraliga, and I could write reams on the major stories which have filled those long summer days. With pre-season now two weeks in and the league season a little under a month away, most teams are putting the finishing touches to their rosters and seems the perfect time to reflect on the summer that has been.

Two in, two out

Ever since the Extraliga/1.liga relegation playouts were changed to a round robin format (somewhat resembling the Swedish Kvalserien) featuring the top two 1.liga teams and the worst two Extraliga teams, the potential for a massive shift has always been there. HC Pirati Chomutov survived by the skin of their teeth in 2012/13, but this year they were not so lucky. Joining Chomutov in 1.liga next year is Rytiři Kladno. Kladno, owned by Czech legend Jaromir Jágr, were a perenial bottom feeder before the team rebranded under the name Rytiři (meaning Knights) in 2011.

It's 1.liga hockey once again for these Chomutov fans
Photo: Jan Pidrman, piratichomutov.cz

Kladno has been one of the biggest talent producers in Czech hockey over the last century. The club was founded in 1924, and won five Czechoslovak championships between 1975 and 1980. The NHL lockout in 2012/13 was testament to the quality that Kladno has produced, as Jágr, along with Tomáš Plekanec, Marek Židlický, Jiří Tlustý and Tomáš Kaberle all laced up the skates for the Knights. The aforementioned five players were all products of Kladno’s junior system, but the senior squad has always flattered to deceive. Kaberle returned to the Extraliga following a fourteen season NHL career, but he was unable to solidify a leaky defence which conceded an average of over three goals a game. It is not the first time Kladno have fallen to the 1.liga though. In 2002/03 the team bounced straight back following their relegation the season before. This author has his fingers crossed they can do the same in 2014/15.

Chomutov’s two year stint in the Extraliga is a cliché for what could have been. 2012/13 saw the team get off to a flyer, hovering around the playoff places as they seemed to catch teams by surprise and pick up victories at home on the road. However, the racism incident involving Chris Stewart (read here) appeared to take more out of the team than was first thought, as they dropped like an anchor to the bottom of the Extraliga pile by the end of the season. Last season, Chomutov started awfully and continued the trend. A paltry six wins was all the team could muster, 20 less than 13th placed Kladno.

HC Olomouc celebrate their promotion "Czech Style"
Photo: Eva Holásková, hcolomouc.cz

Taking their place are BK Mladá Boleslav and HC Olomouc. The former are no strangers to the Extraliga, as they had a four season spell between 2008 and 2012. However, it was hardly a successful stint in the Czech top flight, finishing last in three of those four seasons, and only managing to finish 13th in 2009/10. In one of the most interesting facts of Czech hockey, HC Olomouc were the first winners of the independent Czech Extraliga in 1993. However, in 1997, the club sold its Extraliga license to Karlovy Vary, and in 1999 the club collapsed all together. Hockey returned to Olomouc in 2001, and they have risen through the ranks from the 2.liga (Czech third tier) and have finally returned to the Czech top flight, having finished runners-up to Mladá Boleslav in the 1.liga final but beating both of the Extraliga teams in the relegation playout.
Both teams have looked to strengthen in order to make sure their stays in the Extraliga are not limited to a solitary season. Mladá Boleslav have retained their three top scorers from last season (Tomáš Klimenta, David Výborný and Michal Broš). Adding to this trio, the club has penned contracts with young forwards Tomáš Hyka (from Farjestad in the SHL), Dominik Pacovský, who failed to make an impact with Lev Praha in the KHL, but has a proven track record with Sparta and David Květoň, who has a number of solid seasons with Třinec to his name.

On the other hand, Olomouc have strengthened the back end. Tomáš Halász’s transfer to Pardubice opened up a space in goal alongside the rejuvinated Tomáš Vosvrda, which has been filled by Jiři Trvaj. Additionally, Olomouc penned deals with Martin Vyrůbalík, who has an exceptional record in recent years in the Slovak Extraliga with Skalica, and Joni Tuominen, a Finnish defenceman with over 350 games experience in the Finnish Liiga and 22-year old Peter Hraško, who made his Slovakia national team debut this season.

The New Slavia

"Lubina Out" - Slavia fans make their voice heard
Photo: Pavel Mazáč,  http://isport.blesk.cz/galerie/
hokej-tipsport-extraliga/205081/?foto=0

The club undergoing perhaps the biggest change this offseason is Slavia Praha, not least because coach of fourteen seasons, Vladimir Růžička, left the club to take up the post as Czech Republic head coach on a full time basis. Along with the coach’s departure, club captain Petr Kadlec left for Plzeň after over 1,000 games with Slavia. The ownership fiasco of the last two seasons seems to have got itself sorted and now Slavia can look to move on…right?

Wrong. Or so that’s how it seems to be at present. The man chosen to replace Růžička as coach is Ladislav Lubina, who had a distinguished career with Pardubice as a player and a so-so period as head coach. However, Slavia’s fan club (Sešívaní) have been vocal in their unacceptance of Lubina, with a ‘Lubina ven’ (Lubina out) banner being held proudly at all Slavia’s pre-season games at Eden so far.

The root behind the dislike of Lubina? Reading through the group’s Facebook page and what has been published in the press, it appears that the main point of contention is Lubina’s non-hockey past, where he was responsible for the death of the father Vratislav Lokvenc in a car crash in Hradec Kralove. Lubina fled the scene but was eventually caught, and sentenced to two years’ probation.

Lubina appears to have the support of the Slavia board, and the team’s pre-season form has been incredibly impressive, as they have racked up five wins in a row, defeating the likes of Admiral Vladivostok and thrashing Medveščak Zagreb 5-0. Against Zagreb, Slavia lined up with a first line of Marek Tomica, Jaroslav Bednář and Tomáš Vlasák, the same top line they had in the 2005/06 season. Vlasák has been Slavia’s big name free agent signing this summer, after spending seven successful seasons with Plzeň.

A Ton of bricks

A sight Sparta fans thought they'd never see -
Petr Ton in a Kometa jersey
Photo: Michal Eger, hc-kometa.cz

In arguably the biggest transfer saga of the season, Petr Ton, the face of Sparta Praha for the last decade has
left the club after a 67 point season which ended in acrimonious circumstances. Sparta, who finished the 2013/14 miles ahead of the pack in the regular season, lost once more to Kometa Brno in the playoffs. A lack of agreement over finances has been cited by the club as the reason as to Ton’s release, however, the fact that the 40-year old was benched during the third period of game 7 against Kometa by Sparta head coach Josef Jandač surely must have played a factor in Ton leaving Sparta after his best season yet. A video of Ton’s sitting is available here

In a rather cruel twist of fate, despite rumours linking Ton to his hometown Kladno club, the veteran sharpshooter signed with Kometa Brno, who have been a perennial thorn in Sparta’s side in recent seasons. You can be sure that Ton will get a warm reception on his return to the Tipsport Arena, but if Ton leads another Kometa victory over Sparta in the playoffs, perhaps the goodwill will fade.

The KHL merry go round

As with every summer, there has been no shortage in the transfer activity between the Czech Extraliga and the KHL. I remember interviewing then Zlín (now Pardubice) head coach Zdeněk Venera in 2007 and him remarking that it was a massive struggle for Czech clubs to hold onto their talent because they get offers of between 7 and 10 times more from the KHL. As a consequence, a vast majority of the younger Czech talent that perhaps won’t make it in the NHL, makes the move to Russia.

The biggest ‘Czech’ transfer splash in the KHL perhaps does not involve the Extraliga though, as Slavia product Vladimir Sobotka surprisingly left the St. Louis Blues and signed a bumper contract with Avangard Omsk, a Russian powerhouse who have fallen by the wayside in recent years through poor performances. Other KHL-KHL transfers have seen defenceman Josef Hrabal (former Třinec) move from Sibir Novosibirsk to Dinamo Riga. Vladimir Růžička jr. left Slavia for a tryout with Dinamo Riga, but his future is uncertain as the Latvian club declined to offer him a contract. Defenceman Jan Kolář (former Pardubice) makes the move from Donbass Donetsk to Admiral Vladivostok following Donbass’ decision to cease operations for the coming season. Petr Koukal leaves Neftekhimik Nizhekamsk for KHL newboys Jokerit, while fellow forward Jakub Petružálek will hope to recapture his fine form on Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg’s roster, after leaving Ak Bars Kazan.

In terms of transfers from the Extraliga to the KHL, Sparta lost two players as Tomáš Pöpperle returns to the KHL, this time with HK Sochi, while Tomáš Rachunek has penned a deal with Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Additionally, Martin Zatovic and Karol Sloboda have signed with Lada Togliatti, from Karlovy Vary and Vitkovice respectively. Moving back to the Extraliga from the KHL, Třinec have made the biggest splash, signing Zbyněk Irgl to replace Martin Růžička, who gets a second crack at the KHL, this time with Traktor Chelyabinsk. Additionally a number of the younger players at the now defunct Lev Praha have signed Extraliga deals, Lukáš Cingel and Jakub Matai being two.

Can Irgl lead Třinec back to the Extraliga championship?
Photo: Martin Ježowicz, hcocelari.cz

All in all, it looks to be yet another promising Extraliga season, with the pressure being on Zlín to see whether
or not they can retain their Extraliga crown. They have made very few changes to their roster, along the loss of Petr Zámorský and Antonín Honejsek, two of the team’s best young players may hit the reigning champions hard. However, the signing of Roman Vlach from Karlovy Vary was a welcome boost, and the Moravians have faith they can get their second title in a row. I will hopefully have a team by team preview up within the next week or so, including my predictions of the Extraliga table and the players to watch this season.

Until then, enjoy pre-season, and if you have always wanted to go and watch some Czech hockey but have never got round to it, this is the year to do so. Pound Sterling is currently around 25 per cent up on the Czech Koruna since the start of the year, and the Czechs are planning on keeping their currency at the same level. This means that a centre ice ticket at the o2 Arena for a Slavia game costs £5.50 (standing for £2), while a ticket at the Tipsport Arena for their deadly rivals Sparta will cost you £3.30 at the cheapest (rising to £5.75). Your pound will go even further in the Czech Republic than it has before, and with beers from as little as £0.80, you cannot go wrong!

Extraliga Playoff Update.

I realise it's been a long while again since I've updated. I'm rather disappointed that I haven't been keeping up with this, but work and an interest in the KHL playoffs has left me missing out on a lot of what's happened in the playoffs so far.

At the time of writing, both semi finals are at the Game 5 stage, with Kometa Brno showing that their win over Sparta Praha was no fluke, as they have continued their rich vein of form by taking a 3-1 series lead over Plzeň. After getting off to a rocky start against Sparta, losing two of the first three games, Kometa won Games 4, 5 and 6 to punch their ticket to the Extraliga semi-finals. Sparta, who impressed for so long during the regular season seemed to struggle to find any sort of form against the eighth seed, and the top line of Petr Ton, Petr Tenkrát and Mario Bližňák failed to find any sort of rhythm during the series. Another area in which Sparta paled in regards to their regular season play was in their defence. Usually ever reliable, numerous defensive lapses resulted in Kometa goals, as well as the dip in the form of Tomáš Pöpperle, who was pulled in one game and omitted from the line-up in Game 5.

Jiri Trvaj has rolled back the years
 in the playoffs so far
Photo: Ivo Dostál

For Kometa, it is difficult to place the success on the shoulders of one player, but credit must be given to 37 year old netminder Jiří Trvaj, who appears to be turning back the years with his stellar play in the playoffs. After sharing the duties with Sasu Hovi for most of the season in the Kometa net, Trvaj has grabbed the reins and is showing some of his best form in the playoffs so far. With 10 wins in 13 games and a save percentage over 93%, Trvaj is certainly proving that he still has what it takes to be a starter at the Extraliga level. Another player turning back the years is Tomáš Divíšek. Divíšek has always flattered to deceived following his incredible season for Pardubice in 2003/04, and after a so-so season with Mlada Boleslav last season, Divíšek ended up at Brno halfway through this season, and is currently the playoff leading scorer with 15 points in 13 games. However, it is not fair to give Divíšek all the plaudits, as on the scoring front, Kometa have been blessed with incredible scoring depth so far. Jakub Svoboda, Leoš Čermák and Tomáš Svoboda have all put in stellar performances in this years playoffs, but will need to continue to do so if Kometa want to get over the finish line.

Radek Duda has struggled in the playoffs
Photo: Ivo Dostál

At the time of writing, Kometa have one foot in the Extraliga final, as they hold a 3-1 lead over Plzeň. Kometa won both games on the road as well as Game 3, meaning that  Plzeň will have to win the remaining three games in the series if they are to advance. Kometa shut out  Plzeň's forwards in both Games 2 and 3, with Trvaj keeping a shutout streak spanning for over 150 minutes. It is safe to say that  Plzeň, like Sparta, may be resenting the two weeks of inactivity during the qualification round, which has seen both teams appear flat footed to start the playoffs.  Plzeň needed to go to Game 7 to beat a dogged Zlín side in the quarter finals, and their win in Game 4 was their first road win of the playoffs. They look snakebitten, and whilst Radek Duda hasn't exactly been slacking in the playoffs, his scoring form is nowhere near as hot as it was during the regular season, mustering only 7 points in 11 games. Martin Straka is the only Plzeň player near a point per game, but he has only scored one goal during the playoffs. Another interesting point to note during the playoffs is that Adam Svoboda, a netminder who knows what it takes to win a championship in the Czech Repblic, has been benched during the semi finals after conceding four goals in Game 1. 20 year old starlet Marek Mazanec has taken over the duties against Kometa, and he cannot be blamed for any of the losses during the semi final series, as Plzeň failed to score in both Game 2 and Game 3. Whether or not  Plzeň's 3-2 win in Game 4 will be the turning point in the series remains to be seen, but with three more wins needed to advance, the odds are truly stacked against Martin Straka's men.

Daniel Rákos celebrating his series winning goal
Photo: Jan Jedlička

Third seed Pardubice have been hit and miss so far in the playoffs, and currently stand tied at 2-2 in their series with Liberec after defeating Vitkovice in seven games in the quarter finals. In a series full of twists and turns, which saw Pardubice win Game 5 6-0, only for Vitkovice to rally back and take Game 6 by a 6-1 scoreline. A Daniel Rákos overtime winner in Game 7 saw Pardubice advance to the semi finals, where once again they have proved to be consistently inconsistent. Liberec and Pardubice have alternated victories so far in the semi final, and Game 5 in Pardubice will be a pivotal game in deciding the series. Martin Růžička has certainly proved me wrong so far, as he has put in a number of fantastic performances throughout the playoffs so far, which sees him at the top of the netminding statistics, whilst Pardubice's offence has been somewhat hit and miss. Jan Kolář and Petr Koukal's performances haven't matched their regular season totals, and it has been depth scoring which has got Pardubice by so far, as Martin Bartek and Radovan Somík have proved capable goal getters so far with 11 and 9 points respectively. It is probably fair to say that on their day, Pardubice are the best team left in the playoffs and could easily take the title, but if they continue their inconsistent play, they may not even make it to the final.

The White Tigers of Liberec were arguably the most impressive team not named Kometa in the first round of the playoffs. They managed to chase Jakub Kovář out of Game 1, and aside from a blip in Game 2, they dispatched of České Budějovice in five games. Liberec are always a difficult team to overlook simply because of the Petr Nedvěd factor, and his 12 points in 9 games have gone a long way to Liberec's strong showing in the playoffs so far, but it would be unfair to overlook Marek Pinc, who has put in some solid performances as well. Michal Bulíř has also made a name for himself as one of the Extraliga's brightest young stars following his hatrick in Game 1 of the quarter finals, but he hasn't been able to keep up that scoring form during the semi final series. Jaroslav Kudrna has pitched in with five goals, but it does seem that everything that Liberec needs to do to win revolves around their veteran captain Nedvěd. Liberec need to win once more in Pardubice if they are to advance to the finals, and Nedvěd won't be able to do it all on his own.

I guess it makes sense to look back to my quarter final predictions that I made just before the quarter-finals and see how wrong I was.

(1) HC Sparta Praha vs (8) Kometa Brno
My prediction: Sparta win 4-1
Actual series: Kometa win 4-2

So this was a comprehensive cross on my tick sheet, although I don't think many people would have picked Kometa to win. Considering their relative experience and fervent fanbase, Kometa are the sort of team which should never be overlooked in a playoff setting, but after how well Sparta had played during the tail end of the series, even I saw Sparta rolling over them with relative ease. Instead, Kometa now sit one win away from the final, whilst Sparta are off golfing.


(2) HC Plzeň vs (7) PSG Zlín
My prediction: Plzeň win 4-2
Actual series: Plzeň win 4-3

I managed to get the right team this time, but Zlín got one more win than I thought they would. I was rather surprised that Zlin were able to score as many goals as they did, which may be due to the resurgent form of Petr Čajánek, who scored the same amount of goals in 12 playoff games as he did during the whole regular season. 


(3) HC Pardubice vs (6) HC Vitkovice
My prediction: Vitkovice win 4-3
Actual series: Pardubice win 4-3

This time I got the right amount of games but the wrong team. I thought that Pardubice would score enough goals to see them through, but wouldn't have the goaltending required to advance to the semis, but as I mentioned,  Martin Růžička has played brilliantly throughout the playoffs so far, and has gone a long way to getting his team to the semi finals. Once again for Vitkovice it was a case of the old guard putting in another good shift, as Burger and Ujčík were outstanding, whilst the younger players couldn't rise to the challenge. It was also a strange series for Roman Málek, as he only played three games due to injury, and looked distinctly average in all of them. The curse that Málek held over Pardubice seems to be over.


(4) Bili Tygri Liberec vs (5) HC Mountfield
My prediction: Liberec win 4-2
Actual series: Liberec win 4-1

Again, right team, wrong number of games. I was rather disappointed with the performances of České Budějovice, as they simply did not turn up. They struggled to deal with Nedvěd, and made life very easy for Marek Pinc. Every year it seems that Budějovice go into the playoffs as possible dark horses, but year after year they fail to get anywhere in the playoffs. Something needs to change for that team.

Kometa stun Sparta

(Written for EuroHockey.com)


Eighth seed Kometa Brno provide a big upset at the Tipsport Arena, as they defeated championship favourites Sparta Praha thanks to a Jakub Svoboda goal with just 67 seconds to go. In the other game, a Radek Duda goal 20 seconds from time lifted Plzeň to a game 1 victory against Zlín


HC Sparta Praha 3 - 4 HC Kometa Brno
(Kometa leads series 1-0)

Sometimes it seems better to qualify from the play-in round. Kometa, who had rolled over Kladno in the playoff qualification round came into this game looking fresh and raring to go, whilst the President's Cup champions Sparta, coming off a two week lay-off looked slow and lethargic. Despite their shots on goal advantage, it was Kometa who took the game to Sparta on the road, and delivered what could be a crucial blow to Sparta's championship aspirations.

2,000 travelling fans from Brno packed into the Tipsport Arena, and their prayers were answered with just over a minute to go. Sparta failed to clear the puck, and Tomáš Svoboda, who kept the puck in the zone, passed it to veteran forward Tomáš Divíšek. His shot was stopped, but luck was clearly on Kometa's side, as the rebound fell kindly on the stick of Jakub Svoboda, who had the simple task of dispatching it into the empty net. "We will try to play like we did today tomorrow", mused Jakub Svoboda. "But now that we have won, our opponents [Sparta] may come at us harder".

Whilst Sparta generally controlled the puck during the game, they had problems all game in protecting the front of their net, and Tomáš Pöpperle had a game to forget, conceding four goals on 25 shots, but that is to take nothing away from Kometa, who soaked up the Sparta pressure, and capitalised when they had their chances. Veteran goalie Jiří Trvaj made 33 saves in Kometa's victory.

It was clear that Sparta hadn't played for two weeks in the first period, as they came out the blocks slowly, and Kometa were 1-0 by the end of the period, as they were slow to react to Jozef Kováčik's point shot, which was tapped in by Leoš Čermák in the third minute to give the road side an early lead. It was clear that Kometa were putting all their efforts in trying to stop Sparta's key scorer, Petr Ton, but in the second period they couldn't stop Sparta taking the lead, as they scored twice in the opening three minutes of the period; Mario Bližňák and Ivan Rachůnek with the goals.

However, Sparta couldn't maintain this pace, and Kometa regrouped and finished the period strongly, and scored in the 37th minute through Tomáš Divíšek, and in the 39th minute through Roman Erat to re-take the lead. The third period was always going to be an important one, and Sparta began it looking like the team that finished first in the regular season. They would eventually draw level in the 43rd minute, as defenceman Angel Krstev tapped home after great puck possession work by Dominik Pacovsky behind Trvaj's goal.

The game looked like it would be heading to overtime, but in the 59th minute, Jakub Svoboda scored to snatch the victory away from Sparta, and to send the travelling fans into raptures. Sparta have now lost the home ice advantage, and could be in serious jeopardy if they happen to lose Sunday's game as well.



HC Plzeň 3 - 2 PSG Zlin
(Plzeň leads series 1-0)

"What's to say? The better team lost today". These were the words of Zlin head coach Rostislav Vlach, who looked distraught after his side lost game 1. A goal with just twenty seconds left in the third period was all that separated these two teams, as Plzeň's top scorer, Radek Duda, fired into what was an empty net after a howler of a mistake by Zlin goalie Jakub Sedláček. Whilst Duda may get the plaudits for scoring the game winner, it was the work of veteran forwards Ondřej Kratěna (2+1) and Michal Straka (0+3) who were influential in Plzeň picking up the victory. Zlin came back from behind twice in the game, but there was no way back after Duda's last minute goal.

Zlin looked to be still riding high after their great comeback in the qualification series, and they took the game to Plzeň. However, it was the hosts who would have the lead at the end of the first period, as Kratěna fired home with sixteen minutes on the clock, beating Sedláček over his shoulder. Zlin rallied after this goal, and had a number of chances on Adam Svoboda in the Plzeň net, but the Brno born shot-stopper was equal to all of them as the clock ticked down in the first period.

The second period told a similar tale as the first, as Zlin appeared to be the better side, but once more, Svoboda was making all the stops, and Zlin were leading a march to the penalty box, which was killing any of the momentum they had. However, half way through the period they finally drew level. A wicked shot from Michal Důras whistled its way past Svoboda and into the goal to the joy of the the small travelling contingent from Moravia.

As in the Sparta-Brno game, the third period would be of monumental importance, and both teams began tentatively. Zlin had a number of power play chances, but in the 51st minute their resolve was broken, as Kratěna scored his second of the game. The ČEZ Aréna was rocking after this goal, but only thirty seconds later, Zlin had rallied back, and promising young forward Petr Holík fired home. This goal gave Zlin the momentum, and Plzeň were on the ropes, mustering few offensive forays in the remaining minutes. An end to end game ensued as the clock ticked down, as neither team wanted the game to go to overtime, and it always looked like a mistake would decide the game, and unfortunately for Zlin, Sedláček's lack of concentration was what gift-wrapped the victory to Plzeň in what was a hugely exciting game 1, and a great opener to what should be a brilliant series.

Maroon is the colour.

Sunday afternoon saw the third edition of the Battle of the Vltava, as the old rivals Sparta and Slavia faced off at the o2 Arena, with the game having more connotations than just the pride of Prague. Sparta needed the win to keep their slender lead at the top of the table over Plzeň, whilst Slavia, riding a three game win streak, were looking to move out of the relegation places for the first time in three months. 11284 fans were in attendance as the two sides battled out a closely fought game, which was much tighter than the teams respective league positions would suggest, but eventually the league leaders Sparta got the break through in the final frame, and took the game 2-1.

 Bližňák scores the winner in the Prague derby
Photo: Pavel Vrtiška 

The first period was very open and very physical. European hockey has a reputation, especially in North America and Britain of being soft, and having no hitting. Try telling that to these two clubs, as they were going at it hammer and nail to try and get the advantage. Slavia actually outshot their guests, as the hosts had 30 shots to Sparta's 27, but they lacked that clinical edge which good teams have. Slavia had numerous breakaway attempts, but Tomáš Pöpperle stopped each one of them, making up for his teams rather lacklustre defensive performance. After a scoreless first, Sparta would open the scoring in this game, as they would make the man advantage count. Jan Dresler took a needless neutral zone hooking penalty and Sparta made them pay, the goal coming from the stick of Petr Tenkrát, who fired home from the left wing circle, leaving Dominik Furch flapping at thin air. Slavia rallied back though, and mid-way through the second frame they levelled the score, as Vladimír Růžička Jr. tipped a Jakub Šulc point shot past Pöpperle. The third period was a tight affair, as neither team wanted to be the one that made the mistake that cost them the points. Slavia went close early on as Michal Vondrka was denied from close range, and then Czech Under-20 forward Tomáš Hertl was sent to the box for checking from behind, giving Sparta a powerplay, and they made it count. Petr Tenkrát's point shot was deflected by an unwitting Mario Bližňák past Furch and into the goal, sending the fans in the Maroon jersies wild, whilst the red and white of Slavia held their heads in their hands, and rued their missed chances. Sparta took all three points back to Holešovice, and kept their one point lead at the top of the standings.

Other games around the Extraliga:

Plzeň 10 - 4 Liberec

Jan Kovář scoring one of  Plzeň's ten goals
Photo: Milan Podpera 

It was a fourteen goal thriller at the ČEZ Aréna, as second placed Plzeň kept up the pressure on Sparta with their 12th win in a row, and now go into Thursday's massive game with Sparta as the favourites. Radek Duda, who started last year in the 1.liga continued his magnificent form with five points (2+3) against Liberec, who shipped nine goals in the first two periods, surprisingly leaving Tomáš Vošvrda in for all ten of the goals. It only took Plzeň eleven seconds to get on the board, as Canadian defenceman Nicholas St.Pierre fired home. Liberec did lead the game mid way through the first period, as they took the lead at the twelve minute mark, but that was all the joy they were going to get, as the Pilsner boys scored three times in five minutes to go into the first period 4-2 to the good. Jan Kovář, Pavel Vostřák and Martin Straka all had three points for Plzeň, whilst Petr Nedvěd managed to keep his grip on the scoring title lead, as he added two assists, leaving him tied with Duda on 44 points. Poor old Petr did go -4 on the night though! With just two and a half minutes left in the game things got nasty as Martin Heřman for the Indians and Daniel Špaček for Liberec got 5+game for a brief fight, which mostly ended up being a spot of hugging.

Kladno 3 - 1 Mountfield
In the shock result of the day, Kladno turned their recent run around and put Mountfield to the sword, taking a back and forth game 3-1. Kladno broke their three game losing skid to pick up three vital points against a championship contender. After a horrible run of form, Jan Chábera put in a great performance, making 36 saves to deny the Mountfield shooters. Tomáš  Knotek was the star of the show as he bagged himself two goals, whilst veteran Slovak forward Jiří Bicek added the other, with a brilliant solo effort. Bicek faked the shot, cut to the left around the defenceman before rifling it over Jakub Kovář's shoulder. Mountfield outshot Kladno heavily, but it's Jarda Jágr's team which gets the three points.


Litvínov 4 - 3 Pardubice (Shootout)
In another surprising turn of events, Litvinov picked up a vital win at home against Pardubice, who have now dropped two games in a row. In a game littered with penalties it was difficult for either side to get any momentum, but Pardubice had the better of the early exchanges, taking the lead just two minutes in with a goal from Lukáš Nahodil. However, with just 41 seconds left in the first, Litvinov got a vital goal to swing the game in their direction, as relative newcomer Jakub Černý fired home for his first goal since signing from TPS in the SM-Liiga. Litvinov took the lead with the only goal in the second period, as Martin Hujsa scored, tipping in a Brejčák point shot. Pardubice came back hard in the third, and tied the game at 2 with a Robert Kousal goal, but just two minutes later Litvinov took the lead again, this time Robin Hanzl finding the net, beating Martin Růžička with a lovely move on a penalty shot. Pardubice though, were like the smell you just can't seem to escape, and with a little over four minutes left in the third, they got the equaliser, as Jan Buchtele  capitalised on a horrible giveaway to put the backhand home. Pardubice put Vladislav Koutsky in goal for the shootout, and acquitted himself well, but Martin Volke was able to make that one extra stop in sudden death to take the extra point for the black and yellow side.

Vítkovice 4 - 1 Třinec
Vitkovice had a point to prove after being trashed 6-0 by Slavia in their last match, and they rallied back with a fine 4-1 victory in the battle of the steel cities. Three goals in six second period minutes took the game away from Třinec as Juraj Štefanka, Jiří Burger and Juraj Sykora all scored to cancel out Lukáš Bolf's opener and then some. With teams around them winning, Třinec see themselves moving further away from the automatic playoff spots and closer to the relegation places, as the crowded middle of the table means that wins are so vital at this point in the season. Roman Málek returned to his best, making 29 saves for the victory.


Zlin 2 - 3 Kometa Brno (Overtime)
Kometa got their second two point win in a row, beating local rivals Zlin in a rather dull affair. Jiří Trvaj once again proved that age is no barrier for him, as the 37 year old netminder put in a sparkling performance, making 41 saves for his sides victory. Zlin got on the board first, as Pavel Kubiš scored just 81 seconds into the game, finishing off a lovely piece of work between Petr Čajánek and himself, cutting through the Brno defence like a knife through warm butter. However Kometa equalised before the first intermission, eventually scoring after rotten defensive work by Zlin. The blue and yellow boys took the lead once more in the second period, as lanky forward Bedřich Köhler pounced on a rebound off the post, with Trvaj miles out of his crease. With ten minutes left in the third, Brno were anxious to get the tying goal, and they eventually got it, as Tomáš Svoboda picked up the rebound off of Jakub Sedláček's pads and fired home into the empty net. This game went to the extra frame, and it was Brno who would steal the extra point, with Miroslav Holec scoring the winning goal for Zdenek Venera's men.


Mlada Boleslav 4 - 2 Karlovy Vary
In a bottom of the table encounter, Mlada Boleslav picked up three much needed points, breaking their five game losing skid, and leapfrogging Karlovy Vary to reclaim 13th place in the standings. Mlada scored all their goals in the first period, chasing Dusan Salficky from the game after eight minutes. Zbyněk Hrdel and Jiří Cetkovsky scored before the eight minute mark, as Salficky was yanked after conceding two goals on seven shots. Mensator made 25 saves in relief, but Karlovy Vary had a tough time beating Michal Valent in the Mlada net. Tomáš Sykora scored mid way through the first to make it 2-1, but Mlada scored twice more before the break, as Andrej Podkonicky and Tomáš Jiránek scored, and Jaroslav Balaštík had two assists to give Mlada Boleslav a huge three points, and perhaps reignite their playoff challenge.

Kometa stun Mountfield as Slavia's woes continue

In the first full gameday since the turn of the year, Friday night saw six games of Extraliga action, with table toppers Sparta Praha defeating Oceláři Třinec in a penalty shootout thriller on Thursday at the Tesla Arena.

Sparta veteran Petr Ton scored the shootout winner for the Holešovice men, who will be disappointed that they didn't take all three points against a mid-table Třinec outfit, let alone after leading 4-1 at the second intermission. David Květoň scored two goals in the third period before Radek Bonk tied the game at 4-4 with just 33 seconds remaining, leaving the Sparta fans stunned. However, the league leaders managed to regroup and sent the Steelers packing with a solitary point.

 Tomáš Divíšek celebrating Kometa's third
Photo: Michal Eger 

In the TV game, Kometa Brno stunned title contenders České Budějovice with backup and pensioner Jiři Trvaj stopping all 32 shots the Budvar boys could muster. After a scoreless first period, former Slavia Praha forward Miroslav Holec opened the scoring, beating Jakub Kovář on his shortside. Six minutes later, Kometa doubled their advantage as they proved that winning faceoffs are key as Jozef Kováčik hammered home from the point. Renaissance man Tomáš Divíšek scored to make it 3-0, before Hynek Zohorna closed the scoring half way through the period, finishing off a divine piece of team play on a 3 on 1 break. Kometa made it difficult for themselves in the late going, as Jiří Vašíček was tossed early from the game with eight minutes to go for a brutal elbow on David Kuchejda, but České Budějovice failed to break Trvaj's shutout to the delight of the fans packed into the Kajot Arena. Speaking after the game, Kováčik, who had an assist on the final Brno goal praised the performance of team mate Roman Erat. "Too bad that they do not give three assists, as Roman Erat who orchestrated the event, would have certainly deserved it."

 Martin Heřman getting hauled down on a breakaway
photo: Milan Podpera 

In another clash with implications at both ends of the table, Plzeň comfortably dispatched of Litvínov 4-1 at home. 7940 packed into the ČEZ Aréna to witness Marty Straka's boys move to within three points of Sparta at the summit of the Extraliga. Adam Svoboda was faultless in the Plzeň, seemingly getting back to the form which made him a league winning starter in 2008, as he stopped all but one of the 33 shots Litvinov fired at him. It is certainly surprising that Plzeň were outshot by Litvinov, but Svoboda was up for the task. Martin Volke had a decent game for the away side, although he would want the first goal back as Jiří Marušák's point shot somehow squirted between him and the post and trickled into the goal. Plzeň started to pull away in the second as the hosts doubled their advantage with Martin Heřman scoring a penalty shot after being pulled down on a breakaway, finishing expertly with a backhand over Volke's shoulder, and then just 22 seconds later Jan Stránský scored after great work by Nicholas Johnson behind the goal to stretch Plzeň's advantage to three. Litvinov would finally get on the board, with a soft goal on Svoboda as a Martin  Jenáček wrist shot from the left wing eluded Svoboda's blocker, but it wouldn't have a major bearing on the game as the third petered out before Radek Duda scored an empty netter to finish off events.

Vitkovice strengthened their push for a top six finish, easily dispatching basement boys Mlada Boleslav at home. The Ostrava outfit relied on goals from four different scorers to take the game away from Mlada, whose inability to put together good defence and decent offence in a game continues to haunt them. Australian born junior Nathan Walker had two assists in the game, the first coming on the opening goal which was scored by Juraj Štefanka. In a game littered by penalties, both teams powerplays failed to shine, as no goals were scored on the man advantage. The goal of the game was the second Vitkovice goal which came in the second period, as Petr Pohl's dogged board work was rewarded with a goal, as he cut to the net from the left wing and beat Jaroslav Hübl. Vitkovice scored twice more in the third period, and Mlada eventually broke Roman Malek's shutout bid as Milan Mikulik got his own rebound to score. Viktor Ujčík was desperate to get himself on the Zlata Helma videos as his between-the-legs attempt on a breakaway almost eluded Hübl.

Pardubice showed that they are still title contenders, blowing away Kladno 3-1 in the first period to eventually take the game 5-2. Peter Jánský scored twice, and Jan Buchtele had two assists as Pardubice cemented third spot in the standings. Jan Chabera had a game to forget for Pardubice as he was yanked after conceding 4 goals on 13 shots, and Pardubice almost got on the board straight after as they hit the post just seconds after Cikanek started his relief bid. Pavel Patera got a goal back for Kladno before they had a goal ruled out for netminder interference at the end of the second period. However, Kladno couldn't build on the momentum and Petr Koukal scored in the third to make it 5-2.

Karlovy Vary finally leapfrogged Slavia for 12th place in the standings, as they continue their impressive form of late as they dispatched of Zlín 4-1 on home ice. Dusan Salficky had another great game for Karlovy Vary, making 31 saves. Zlin threatened early on but the first period finished scoreless, although the hosts lost Petr Gřegořek in the first period as he was tossed from the game, picking up two misconduct penalties for protesting after a shocker of a call by the referees. Travis Gawryletz and František Skladaný scored for Karlovy Vary in the second to make it 2-0, before another two goals in the third made it 4-0. Zlín got a late consolation through Martin Hamrlik in the final minute, but all it did was spoil Salficky's shutout.

Hatrick hero Petr  Nedvěd
photo: Jaroslav Appeltauer

"Every goal was for me and the team is important" were the words of hatrick hero Petr Nedvěd as slumping Liberec got back to winning ways, defeating Slavia Praha 4-1 on home ice. Nedvěd scored a goal in each period as Liberec got revenge for last years playoff defeat and took the game to a woeful Slavia side, who have now lost three straight. Nedvěd's first came two minutes in as he took the puck from his own zone, all the way into Slavia's zone unopposed, before firing a wrist shot that handcuffed Dominik Furch and scored the twine. It was undeserved but Slavia got the game level as Lukáš Krenželok beat Marek Pinc with a wicked wrister in the second minute of the second period, but that was all the joy that Slavia were going to get. It wasn't the worst of performances for the Prague outfit, as they mustered 36 shots on Pinc and hit the post in the third period, but the Liberec shotshopper had another brilliant game in his comeback season. Nedvěd gave Liberec the advantage mid way through the period, before scoring his hatrick with five minutes to go. A true captains performance from the former NHLer who like a fine wine seems to be getting better with age.

2011 in review

The Christmas carp has finally settled, and the New Year's festivities are coming to an end, and 2012 is set to be a thrilling one in the Czech Extraliga. 2011 brought us excitement, drama and most of all great hockey, and 2012 looks set to be another great year for Czech hockey.

However, things aren't all shipshape in the higher levels of the league, as the big news that came out of the Extraliga in mid December was that the Union of Extraliga teams tore up their agreement with the Czech Ice Hockey Association, as the teams ramp up their efforts to 'close' the Extraliga, which would result in the termination of the end of season playouts for the teams that finish in 11th-14th place in the table. It would also mean an end to the possibility of teams from the 1.liga getting promotion, which would certainly anger the likes of Slovan Ústečtí Lvi and Piráti Chomutov who are sitting atop of the Czech second tier, as well as making it that more difficult for one of the greats of Czech hockey's history, Dukla Jihlava, from getting back to the top division. No concrete agreements have been made yet, but it could prove to be a very difficult situation if the Czech Ice Hockey Association lose their control of the Extraliga.

The other story that has cropped up a few times in the latter months of 2011 is the possibility of teams from Slovakia joining the Czech Extraliga. Slovakia's national league has already been placed somewhat in the shadow by the presence of Lev Poprad in the KHL, and the bigger spending teams in the Slovak Extraliga, such as Slovan Bratislava and HC Košice are hoping to spread their wings. Slovan have been linked with joining the KHL numerous times, although it remains to be seen whether or not they could raise the funds necessary to compete, as well as the issue of having Lev Poprad just next door. It remains to be seen what will happen to Slovakia's biggest teams, as their proposal to the Czech Extraliga was resoundingly denied, receiving no support from the Czech teams at all, whose concerns at the prospect of more teams sharing from the Extraliga cup resulted in thirteen no votes, and one abstention sealing the Slovak clubs fate. For Slovan, it appears that they will either have to stump up for the KHL, or remain as a big fish in the Slovak Extraliga, which may not be sustainable, especially as the rent on their brand new arena won't be cheap. Another option is joining the EBEL, which has already expanded into Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Croatia, but at the time of writing, there are no major inroads being made in this area.

Candles for the Czech trio in Staroměstské náměstí, Prague
Photo: idnes.cz

2011 was a brutal year for hockey fans around the world, with the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl tragedy impacting every hockey fan in the world. The Czechs lost three of their greatest players in modern years, as Jan Marek, Karel Rachůnek and Josef Vašíček perished on that fateful flight. Slovakia was also struck by the disaster, as Pavol Demitra, the former captain of the national team before his retirement after the 2011 World Championships lost his life. Mourning took place all across the two countries, with remembrance services taking place in numerous towns and cities.

It was the culmination of what had been a terrible year for fans of Slovakian hockey, as the juniors flattered to deceive in the World Juniors, with arguably their best team for a number of years failing to reach the quarter finals, whilst on the biggest stage that Slovakia has played since their independence, they flopped at their World Championships, disappointing the fans in the brand new Apollo Arena and being sent into the relegation rounds. It marked the end of the road for Canadian Glen Hanlon, who could not repeat his relative success during his tenure as the Belarussian head coach for Slovakia, and the Slovak Federation moved quickly to appoint two time Russian Superliga winner,Vladimír Vůjtek as their head coach. In his first challenge as coach, Vůjtek steered the Slovakian team to the Deutschland Cup, their first victory in the tournament since 2006. 2011 could have been a great year for Slovakian hockey, and a great chance to build on their momentum after some of the performances during the 2010 Olympics, but the signs of life may be there for the Slovaks, and their spirited performances in this years edition of the World Junior Championships may be a boost that the national program desperately needs. In May it will be ten years since the great team of 2002 defeated the Russians in Gothenburg to win the World Championships.

Handed a horrible group in the World Juniors, it was no surprise that the Czech juniors ended up in the relegation rounds in 2011, and they scraped their way to survival. After three years out of the job, Alois Hadamczik returned to the head coach position of the National Team, replacing Slavia Praha head coach Vladimír Růžička, who left the position as his contract expired on a high, after capturing the 2010 World Championship. However, the Czechs were in no position to repeat this glory, getting outclassed by Sweden in the semi finals, but did end up with a bronze medal to their name as they beat the Russians in the consolation game. As the year concluded, the spotlight is back on the juniors of the Czech Republic, and although they are not the force they once were, the Czechs still know how to put on a performance, as their defeat of the United States showed that they still have a sting in the tail, as well as some characters, as Petr Mrázek fist pumped his way to victory, gaining numerous fans in the process.

Radek Bonk hoisting the Czech title.
Photo: Jan Belej

Domestically, the Czech Extraliga playoffs were as thrilling as ever, as Oceláři Třinec claimed their first ever title since their inception in 1929. The top seeds, with former NHLers Radek Bonk, Lukáš Krajíček, Václav Varaďa and Ladislav Kohn to their name. However, the man that stole the show was Martin Růžička, whose form in the playoffs earned him a contract with Amur Khabarovsk for the 2011-12 season. Růžička broke numerous records last season, as he smashed the record for goals in consecutive games, putting up a 10 game goal streak in March, as well as breaking Zigmund Palffy's playoff scoring record, as Růžička put up 33 points (17+16) in just 18 games. However, it wasn't all plain sailing for Třinec, as they were behind by 3 games to 1 in their semi final series with unlikely contenders Slavia Praha, as well as being down 3-1 in game six, but each time they managed to battle back, not least in game five, as Růžička scored four goals, to go with his sixteen in the seven game series. In the final, they dispatched of Vitkovice 4-1, the Ostrava club's second straight trip to the final, and their second straight defeat.

The 2011-12 season started with the league as competitive as ever, but after clearing out the old (David Výborný, Martin Ručinský and Ondřej Kratěna all moved to pastures new), Sparta Praha ended 2011 with a rather comfortable lead at the top of the standings, whilst their cross city rivals, still smarting from the losses of their best players over the past four seasons ended the season in 12th place. Slavia were shut out at home in four of five home games during November, and the o2 Arena is a very empty place these days. Sparta have finally found the goalie they have been searching for ever since Petr Briza hung up his blocker, as after a few indifferent years, Tomáš Pöpperle seems to be entering his prime, and with a goals against average of less than two, he is giving Sparta a chance in every game they play. Defending champions Třinec, rocked by numerous losses to the KHL sit in seventh place at the turn of the year, suffering from inconsistent goaltending from their tandem of Peter Hamerlik and Martin Vojtek. The contenders to Sparta this year come in the form of České Budějovice, who have added Aleš Kotalík to their line up, and are back stopped by young Jakub Kovář, whose getting better with each season. Pardubice are also up there, as well as Plzeň, who still have Martin Straka on their roster. At the bottom of the table, it is a similar story as last year, as Mlada Boleslav end the season propping up the table. The additions of Výborný and former Zlín ace Jaroslav Balaštík has given them a bit more of an attacking bite, but they simply ship too many goals. Karlovy Vary are only a place above them, after a dreadful start to the year. The 2009 champions look a shadow of their former self, but their performances have improved since signing veteran goalie Dušan Salfický off of Litomerice.

All in all, 2012 promises to be a fantastic year, and I'll be here to blog about it!