The Košice hockey team lived up to expectations as the favorites, securing a decisive 4:1 victory against Liptovský Mikuláš in the 39th round of the Tipos extraliga on thier home ice. Brett Pollock, the Canadian forward, played a pivotal role in the defending champions’ success, netting two crucial goals.
Photo: TASR, František Iván
Košice hockey players celebrate another remarkable win in the top-tier league.
dominant Second Period Seals the Win
Košice’s dominance was on full display during the second period, where they scored three goals in just seven minutes, effectively securing their victory. This impressive performance highlights their strategic gameplay and ability to capitalize on key moments.
Košice Extends Lead in the league
with this win, Košice has now claimed their third consecutive victory, further solidifying their position at the top of the league standings.Spišská Nová Ves,currently in second place,trails by seven points,though they have a game in hand from the 39th round against Nitra. Meanwhile, Liptovský Mikuláš remains in 11th place, struggling to climb out of the lower ranks.
Tipos Extraliga – 39th round:
HC Košice – HK 32 Liptovský Mikuláš
Košice Secures Victory Over Liptovský Mikuláš in a Thrilling Match
Košice dominated Liptovský Mikuláš with a 4:1 victory,showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. The match, held in front of 2,765 excited spectators, saw Košice take control in the second period with three consecutive goals, sealing their win early on.
Košice – Liptovský Mikuláš 4:1 (0:0, 3:0, 1:1)
Goals: 30.Pollock (Mikúš), 33. Jääskeläinen (Pollock, teves), 37. Martel (Lamper), 54. Pollock (Jääskeläinen, Gildon) – 48. Tkáč (Ranford,Quince).Referees: Snášel, Štefik – Hajnik, Šoltés, expulsions: 2:4 for 2 min.,power plays: 1:0,weakness: 0:0.
košice Lineup: Janus – Parlett, Rosandič, Teves, Šedivý, Ferenc, Gildon, Mitro – Archambault, Martel, Petráš – Mikúš, pollock, Jääskeläinen – Lamper, Havrila, Rogoň – A. Bartoš, Chovan, Repčík
Liptovský Mikuláš Lineup: Fitzpatrick – Jendroľ, Foote, Hraško, Fekiač, Mezovský, Kirichenko, Lalík – Sukeľ, Quince, Gerlach – Tkáč, Egle, Réway – Vojtech, Uhrík, Ranford – Haluška, Pillow, Barcík
Žilina Continues Winning Streak in Tight contest Against Banská Bystrica
Žilina extended their impressive winning streak to eight games with a hard-fought 3:2 victory over Banská Bystrica. The Wolves, now sitting comfortably in 5th place in the league table, showcased their resilience and tactical discipline in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
DOXXbet Vlci Žilina – HC MONACObet Banská Bystrica 3:2 (1:0, 2:2, 0:0)
Goals: 16. Walega (Baláž, Fejes), 21. Walega (Fejes), 34. Jones (Tourigny) – 35. Wedman (Chicoine, Boucher), 37. Čunderlík (Kosák). Referees: Hronský, Klejna – Hercog, D. Konc Jr., expulsions: 6:7 for 2 min.,power plays: 2:1,weakness: 0:0,2887 spectators.
Wolves Žilina Lineup: Košarišťan – Djakov, Tourigny, Miller, Gachulinec, Holenda, Rajnoha, Dúbravík – Mucha, Walega, Fejes – Kolenič, Jones, Koyš – Avcin, Baláž, Dej – Varga, Galamboš, Juščák
Banská Bystrica Lineup: Rabčan – Michalčin, Zeleňák, Scarlett, Chicoine, Žabka, Česánek, Kozák – Boucher, Voyer, Kukuča – Šoltés, Wedman, Faith – Petriska, Bíreš, Tomka – Kalousek, Čunderlík, Valigura
Post-Match Reactions: Coaches Weigh In
Following the intense match, both coaches shared their thoughts on the game. Milan Bartovič, the head coach of Žilina, praised his team’s performance despite the late push from Banská Bystrica. ”It was a challenging game for both sides,” he said. “We managed to build a 3:0 lead, but Banská Bystrica fought back strongly. Our goalkeeper coach played a crucial role in spotting an offside, which helped us secure the win. We’re thrilled with the three points.”
On the other side, Banská Bystrica’s coach acknowledged the team’s effort but highlighted the need for better execution in critical moments. “We had our chances, but Žilina capitalized on theirs. We’ll regroup and focus on the next game,” he stated.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications
With this victory, Žilina has solidified their position in the league standings, while Banská Bystrica will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention. Both teams have crucial matches ahead, and their performances in the coming weeks will determine their playoff fates. fans can expect more thrilling hockey as the season progresses.
Michalovce Secures Narrow Victory Over Poprad in Thrilling Ice Hockey Clash
In a tightly contested ice hockey match, Michalovce emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against Poprad. The game, held on Poprad’s home ice, showcased intense action from both teams, but a single goal proved decisive. Lukáš Škvarek capitalized on a precise pass from Adam Rockwood to score the game’s lone goal in the second period.This victory marked a turning point for Michalovce,ending their four-game losing streak,while Poprad suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
Juraj Faith, Michalovce’s coach, outmaneuvered his counterpart, Ján Šimko, in a battle of newly appointed leaders. Poprad will now look to bounce back in their upcoming match against Banská Bystrica,while Dukla prepares to host Zvolen. The game drew an audience of 1,937 spectators, who witnessed a disciplined performance with minimal penalties and no power-play goals.
HK Poprad – HK Dukla Ingema Michalovce 0:1 (0:0, 0:1, 0:0)
Goal: 23.Skvarek (rockwood,Kulda). Referees: J. Konc ml., Krajčík – Knižka, Stanzel, exclusions: 6:4 for 2 min., overpowering and weakening: 0:0, 1937 spectators.
Poprad: Vay – Turan, Bourque, Malina, Kotvan, Cardwell, Fereta, Sluka – Šotek, Bjalončík, Cracknell – Pulkkinen, Suchý, Broadhurst – Giľák, Török, A. Nauš – Bodnár, Mlynarovič, Kundrik
Michalovce: Junca – Pavúk, Meliško, Kulda, Gabriel, Svitana, J. brejčák, Matta – Michnáč, rockwood, Krastenbergs – Fominych, Rönni, Chmielewski – Škvarek, Nardi, Valach – Kabáč, Buc, Fedor
Trenčín Dominates Nové Zámky, Extending Their Struggles
Dukla Trenčín delivered a commanding performance against Nové Zámky, securing a 4-1 victory.The match highlighted Trenčín’s offensive prowess, notably in the third period, where they netted three goals to seal the win. Sean Josling played a pivotal role, contributing a goal and an assist, while the team’s defense held firm to limit Nové Zámky’s opportunities.
For Nové Zámky, the loss extends their dismal run to five consecutive defeats, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the league table with just 28 points. They now trail the second-to-last team, Liptovský Mikuláš, by a staggering 17 points. Trenčín,conversely,continues to climb,sitting comfortably in eighth place with 53 points. The game attracted 2,914 fans, who witnessed a relatively clean match with only a few minor penalties.
HK Dukla Trencin – HC Nové Zámky 4:1 (1:1, 0:0, 3:0)
Goals: 12. Hlaváč (Hatala, Josling), 49. Stapley (Macejko), 52. Mráz (Josling, Ahl), 60. Leskinen – 2. Urbanek (Lapšanský). Referees: Baluška, Novák – Orolin, Frimmel, expulsions: 1:3 for 2 min.,overpowering and weakening: 0:0,2914 spectators.
Trencin: grigals – Hatala, Hlaváč, Macejko, Laurenčík, Goljer, Starosta, bokroš – Josling, Kalis, Leskinen – Green, Mráz, Ahl –
Coaches Reflect on the matches
Országh, the coach of Banská Bystrica, shared his thoughts on the game: “It was a fast-paced and competitive match from both sides. The home team executed their strategy better, especially with that crucial goal. We tried to regain momentum, but when the game started to unravel, we couldn’t break thru.” His comments underscore the fine margins that frequently enough decide such tightly contested encounters.
Tomík, Stapley, and Krajčovič – Hudec, Krajč, and Bezúch
New Additions to the Roster: Gibson – Beauchamp, Lalonde, Maalahti, Komuls, Novajovský, Ligas, Chatrnúch, and Čajkovič – Hawryluk, Rapuzzi, and Thomas – Kodhaj, urbanek, and Lapšanský – Berčík, Jendek, Ružek – Rye
