The Czech Republic’s 2nd Hockey League is delivering a thrilling postseason, with three of six opening-round series now tied at 2-2 after Monday’s action. HC Cheb, HC Spartak Uherský Brod, and Draci Pars Šumperk all avoided elimination, setting the stage for pivotal Game 5 matchups on Wednesday.
Western Conference: Cheb Forces a Game 5
HC Stadion Cheb leveled their series against HC Milevsko 1934 with a decisive 4-1 victory. The home side jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice within the first two minutes of the game. Adam Křemen factored heavily in the offensive output, earning two primary assists for Cheb. V. Kloz and Jaroslav Vašíček scored in the opening frame, while Rozhon and Varvařovský added goals later in the contest. Bůžek scored the lone goal for Milevsko.
HC STADION CHEB – HC MILEVSKO 1934 4:1 (2:0, 2:1, 0:0)
Goals & Assists: 1. V. Kloz (Bulka), 2. Jaroslav Vašíček (Křemen), 22. Rozhon (Křemen, Jaroslav Vašíček), 33. Varvařovský (Faschingbauer) – 29. Bůžek (Pospíchal).
Series Standings: 2-2.
Eastern Conference: Nail-Biters in Uherský Brod and Šumperk
The games in Uherský Brod and Šumperk were anything but straightforward. Both contests required extra time to determine a winner, showcasing the competitive balance of the league.
HC Spartak Uherský Brod faced a tense situation against HC Orli Znojmo. Znojmo’s Petr Beránek scored a late equalizer with just 55 seconds remaining in regulation time, forcing overtime. However, the game ultimately went to a shootout, where Uherský Brod prevailed thanks to successful attempts from Lukačka. Pekr and Martinec scored in regulation for the home side, while M. Svoboda and Beránek found the back of the net for Znojmo.
HC SPARTAK UHERSKÝ BROD – HC ORLI ZNOJMO 3:2 SO (0:1, 0:0, 2:1 – 0:0)
Goals & Assists: 47. Pekr (Popelka, Kočica), 54. Martinec (Smýkal, Chludil), SO Winner: Lukačka – 15. M. Svoboda (Sova), 60. P. Beránek (Remta, Jenyš).
Series Standings: 2-2.
Meanwhile, Draci Pars Šumperk edged out HC Bobři Valašské Meziříčí 4-3 in overtime. Tomáš Pospíšil proved to be the hero for Šumperk, scoring the game-winning goal with just four seconds left on the clock in overtime, completing a two-goal, one-assist performance. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead.
DRACI PARS ŠUMPERK – HC BOBŘI VALAŠSKÉ MEZIŘÍČÍ 4:3 OT (1:2, 2:1, 0:0 – 1:0)
Series Standings: 2-2.
What’s Next?
The series now head to Game 5, with all three remaining matchups scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th. HC Orli Znojmo will travel to Uherský Brod, HC Bobři Valašské Meziříčí will host Draci Pars Šumperk, and HC Milevsko 1934 will face HC Stadion Cheb. The stakes are high as each team looks to grab a decisive step towards advancing to the quarter-finals.
Wednesday, March 18th – Game 5 Schedule:
HC Orli Znojmo – HC Spartak Uherský Brod
HC Bobři Valašské Meziříčí – Draci Pars Šumperk
HC Milevsko 1934 – HC Stadion Cheb
The quarter-finals are slated to begin on March 21st, with the championship series culminating in late April. Fans can follow the league’s official website for updated schedules and results.
What do you think? Will the home teams continue their momentum, or can the visiting teams steal a win and take the series lead? Share your predictions in the comments below!
