Jakub Kovář’s Retro Ride: Sparta Prague Goalie Arrives in Style in a Classic Škoda 120
Prague, Czech Republic – Jakub Kovář, the veteran goaltender for HC Sparta Praha, turned heads arriving at a recent playoff game—not for his stellar saves, but for his decidedly vintage transportation. Instead of a modern vehicle, Kovář pulled up to the ČEZ Arena in Plzeň in a Škoda 120, a car that has largely disappeared from Czech roads, yet remains an iconic symbol of a bygone era.
The unusual arrival, captured and shared by Sparta on social media, quickly became a talking point among fans. Images and video of Kovář’s Škoda 120, complete with classic license plates, sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity. But this wasn’t a one-time stunt. Kovář genuinely owns and regularly drives the car, a testament to his unique appreciation for automotive history.
A Serendipitous Purchase
Kovář acquired the Škoda 120 in 2021 through a rather fortunate connection. He recounted in an interview with iDNES Premium that a friend, a carpenter working on a chalet, mentioned a neighbor looking to sell his father’s Škoda 120. “I thought it might be interesting,” Kovář explained. What made the story even more remarkable was that the friend, Dušan, as well happened to be the driver of the Sparta Praha team bus. “If he’d known I’d sign with Sparta three-quarters of a year later, he might have given it to me for free,” Kovář joked, “I just would have had to promise to take care of the car.”
A Birthday Connection
The story took another unexpected turn when Kovář delved into the car’s documentation. He discovered that the Škoda 120 rolled off the assembly line in Mladá Boleslav on July 19, 1988 – his exact date of birth. “There was nothing to consider about after that,” Kovář said, making the purchase feel almost destined.
The Škoda 120, produced from 1976 to 1990, was a staple of Czech (and Eastern European) roads for decades. While not known for luxury or performance, it was a reliable and affordable vehicle, representing a significant part of the country’s automotive heritage. Its simple design and robust construction made it a popular choice for families and everyday commuters.
Not a Car Enthusiast, But a Car Owner
Interestingly, Kovář admits he isn’t particularly passionate about cars or driving in general. He acknowledges that while he cares for the Škoda 120 and has invested in its upkeep, he relies on a mechanic from Tábor to handle the more technical aspects of maintenance. “I don’t understand cars at all! I found a guy from Tábor who takes care of everything for me,” he told iDNES Premium.
Despite his lack of mechanical expertise, Kovář’s Škoda 120 certainly attracts attention. He noted that while women may not always take notice, “older men definitely turn their heads.” The car serves as a conversation starter and a unique expression of his personality.
Kovář and Sparta Praha faced HC Škoda Plzeň in the first game of the quarterfinal round of the Tipsport Extraliga playoffs on March 18, 2026. The game ended in a 2-0 defeat for Sparta, with goaltender Josef Kořenář standing strong in net for the Prague team. While the Škoda 120 didn’t directly influence the outcome of the game, it certainly added a touch of character to the occasion.
The Škoda Plzeň team, though, did not have a successful evening, as reported by Plzeňský deník. They suffered a loss and also saw player Mikko Petman hospitalized following the match.
What’s Next for Kovář and Sparta?
Sparta Praha will look to rebound from their opening game defeat as the playoff series continues. The next game is scheduled for [Date and Time to be confirmed – checking official league schedule]. Fans can follow updates and results on the official HC Sparta Praha website and social media channels. Kovář’s performance in net will be crucial to Sparta’s chances of advancing to the next round of the playoffs, and perhaps, he’ll arrive at the arena in his trusty Škoda 120 once again.
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