KLADNO, Czech Republic – Rytíři Kladno secured their place in the playoff preliminary round, defeating HC Verva Litvínov 3-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at ČEZ Stadion on Wednesday, March 6, 2026. The victory sets up a highly anticipated matchup against rivals HC Sparta Praha. The atmosphere in Kladno was electric, with 5,200 fans packing the arena to support their team in the final game of the regular season.
The win caps off a strong finish to the regular season for Kladno, and provides momentum heading into the best-of-seven series against Sparta. The team’s performance, coupled with the enthusiastic home support, has created a palpable sense of optimism among players and fans alike. This is particularly significant given the historical rivalry between the two clubs, a narrative that adds considerable spice to the upcoming playoff series.
Mendel, Konečný, and Marcel Lead the Way
Oskar Lisler assisted on the first goal of the game, scored by defenseman Martin Mendel at 12:04 of the first period. Mendel’s fourth goal of the season was assisted by Miroslav Forman and Martin Procházka. The second period saw a back-and-forth battle, with Litvínov responding through Marek Sukeľ at 34:00, assisted by Jan Moravčík. However, Kladno regained the lead just four minutes later when Jakub Konečný capitalized on a scoring opportunity, assisted by Mendel, and Forman. Marcel Barinka sealed the victory with a late goal at 59:00, capitalizing on an empty net as Litvínov pressed for an equalizer, with assists from Daniel Audette.
The final scoreline of 3-1 reflects a hard-fought contest, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination. Kladno’s goaltender, Brízgala, played a crucial role in maintaining the lead, making several key saves throughout the game, including a notable stop against M. Peroutka in the second period.
Playoff Matchup Set: Kladno Faces Sparta
The preliminary round series against Sparta promises to be a fiercely contested affair. The rivalry between the two clubs is well-documented, and the added stakes of the playoffs are sure to intensify the competition. Adding fuel to the fire, reports indicate that discussions between Kladno captain Forman and his Sparta counterpart have ended, signaling a potentially tense on-ice dynamic.
The series will begin with the first two games played in Prague, offering Sparta home-ice advantage. Kladno will then return to ČEZ Stadion for games three and four, hoping to leverage the energy of their home crowd. The remaining games, if necessary, will be played at both venues.
Key Players and Season Stats
Tristen Robins led Kladno in scoring during the regular season with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points. Daniel Audette was close behind with 12 goals and 23 assists, also totaling 35 points. Kelly Klíma contributed 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points. Jakub Konečný’s performance in the final game against Litvínov underscores his importance to the team’s offensive capabilities, with 6 goals and 4 assists during the regular season.
The team’s success has been built on a combination of offensive firepower and solid defensive play. The contributions of players like Mendel and Forman, both in scoring and leadership, have been instrumental in Kladno’s positive trajectory.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications and Fan Support
The outcome of the series against Sparta will determine which team advances to the next stage of the playoffs. For Kladno, a victory would represent a significant achievement and a testament to the team’s progress throughout the season. The club has already announced a special playoff merchandise collection, demonstrating their commitment to engaging with fans during this exciting time. Fans who attended the final regular season game against Litvínov were offered the opportunity to purchase tickets for the first home playoff game for just one Czech koruna, a gesture designed to maximize support and create an intimidating atmosphere for Sparta.
The energy surrounding the team is undeniable, and the fans are eager to play their part in Kladno’s playoff journey. The team’s success is a source of pride for the city, and the upcoming series against Sparta is sure to capture the attention of hockey fans across the Czech Republic.
Rytíři Kladno will travel to Prague to face HC Sparta Praha in Game 1 of the playoff preliminary round. Further details regarding game times and broadcast information will be announced by the league in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates.
