Kolín has leveled its Maxa Liga semifinal series against Zlín, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory that went to a shootout. The dramatic win came after Jan Veselý’s late equalizer forced overtime, with Matěj Gardoň ultimately netting the decisive shootout goal on Tuesday, March 23, 2026.
The game, played with high stakes and escalating tension, saw Zlín take the lead early through Jesse Paukku. However, Kolín refused to concede, battling back to tie the game in the waning moments of regulation time. The equalizer, scored by Veselý with just 63 seconds remaining, came during a power play bolstered by an empty net for Zlín, as they sought a late goal themselves.
“It was a quality game on both sides. Details decide these contests, and this time luck favored our opponent,” stated Zlín head coach Peter Oremus following the hard-fought match. The sentiment underscored the closely contested nature of the series, which now stands at 2-2.
The game wasn’t without its share of controversy. A heated exchange sparked by what was described as provocation from the Zlín mascot led to a mass brawl, adding another layer of intensity to an already charged atmosphere. Kolín coach Petr Martínek addressed the situation, stating, “We don’t encourage our players to engage in that kind of behavior, emotions run high on both sides. I must admit, I don’t approve of provocation, but it’s the playoffs. The fans get involved, and things escalate.”
Martínek was pleased with his team’s resilience, acknowledging a slow start but praising their improved performance after the first period. “We didn’t play a good first period, but our performance picked up from the second onward. We have the second point now, and I consider we deserved it,” he said.
The shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair, ultimately decided by Gardoň’s successful attempt. The goal was initially scrutinized by the officials, Roman Mrkva and Tomáš Micka, who reviewed the play via video replay before confirming its validity.
Adding to Zlín’s challenges, the team was without defenseman Tomáš Ondračka, who sustained an injury in the first game of the series. Oremus acknowledged the impact of his absence, stating, “He’s a quality player. Of course, we miss him. We’ll see how he is in the coming days.”
Veteran forward Richard Jarůšek offered a candid assessment of Veselý’s actions, stating, “Honza Veselý showed his true colors. Everyone should have respect for people. He was making gestures towards the referees and the fans. In both games. Everyone acts according to their own nature.” Jarůšek also expressed disappointment at relinquishing the lead, emphasizing the need for focus. “It’s a shame, we had the game under control for the most part, and then things happened. We discussed the need to concentrate solely on hockey, which I think we managed to do.”
The series is now tied 2-2, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 5. The next match will be crucial as both teams vie for a chance to advance to the league finals. Fans can expect another intense battle as Kolín and Zlín continue their playoff showdown.
Kolín will look to build on this momentum as they head into the next game, while Zlín will aim to regain their composure and capitalize on their home-ice advantage. The outcome of Game 5 will undoubtedly shape the remainder of the series and determine which team moves closer to claiming the Maxa Liga championship.
The series continues with Game 5, details of which will be announced by the league shortly. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and comprehensive coverage of the Maxa Liga playoffs.
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