LITOMĚŘICE, Czech Republic – Few predicted a deep playoff run for Litoměřice, especially with key players sidelined. But the young team has defied expectations, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Czech First Hockey League after a dramatic four-game victory over Vsetín. Meanwhile, Slavia Praha extended their series against Zlín to a decisive fifth game, winning 3-0 on the road.
This marks the third consecutive season Litoměřice has reached the semifinal stage, a testament to the development program in place under coach Tvrzník. Their latest triumph came in thrilling fashion, overcoming a one-goal deficit late in the third period before ultimately winning in overtime. The team’s success is particularly noteworthy given the absence of key contributors like Kuťák, Klepiš, and Eberle.
The series against Vsetín was a nail-biter, culminating in a 2-1 overtime victory for Litoměřice on Thursday. Jan Kern leveled the score with just 11 seconds remaining in regulation, sending the game to extra time. It was Vasyl Špilka who ultimately sealed the win, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime – his fourth of the playoffs. Vsetín, a team that hadn’t reached the league’s final four since 2018, now sees their season reach to an end.
HC Stadion Litoměřice – VHK ROBE Vsetín 2:1 OT (0:1, 0:0, 1:1 – 1:0)
Goals & Assists: 60. Kern (Pospíšil, Lang), 66. Špilka – 10. Marcel.
Referees: Kostourek, Hacaperka – Kokrment, Dědek.
Penalties: 7:9.
Power Play: 1:0.
Shots on Goal: 29:24.
Attendance: 1,575.
Series Score: 3:1.
HC Stadion Litoměřice Lineup: Michajlov – Žovinec, Suhrada, Smetana, J. Tůma, Tomov, Pavlák, Benda – Plos, Hujer, Jiří Pospíšil – R. Chlán, Kern, Lang – Ton, Jelínek, Bernovský – F. Novák, Špilka, Koštoval. Coach: Tvrzník.
VHK ROBE Vsetín Lineup: Miroslav Svoboda – Zahradníček, Stříteský, Slováček, Dujsík, Hryciow, Ďurkáč, Marcel – Straka, Klhůfek, Rob – Jonák, Matějček, Šmerha – M. Novák, Dědek, Jandus – Hořanský, Prokeš, Š. Bláha – E. Pospíšil. Coach: Jenáček.
Slavia Praha, meanwhile, avoided elimination with a decisive 3-0 victory over Zlín. Jaroslav Pavelka was stellar in net, recording a shutout with 25 saves. Jiří Průžek opened the scoring in the seventh minute, and Tomáš Trunda and Jake Gricius added goals in the third period to secure the win. The series is now tied 2-2, with the pivotal fifth game scheduled for Sunday in Prague.
Zlín – Slavia Praha 0:3 (0:1, 0:0, 0:2)
Goals & Assists: 7. Průžek, 46. Trunda, 58. Gricius.
Referees: Horák, Valenta – Zídek, Malý.
Penalties: 4:3.
Power Play: 0:1.
Attendance: 4,124.
Series Score: 2:2.
The resilience shown by both Litoměřice and Slavia highlights the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey. Litoměřice’s youthful energy and ability to overcome adversity have been key to their success, even as Slavia’s experience and strong goaltending have kept them alive in their series. The Czech First Hockey League playoffs continue to deliver compelling action as teams battle for a chance to compete for the championship.
The next crucial matchup will be Sunday’s game five between Slavia Praha and Zlín in Prague, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. Fans can follow the game live at 15:00 local time (UTC+2). Litoměřice now awaits their semifinal opponent, poised to continue their surprising playoff journey.
What are your thoughts on Litoměřice’s improbable run? Share your predictions for the Slavia-Zlín series in the comments below!
