Pardubice, Czechia – HC Dynamo Pardubice secured the top seed in the Czech Extraliga with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over rivals HC Sparta Prague on Thursday, March 6, 2026. The win, fueled by goals from Ondřej Mikliš and Jan Košťálek, similarly earned Dynamo the Jaroslav Pouzar Cup, awarded to the winner of the regular season. The game, played before a crowd of 10,194 at Enteria Arena, was a physical affair marked by two fights and a total of 21 penalty minutes.
Ondřej Mikliš opened the scoring for Pardubice at 20:16 of the second period, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. The goal was Mikliš’s fourth of the season, a new career high for the defenseman. Sparta Prague responded with a goal from Lukáš Knot at 28:48, tying the game and setting the stage for a tense third period and eventual overtime.
The game remained tied through regulation time, leading to a sudden-death overtime period. Jan Košťálek ended the contest at 61:04, netting his 16th goal of the season off a feed from Lukáš Sedlák, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The victory marked Pardubice’s first win over Sparta since October 31, 2023, breaking a four-game losing streak against their traditional rivals.
The contest was not without its physicality. Pardubice defenseman Johnny Ludvig was involved in two separate altercations, first with Michal Vitouch in the first period and later with Adam Raška in the second. These brawls added another layer of intensity to an already heated rivalry game.
Beyond the goals and fights, the game showcased a tight defensive battle. Pardubice outshot Sparta 29-25, with a shots-on-goal ratio of 4-7 in the first period, 16-8 in the second, and 7-10 in the third. Both teams blocked 15 shots, and Pardubice edged Sparta in hits 9-3. Faceoffs were closely contested, with Sparta winning 35 to Pardubice’s 31.
The win secures a favorable position for Pardubice heading into the playoffs, which begin on March 18th. The team will await the outcome of the preliminary round to determine their quarterfinal opponent. Assistant coach Václav Kočí acknowledged the difficulty of the game, stating, “Těžké utkání, jak po fyzické, tak i psychické stránce. Jsme rádi, že jsme zápas zvládli a vyhráli jsme to poslední utkání základní části.” (Translation: “It was a difficult game, both physically and mentally. We are glad we managed to win the game and the last game of the regular season.”)
Despite the victory and the Jaroslav Pouzar Cup, defenseman Ondřej Mikliš emphasized that the team’s ultimate goal remains beyond the regular season. “The basic part still doesn’t mean almost anything. I don’t even know why a cup is given for it. Our goal is still somewhere else,” Mikliš told reporters after the game. This statement underscores Pardubice’s focus on a deep playoff run and a championship title.
The game also saw the second Extraliga start of the season for junior forward Vít Macek, providing valuable experience for the young player. The victory was a total team effort, with contributions from all lines and a strong performance from goaltender Subban.
Game Statistics:
- Score: Pardubice 2 – Sparta Prague 1 (OT)
- Goals: Mikliš (Pardubice), Košťálek (Pardubice), Knot (Sparta Prague)
- Shots on Goal: Pardubice 29 – Sparta Prague 25
- Attendance: 10,194
Pardubice now turns its attention to the playoffs, aiming to build on this momentum and make a serious push for the Extraliga championship. The team’s next challenge will be determined following the conclusion of the preliminary playoff round. Fans can follow updates and schedules on the official HC Dynamo Pardubice website.
The win for Pardubice solidifies their position as a top contender in the Czech Extraliga, and their performance throughout the regular season has set high expectations for their playoff performance. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the league.
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