In a bounce-back performance during the fourth round of the Czech Tipsport Extraliga, HC Sparta Praha defeated HC Verva Litvínov 4–1 at a nearly packed Zimní stadion Ivana Hlinky. Forward Michal Řepík led the charge with a two-goal night, crossing the milestone of 400 career points in the top-flight domestic competition while helping his side recover from a shaky start to the new campaign.
The victory provides momentum for Sparta under head coach Patrik Augusta, who took over the bench ahead of the current season. Having suffered a recent defeat to Mladá Boleslav, the Prague club held a meeting in the locker room to address early lapses and a sluggish opening stretch to the season.
“We said something to each other in the locker room after the loss to Mladá Boleslav,” Řepík told reporters after the final whistle. “Mainly so that the bad start wouldn’t repeat itself. And in Litvínov, we entered the match well. We scored some goals, and in the third period, we kept it under control. We played well.”
Sparta established control early, leaning on goals and heavy forechecking rather than perimeter play. Řepík struck first 12 minutes into the contest, converting from the slot with a quick shot that marked his landmark 400th career Extraliga point. He added his second tally at the 40-minute mark, redirecting a puck to extend the visitors’ lead to 3–0.
Skating on Sparta’s second line alongside Matěj Blümel and Devin Shor, Řepík emphasized that the tactical shift paid dividends. “We played a lot around the perimeter last time, so this time we wanted to push into the net. And that worked,” the 37-year-old forward noted. “We finished the previous game that way, and today it was decent from us. We forechecked well and won pucks.”
Operating under the radar regarding his scoring milestone, the Sparta homegrown product admitted he was unaware of the statistical benchmark until after the opening goal. “I didn’t know about it, but it’s nice. And it means I’m a little bit old. Well, older,” Řepík smiled.
The forward also hunted for a hat-trick, generating two more chances, including a power-play look that failed to sneak between the goaltender’s pads. “A hat-trick would have been nice, but it’s not a priority,” Řepík said. “Whenever there’s a chance, I try to shoot. At the first one, I could have pushed myself in front of the net more; at the second one, I couldn’t lift the puck anymore during the power play. I secretly hoped it would go through the goalie’s legs, but it didn’t. Never mind, we won.”
Sparta’s defensive structure nearly preserved a shutout for goaltender Jakub Kovář, though Litvínov broke through late in regulation when Ondřej Kaše scored at 58 minutes to make it 4–1. Earlier goals from Michal Krejčík at 21 minutes and Tomáš Sekáč in the 56th minute had already secured a cushion for the Prague side.
“It’s a pity about that one goal, that we didn’t help Kovi to a zero,” Řepík said, expressing regret over missing out on the clean sheet for his goaltender. “We’ll try to make it up to him next time.”
Beyond the box score, Sparta players continue adapting to Augusta’s tactical system and leadership style. The transition involves attention to smaller details.
“It’s a little bit different style than we were used to. It’s about smaller details,” Řepík explained. “We’re getting used to it, we’re working on it further. There are still some mistakes, we’re sharpening it. It’s only the start of the season, we want to improve.”
Řepík also praised the coaching staff’s balance of human approach and accountability. “The whole coaching staff is human, they are cool, and they can also tighten the screws. When it’s necessary, Mr. Augusta isn’t afraid to raise his voice, which is important. Personally, it suits me, I’m satisfied. No one in the locker room can say a bad word.”
Sparta Praha will look to build on the Litvínov victory as the Tipsport Extraliga schedule intensifies through the autumn months.
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