“I’m satisfied with Kometa’s performance so far. You can’t avoid mistakes and there were some nerves, but the loss to the tip is minimal. Kometa has an experienced crew, which is one of the prerequisites that difficult situations will endure,” says five-time Czechoslovak champion with Kometa Meixner for Sport.cz.
Probably the biggest ruckus was caused in the south of Moravia by the unexpected October comeback of star American sniper Peter Mueller, who returned to Brno after two and a half years. The 36-year-old from Bloomington, Minnesota has so far maintained a record of more than a point per game, collecting six in five duels.
“He scores goals, but his skating shows that he is not the Mueller we were used to. But so far he is not doing what he did before, when he was dragging out the substitutions and stinking there long after he was supposed to substitute. The question is whether it is related to a change in attitude, or whether he is not yet in such a physical condition to handle longer rotations,” reflects Meixner.
Photo: Václav Šálek, CTK
Jaromír Meixner with hockey players Martin Zaťovič (left) and Radek Smoleňák in 2023 in Brno
A few days after Mueller, Kometa should have announced a stellar addition to the defense. But the club’s apprentice Jakub Zbořil eventually chose a more lucrative offer from Pardubice, despite the fact that he and the Brno team also toured the emerging new arena at the exhibition grounds.
“He is an ass, he made fools of Libor Zábranský (owner and general manager of Kometa – editor’s note) and all of Kometa. It was certainly not the case that he suddenly decided to go to Pardubice, he certainly knew how much he was being offered there and was waiting to see what Libor would say. From a human point of view, I understand that he went after the money, the career is not eternal, but he should have said it bluntly,” points out the two-time silver medalist from the 1965 and 1966 world championships.
Round 18: Olomouc – Comet
3:14
CHANGE: HC Olomouc vs. HC Kometa Brno 3:2 sn
Photo: Sport.cz
0:27
Olomouc – Brno 0:1 (8. A. Zboril)
Photo: Sport.cz
0:24
Olomouc – Brno, Cingeľ from Brno failed to tap the puck for Machovský more than twice
Photo: Sport.cz
0:26
Olomouc – Brno 1:1 (26. Orsava)
Photo: Sport.cz
0:23
Olomouc – Brno 1:2 (27th Cingeľ)
Photo: Sport.cz
0:24
Olomouc – Brno, uncalled foul by Rutar from Olomouc on Rachůnk
Photo: Sport.cz
0:25
Olomouc – Brno 2:2 (50th Doctor)
Photo: Sport.cz
0:25
Olomouc – Brno 3:2 sn (dec. raid Fridrich)
Photo: Sport.cz
The situation of captain Martin Zaťovič, who will celebrate his fortieth birthday in January, is also discussed this year. One of the last Mohicans of the golden party of the Brno club from 2017 and 2018, he collected only two points in seventeen duels and last week he did not even fit into the lineup during the match against Třinec.
“That he dropped out of the team as captain surprised me a little, I took it as a little disrespect, but it’s also a bit of courage from the coaching staff, because Zaťa is an icon. You can’t stop age, the only exception is Jaromír Jágr. But the son-in-law has his role in Komet and will finish the season just fine. He is still useful in the defensive phase, in the weakenings, and even in the power play he will get what is needed, even if it does not fall yet,” convinces Meixner.
While Zaťovič remains in Kometa, the club said goodbye to struggling forward Robert Říčka, who left for Vítkovice, and young forward Maroš Jedlička, who, according to TV Markíza, is returning overseas to the Colorado Avalanche farm.
“As for Říčka, it was the right decision. It’s hard to say why it didn’t suit him. With Maroš, it is more complicated. It’s a young guy who hasn’t played in a year, so who knows if he’ll start,” concludes Meixner.
Photo: Václav Šálek, CTK
Martin Žaťovič from Kometa Brno in a picture from October 2024
Kometa’s Season: Drama, Decisions, and Daring Players
Ah, Kometa. The team that promises excitement and the occasional overcooked moment! Just ask Jimmy Carr, who would likely appreciate how every blunder on the ice is as surprising as his punchlines. Meixner, the club’s five-time champion, seems somewhat satisfied with Kometa’s performances—if we consider “mistakes” as part of the show. With every slip-up that makes a fan gasp, you can bet the crowd has enough material for a stand-up routine!
The Return of Peter Mueller
Now let’s talk about the American sniper, Peter Mueller. His recent comeback to Brno after two and a half years had Moravia buzzing like a beehive. With more than a point per game under his belt—six points in five matches—he’s scoring like it’s still 2020! But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. Meixner notes that Mueller’s skating isn’t quite what it used to be—perhaps the only thing stinking now are the substitutions. The only person dragging out comebacks longer than Mueller might just be Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean! Will it be a glorious comeback or a tragic misfire?
Contract Controversies
Drama unfolded as young Jakub Zbořil decided to chase a more lucrative deal with Pardubice, leaving Brno fans asking “What did we do wrong?” It’s like watching a breakup unfold on reality TV—Libor Zábranský must be feeling like the dumped partner, while Zbořil just ran off with someone who can promise more… cash! Meixner’s honest assessment calls him an “ass,” and you can almost hear the collective groan from the team’s supporters. In this game, honesty speaks louder than a referee’s whistle on game night.
Age Is Just a Number, Right?
Let’s not forget about the captain, Martin Zaťovič, who’s about to hit the big 4-0. Age might slow down most, but this legendary player is akin to a fine wine—rich, complex, and occasionally corked! His recent exclusion from the lineup raised eyebrows faster than Lee Evans on stage. “A bit of disrespect from the coaching staff,” says Meixner. But with age comes wisdom, and Zaťovič still has a role to play this season, even if he’s accumulating points slower than a tortoise on a leisurely stroll.
Moves and Departures
As the season progresses, Kometa also bid farewell to Robert Říčka and Maroš Jedlička. Říčka’s departure was as smooth as a well-executed slap shot, while Jedlička’s return to Colorado remains a mystery wrapped in an enigma soaked in a year-long absence. “Who knows if he’ll start?” questions Meixner, much like audiences wonder about Ricky Gervais’s next daring quip. Will these changes propel the team to glory or leave them scrambling for answers? Only time, and the next match, will tell.
The Conclusion
The stakes are high, the players are layered with stories, and the drama is palpable. Kometa Brno is a soap opera on ice, a rollercoaster of emotions flamboyantly paraded before its fans. With twists, turns, and comedic relief provided by unexpected player performances, you can count on one thing: this season is just getting started, and it promises to be more entertaining than a night out with Gervais, Carr, Atkinson, and Evans combined!
Stay tuned, because in the world of hockey, like in comedy, it’s all about timing—and things can change faster than a stand-up’s punchline!
Impressed by Kometa’s journey this season, Meixner, a five-time Czechoslovak champion with the team, expressed his thoughts, stating, “I’m satisfied with Kometa’s performance so far. You can’t avoid mistakes and there were some nerves, but the loss to the tip is minimal. Kometa has an experienced crew, which is one of the prerequisites that difficult situations will endure,” highlighting the resilience of the team as they navigate the challenges of the competitive league, as reported by Sport.cz.
The unexpected return of star American sniper Peter Mueller to Brno has stirred excitement in southern Moravia. After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the 36-year-old from Bloomington, Minnesota, made headlines with his impressive performance, amassing six points in just five games, maintaining an enviable record of more than a point per game, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.
While Mueller is making contributions on the scoreboard, questions persist regarding his performance. Meixner reflects, “He scores goals, but his skating shows that he is not the Mueller we were used to. The question is whether it is related to a change in attitude or whether he is not yet in such a physical condition to handle longer rotations,” pondering whether the aging athlete can recapture his former glory or if a new approach is needed for this phase of his career.
Recent rumors suggested that Kometa was on the verge of securing a highly-anticipated addition to their defensive lineup, yet the club faced disappointment when promising apprentice Jakub Zbořil opted for a more lucrative offer from Pardubice. Despite showing interest in the new arena at the exhibition grounds with Kometa, Zbořil ultimately made the decision that prioritized his financial future.
In light of Zbořil’s departure, Meixner, a two-time silver medalist from the 1965 and 1966 world championships, voiced his frustrations, stating, “He is an ass, he made fools of Libor Zábranský (owner and general manager of Kometa) and all of Kometa… From a human point of view, I understand that he went after the money, the career is not eternal, but he should have said it bluntly.” His blunt assessment reflects the emotional stakes involved in player trades in professional sports, revealing deeper tensions within the team.
Round 18: Olomouc – Comet
The situation of captain Martin Zaťovič, who is on the verge of celebrating a significant milestone as he approaches his fortieth birthday in January, warrants discussion this season. Once a prominent figure during Kometa’s golden years in 2017 and 2018, Zaťovič has struggled this season, with only two points in seventeen matches and notably not fitting into the lineup against Třinec last week.
Reflecting on Zaťovič’s recent omission from the lineup, Meixner noted, “That he dropped out of the team as captain surprised me a little, I took it as a little disrespect, but it’s also a bit of courage from the coaching staff, because Zaťa is an icon.” He reassured fans of Zaťovič’s valuable experience in critical moments on the ice, maintaining his roles in defensive plays, even amidst discussions surrounding his age and the natural limitations that come with it.
While Zaťovič remains with Kometa, the organization made the decision to part ways with underperforming forward Robert Říčka, who has moved to Vítkovice, along with young forward Maroš Jedlička returning to the Colorado Avalanche farm, as reported by TV Markíza.
As for Říčka, Meixner shared, “It was the right decision. It’s hard to say why it didn’t suit him.” Regarding Jedlička, he added, “It’s a young guy who hasn’t played in a year, so who knows if he’ll start,” highlighting the complexities involved with player development and transition in professional sports.
Photo: Václav Šálek, CTK
Ment highlights the frustration felt by the team and its fans as they watch a promising young talent choose financial stability over loyalty to the club.
As the season progresses, the narrative surrounding Kometa Brno continues to evolve. The team, wrapped in a blend of hope and uncertainty, faces challenges and triumphs alike, with players like Martin Zaťovič and Peter Mueller embodying both the legacy and potential future of the club. Whether it results in a deep playoff run or a captivating saga of ups and downs, one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding Kometa’s journey is far from over.
the unfolding events within Kometa Brno’s season tell a story of resilience, adaptation, and the delicate nature of a sports team’s dynamics. Fans are left to chew on the unpredictable twists, while players navigate the reality of performance, age, and career choices. As they lace up for the next game, the promise of more thrilling moments is always on the horizon—much like waiting for that next great punchline in a comedy act.
Stay tuned, as Kometa’s season continues to unfold. Expect the unexpected, and remember—just like in the world of stand-up comedy, sometimes the best moments come out of sheer unpredictability!
