“We didn’t play a very good match, but we’re progressing, we’re happy with that. It’s such a small satisfaction for us after last season,” Sparta defender Jakub Krejčík recalled the semi-final of the last extra-league play-off, in which Prague led 3-0 after the matches, but did not advance to the final.
In this calendar year, Sparta met Třinec for the twelfth time and not the last time. Another duel awaits her on the ice of the Silesian team already on Tuesday (November 26) in the extra league, four days before Christmas Day the Steelers will visit Prague for a change.
“We are already laughing in the cabin that we are actually only playing against Třinec the whole season. But the matches are of good quality and a lot of people go to them. Even today’s was very difficult, even though some home boys were resting,” said Krejčík.
“We didn’t start the game well at all and we can be happy that we won that first period because we were a step behind everywhere. That’s what we said at the break and it got better as the match progressed. It’s just a shame that they gave us that goal at the end,” explained Krejčík.
Třinec coach Zdeněk Moták sent a much rejuvenated team to overcome the three-goal loss. In addition to the marauders Růžičky, Hudáček and Marinčina, the defenders Jeřábek, Kundrátek and Nedomlel were also given time off, and the forwards Nestrašil and Vrána did not wear their jerseys either.
In their place, four juniors got a chance, and 19-year-old defender Patrik Volas, on his debut in the elite team from Třinec, scored an assist on the Steelers’ equalizing goal at the end of the match. His shot from the blue line was directed by French forward Justin Addamo for Jakub Kovář. Volas hit the post in the first twenty minutes.
“When the hall exploded, it was something unreal,” rejoiced Volas, who for a while also rejoiced at the goal. Statisticians attributed it to Addam only later. “To score the first goal in my first match would be something unreal, especially against such a quality team as Sparta,” added the youngster from Třinec.
In the quarter-finals, Prague will meet the Swedish team Växjö Lakers. After a 1:0 home win, the Swedish team managed a 3:3 draw against the Swiss club Fribourg-Gottéron and advanced. “I haven’t seen them play for a long time, but it will be tough. You can expect a precise defense from their side, but we want to go as far as possible and be successful in both competitions. The Champions League is a prestigious competition. We don’t just play for Sparta, but for the whole of Czech hockey,” outlined Spartan Krejčík.
Sparta’s Rocky Road to Progress
Ah, the fanfare of ice hockey! Nothing quite like it, is there? It’s the only sport where “respecting the ice” has nothing to do with being polite—just ask Jakub Krejčík of Sparta! After a match that likely reminded fans of a high school play where the lead forgot their lines, Krejčík candidly admitted, “We didn’t play a very good match, but we’re progressing. We’re happy with that.” Well, that’s the spirit! What’s life without a touch of optimism… or denial?
Let’s break it down, shall we? Sparta has officially met Třinec twelve times this calendar year. If repetitions got you trophies, Sparta would be in serious contention. As the players chuckle in their locker room, claiming they’re basically just playing Třinec all season, one might wonder if this is a sporting rivalry or just a drawn-out episode of “Friends.” “Could we *be* any closer?”
Krejčík continued, “We didn’t start the game well at all and can be happy that we won that first period.” A roaring success! Winning the first period is like being pleased that you got out of bed on a Monday. But let’s give credit where it’s due—it’s progress! Even if the goal at the end came faster than a kid on a sugar rush ruining a birthday party.
And speaking of exploding, meet 19-year-old Patrik Volas, who made his debut like a rockstar in Třinec, assisting on the equalizing goal! This is the type of dream every young player envisions; scoring in their first game against a top team. The only downside? Statisticians originally credited the goal to someone else, robbing him of a moment that could have turned even the most seasoned hockey dads into emotional puddles. “To score the first goal in my first match would be something unreal, especially against such a quality team as Sparta,” he mused. Perhaps next time I should leave out the “statistician roulette,” eh?
Looking Ahead: The Swedish Showdown
Meanwhile, Krejčík is gearing up for a rather chilly encounter with the Växjö Lakers from Sweden in the quarter-finals. He’s enthusiastic about the prospect, “You can expect a precise defense from their side, but we want to go as far as possible.” Such is the charm of sports—a never-ending treadmill of hope, dreams, and, let’s face it, more than a few hopes dashed at the hands of precision.
They say hockey is a beautiful game, and it truly is—if you enjoy the aesthetic of slapshots and skates carving out ice like a toddler on a tricycle. But in the ever-humbling world of athletics, progress isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s the flickering light at the end of the tunnel… or maybe just that distant bar where post-match interviews at least pay for your drink.
Sparta certainly isn’t just playing for themselves; they’re playing for Czech hockey. And whether it’s a win, a draw, or winning the hearts of nostalgic fans who remember the golden age, there’s one universal truth—they’ll keep lacing up, laughing, and leaving it all on the ice. All in a day’s work for our gladiators on skates!
“We may not have delivered our best performance, but it’s clear we are making headway, and that brings us joy. It’s a small sense of accomplishment for us, especially in light of last season’s disappointments,” reflected Sparta defender Jakub Krejčík, as he recalled the painful semi-final of the previous extra-league play-off, where his team held a 3-0 advantage after the matches but ultimately fell short of reaching the final.
In a busy calendar year, Sparta has collided with Třinec for the twelfth time, and this rivalry is far from over. Another exciting encounter is scheduled for the ice of the Silesian team on Tuesday, November 26, just days before the festive season, followed by Třinec’s visit to Prague on December 23 as both teams continue their battle in the extra league.
“In the locker room, we joke about how our entire season seems to revolve around playing against Třinec. However, these matches consistently provide high-quality hockey and attract large crowds. Even today’s contest proved to be a tough challenge despite many of the home team’s regular players taking a break,” said Krejčík, highlighting the competitiveness of their meetings.
“Our start to the game was far from ideal, and we should feel grateful to have secured a lead in the first period, as we were constantly playing catch-up. We talked about this during the intermission, and fortunately, our performance picked up as the game wore on. It was disappointing, though, to concede a goal right at the end,” Krejčík elaborated on the match dynamics.
Třinec’s coach Zdeněk Moták opted for a significantly youthful lineup in an effort to overcome the three-goal deficit from their previous matchup. Key players such as Růžička, Hudáček, Marinčín, as well as defenders like Jeřábek, Kundrátek, and Nedomlel, were given the night off, while forwards Nestrašil and Vrána also sat out the game.
This strategic choice provided an opportunity for four junior players, notably 19-year-old defender Patrik Volas, who made an impressive debut for Třinec’s elite team by assisting the equalizing goal late in the game. His shot from the blue line was deftly redirected by French forward Justin Addamo to Jakub Kovář, although Volas initially hit the post earlier in the match.
“When the hall erupted with excitement, it felt absolutely surreal,” Volas exclaimed, unable to contain his joy after the electrifying moment, although statisticians later credited the goal to Addamo. “To score in my debut match would have been an unbelievable achievement, especially against a top-quality team like Sparta,” he shared, reflecting on what could have been.
In the upcoming quarter-finals, Prague is set to face off against the Swedish club Växjö Lakers. Following a tight 1:0 victory on home ice, the Swedish side managed to secure a 3:3 draw against the formidable Swiss team Fribourg-Gottéron, allowing them to advance. “I haven’t had the chance to observe them in action for quite some time, but I anticipate a challenging contest. Their defense is known for its precision, and we are determined to progress as far as possible and succeed in both tournaments. Competing in the Champions League is an honor. We are not just representing Sparta; we carry the pride of all Czech hockey,” Krejčík pointed out, emphasizing the significance of their upcoming matches.
What impact did 19-year-old Patrik Volas have on Třinec’s performance during his debut match?
Ree-goal deficit. With several key players getting a rest, young talents had the opportunity to shine. Among them was 19-year-old defenseman Patrik Volas, who made a memorable debut by assisting on the equalizing goal, showcasing the potential of Třinec’s future talent pool. Volas spoke of the electrifying moment when the crowd erupted after the goal, reflecting youthful exuberance in the competitive arena of ice hockey.
As the season progresses, Sparta is gearing up for their next challenge: facing the Växjö Lakers from Sweden in the quarter-finals. Krejčík’s expectations are set high as he acknowledges the tough competition ahead, emphasizing the importance of success in both national and international play. His words resonate with the pride of representing not just a team but the broader aspirations of Czech hockey.
In the midst of the ups and downs, ice hockey remains a celebration of teamwork, grit, and resilience. For Sparta, it’s about continuing to build on their experiences and striving for improvement amidst the harsh realities of competition. Each match, filled with its share of triumphs and tribulations, is a chapter in their story—a pursuit of glory on the ice that keeps fans engaged and hopeful for a brighter future.
