Bratislava – after 13 rounds of play in the Slovak Hockey Tipsport League, a clear picture of team performance is emerging. Žilina, Nitra, and Bratislava currently demonstrate the highest levels of success, while Prešov, Poprad, and Michalovce face significant challenges. A new weekly column is set to deliver insights into the league’s developments.

Žilina Emerges as a Force, Nitra Faces a Potential Nemesis

Last Friday marked a significant victory for Žilina as they defeated Nitra 3-1 on their home ice. A swift start, with goals in the first few minutes, set the tone for the game.Žilina effectively neutralized Nitra’s characteristic offensive pressure,controlling the third period with confidence. This win builds on their previous success against Nitra, raising questions about whether Žilina has become a key rival for the defending champions.

The possibility of a compelling semi-final matchup between these two teams looms, promising an exciting contest for hockey enthusiasts.

Dubň’s Rollercoaster and Zvolen’s Near Collapse

The team from Dubň experienced a mixed result, securing a decisive victory against Nitra followed by a dramatic near-defeat against Zvolen. Despite maintaining a 5-2 lead, Zvolen allowed Dubň to equalize in the final minute, ultimately securing a win in overtime. This highlights a potential lack of discipline in closing out games from the Dubň team, currently at the top of the league standings.

Trenčín Restructures with Key Player Departures

Trenčín has undergone roster changes, parting ways with forwards Sean Josling and Tomáš Záborský. Josling’s performance failed to match his previous season’s success, while Záborský did not meet expectations. To bolster their offence, the club has acquired 34-year-old Canadian forward Phil Varone, boasting extensive experience in the American Hockey League (AHL) and a brief stint in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Player Previous Team New Team Position
Sean Josling Trenčín N/A Forward
Tomáš Záborský Trenčín N/A Forward
Phil Varone N/A Trenčín Forward

Prešov Struggles and Roster Overhaul

Prešov finds itself at the bottom of the league standings, prompting significant roster changes.Four foreign players have departed, with reinforcements arriving in the form of defenders Ross MacDougall and Erik Ullman, along with forwards Alexander Avcin and adam Rockwood. These acquisitions aim to revitalize the team’s performance and climb out of the league basement.

Košice’s Dominance and Michalovce’s Woes

Košice is demonstrating remarkable form, having won 11 goals in their last two games, showcasing a cohesive and energetic gameplay style. In contrast, Michalovce suffered a 6-2 defeat to Košice, displaying a lack of energy and coordination. Coach Erik Čaládi expressed concerns about his team’s performance, stating they appeared to lack the desire to win in the first period.

Slovan’s Winning Streak and Emerging Talent

Slovan has achieved a ten-game winning streak since a September 16th loss to Nitra, showcasing a resilient and persistent team. The emergence of young talent, such as Tomáš Kráľovič, is contributing to their success. Key players Samuel Takáč and Róbert Varga lead the offensive charge, while the team benefits from strong leadership and cohesion fostered by Coach Brad Tapper.

Did You No? Košice are currently playing with an entirely slovak roster, a strategic move highlighting the talent within the country.

League Leaders and Current Form

Carter Turnbull currently leads the league in scoring with 23 points, showcasing an impressive offensive prowess. Šimon Petráš from Košice and Samuel Takáč from Slovan closely follow, both with 17 points. Žilina currently displays the best form in the league, while Trenčín is struggling to maintain momentum.