Pardubice End 14-Year Wait: Czech Extraliga Title Returns to East Bohemia
In a thrilling climax to the 2025-26 Czech Extraliga season, HC Dynamo Pardubice secured their first championship title in 14 years, defeating HC Oceláři Třinec 5-4 in overtime during Game 6 of the finals. The decisive goal, scored by veteran forward Roman Červenka just 61 seconds into sudden death, sparked jubilant celebrations among players, staff, and fans, marking a historic moment for the East Bohemian club and its loyal supporters.
The victory, achieved on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Werk Arena in Třinec, not only ended Pardubice’s long championship drought but also highlighted the team’s resilience, and depth. The win was particularly sweet for the club’s Slovak contingent, including defenseman Peter Čerešňák and forward Miloš Kelemen, who played pivotal roles throughout the playoffs. With the series clinched 4-2, Pardubice dethroned the reigning champions, Kometa Brno, and claimed their fourth Extraliga title in the club’s history.
“This represents a dream come true for everyone involved with the club,” said Pardubice captain Lukáš Sedlák, whose assist set up Červenka’s game-winning goal. “We fought hard all season, and to finally lift the trophy after so many years is an incredible feeling.” The victory was met with emotional scenes on the ice, as players embraced and fans erupted in celebration, signaling the end of a grueling but rewarding playoff campaign.
The Road to Glory: A Playoff Journey Defined by Grit
Pardubice’s path to the championship was anything but simple. After finishing the regular season in third place with a 38-18-10 record, the team entered the playoffs as strong contenders but faced stiff competition from the outset. Their quarterfinal series against HC Sparta Praha went the distance, with Pardubice prevailing 4-3 in a hard-fought battle that set the tone for their postseason resilience.
In the semifinals, Pardubice faced a familiar foe in Mountfield HK, a team they had struggled against during the regular season. However, the underdogs rose to the occasion, winning the series 4-2 to advance to the finals. The victory over Mountfield was a turning point, as it demonstrated Pardubice’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity, a trait that would serve them well in the championship series against Třinec.
The finals against Třinec, a team known for its offensive firepower and playoff experience, proved to be the ultimate test. Třinec, the 2024-25 Extraliga champions, entered the series as favorites, having dominated the regular season with a league-best 42-14-8 record. The first two games of the series were split, with Třinec taking Game 1 in a 3-2 overtime thriller, while Pardubice responded with a 4-1 victory in Game 2 on home ice.
The series then shifted to Třinec’s Werk Arena, where the home team reclaimed momentum with a 5-2 win in Game 3. However, Pardubice refused to be intimidated. In Game 4, they evened the series with a 3-2 victory, thanks to a late goal from forward Jakub Mandát. The teams traded wins again in Game 5, with Pardubice securing a 2-1 victory in front of their home crowd, setting the stage for the dramatic Game 6 showdown in Třinec.
Game 6: A Battle for the Ages
The decisive Game 6 was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading goals and momentum throughout the contest. Třinec struck first in the third minute, when forward Daniel Sikora capitalized on a rebound to deliver the home team an early 1-0 lead. However, Pardubice responded quickly, with forward Martin Fejes tying the game at 1-1 in the 12th minute, converting a 2-on-1 rush set up by defenseman Ondřej Poulíček.
Just two minutes later, Pardubice took their first lead of the game when defenseman Marc-André Tourigny fired a shot from the blue line that found its way past Třinec goaltender Ondřej Kacetl. The goal was aided by Pardubice forward David Lauko, who screened Kacetl and disrupted his view of the puck. The lead, however, was short-lived. Třinec’s Jakub Nestrašil scored at the 28-minute mark to level the game at 2-2, setting the stage for a tense second period.
The third period saw both teams trade goals once again. Třinec’s Erik Kundrátek restored the home team’s lead at 3-2, but Pardubice’s Mandát responded with a goal of his own just 12 minutes later, sending the game into overtime tied 4-4. The extra period was brief but dramatic. With just 61 seconds elapsed, Sedlák carried the puck into the offensive zone and fed a pass to Červenka, who unleashed a wrist shot that beat Kacetl and sealed the championship for Pardubice.
The goal sparked wild celebrations on the bench and among the traveling Pardubice fans, who had made the journey to Třinec to support their team. For Červenka, a 40-year-old veteran with an illustrious career that includes stints in the NHL and KHL, the goal was a fitting climax to a season of redemption. “I’ve been chasing this moment for a long time,” Červenka said after the game. “To score the winning goal in overtime to win the championship is something I’ll never forget.”
The Slovak Connection: Čerešňák and Kelemen Play Key Roles
Pardubice’s championship victory was also a triumph for the club’s Slovak players, who played integral roles throughout the season. Defenseman Peter Čerešňák, a veteran of the Slovak national team and a former NHL player, was a steady presence on the blue line, contributing both offensively and defensively. His leadership and experience were invaluable, particularly during the playoffs, where he logged heavy minutes in critical situations.
Forward Miloš Kelemen, another key member of the Slovak contingent, provided a spark with his speed and scoring touch. Kelemen, who joined Pardubice in 2023 after a successful stint in the Finnish Liiga, finished the regular season with 22 goals and 30 assists, establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons. His performance in the playoffs, where he added 5 goals and 7 assists in 18 games, was a major factor in Pardubice’s success.
“Peter and Miloš are more than just teammates—they’re leaders,” said Pardubice head coach Filip Pešán. “Their experience and skill have been crucial for us, and they’ve set an example for the younger players. This championship is as much theirs as We see anyone else’s.” The contributions of Čerešňák and Kelemen underscored the growing influence of Slovak players in the Czech Extraliga, a league that has long been a popular destination for talent from Slovakia.
A New Era for Pardubice
For Pardubice, the championship represents more than just a return to glory—it marks the beginning of a new era for the club. Under the guidance of Pešán, a former Czech national team coach, the team has undergone a transformation in recent years, blending experienced veterans with young talent to create a competitive and cohesive unit. The championship is a validation of Pešán’s vision and the hard work of the entire organization.
The victory also holds significant meaning for the city of Pardubice, a historic industrial hub in East Bohemia with a deep-rooted passion for hockey. The club’s last championship came in 2012, and the long wait had tested the patience of fans. The title has reignited enthusiasm for the sport in the region, with local officials and community leaders already discussing plans to expand youth hockey programs and invest in the club’s future.
“This is a historic moment for our city and our club,” said Pardubice mayor Martin Charvát. “Hockey is a big part of our identity, and this championship will inspire the next generation of players. We’re proud of what the team has accomplished, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
What’s Next for Pardubice and the Extraliga
With the championship secured, Pardubice will now turn their attention to celebrating their victory and preparing for the 2026-27 season. The team is expected to develop several key decisions in the coming weeks, including contract extensions for core players and potential roster additions to build on their success. Červenka, whose contract expires this summer, has already hinted that he would like to return for another season, though no official announcement has been made.
For the Czech Extraliga, Pardubice’s championship marks the end of a competitive and unpredictable season. The league, widely regarded as one of the strongest in Europe, has seen a resurgence in recent years, with increased investment in youth development and a growing number of NHL-caliber players choosing to compete in the Extraliga rather than pursue opportunities abroad. The 2025-26 season was no exception, with several teams, including Třinec, Sparta Praha, and Mountfield HK, fielding rosters capable of challenging for the title.
The next season promises to be just as exciting, with several storylines to watch. Třinec, despite their loss in the finals, remains a formidable team and will look to reclaim the championship in 2026-27. Meanwhile, Kometa Brno, the 2024-25 champions, will aim to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit and reassert their dominance in the league. For Pardubice, the challenge will be to build on their success and establish themselves as a perennial contender.
As the celebrations continue in Pardubice, one thing is clear: the city’s hockey fans have plenty to look forward to. After 14 long years, the wait for a championship is finally over, and a new chapter in the club’s history has begun.
Key Takeaways from Pardubice’s Championship Season
- Historic Victory: Pardubice secured their first Czech Extraliga title in 14 years, ending a long championship drought and marking their fourth title in club history.
- Overtime Heroics: Roman Červenka’s goal 61 seconds into overtime in Game 6 sealed the championship, capping a dramatic playoff run for Pardubice.
- Slovak Influence: Defenseman Peter Čerešňák and forward Miloš Kelemen played pivotal roles in the team’s success, highlighting the growing impact of Slovak players in the Extraliga.
- Resilient Playoff Run: Pardubice overcame adversity throughout the playoffs, including a seven-game quarterfinal series against Sparta Praha and a hard-fought semifinal victory over Mountfield HK.
- New Era for the Club: The championship marks the beginning of a new era for Pardubice, with head coach Filip Pešán’s vision and leadership playing a key role in the team’s transformation.
- Community Impact: The victory has reignited enthusiasm for hockey in Pardubice, with local officials and community leaders discussing plans to expand youth programs and invest in the club’s future.
As the 2025-26 Czech Extraliga season comes to a close, the focus now shifts to the future. With the next season already on the horizon, fans can look forward to another year of high-stakes hockey and the continued growth of the league. For Pardubice, the challenge will be to build on their success and cement their status as one of the Extraliga’s elite teams.
What are your thoughts on Pardubice’s championship victory? Do you think they can defend their title next season? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
Keep reading