Valasske Mezirici vs Uhersky Brod

Valašské Meziříčí started sharply. Šimon Frömel opened the scoring at 2:21 of the first period, firing home in the opening minutes to give the home side an early lead that stood at the first intermission.

Uherský Brod found their footing in the middle frame. Lukáš Kováčik equalised at 22:27 to make it 1–1, and the match opened up. The pivotal moment came at 33:56: Valašské Meziříčí were shorthanded but David Vavřík — set up by Stodůlka and Krajčík — broke away and beat the Uherský Brod goaltender to restore the home lead at 2–1.

The visitors refused to wilt. Just 20 seconds later, at 34:16, Hampl capitalised on a power-play opportunity to level the game at 2–2 heading into the final period.

Kovář put the Beavers ahead for good at 44:30 on a fast counter-attack, and captain Jan Svoboda sealed it with an empty-net goal at 59:58, two seconds before the final buzzer.

Vavřík's shorthanded goal at 33:56 was the game's defining play. Valašské Meziříčí killed a penalty and scored in transition — a double blow that shifted momentum decisively. Though Uherský Brod answered immediately on the same power play, they never led after that sequence. The Beavers' ability to score while down a man (1-for-2 on the PK) against a side that finished 1-for-1 with the man advantage proved the statistical margin.

• Šimon Frömel — opened the scoring in the 3rd minute and set the tone. Active forecheck, drew defensive attention all night.
• David Vavřík — the shorthanded goal was the difference-maker. His read to jump the passing lane and finish under pressure was the play of the match.
• Jan Svoboda (C) — the captain's ENG with two seconds left gave the scoreline a flattering but deserved gloss. Also anchored the defensive structure.
• Brankář Málek (Uherský Brod) — kept the visitors in it with several quality saves in the third period, notably on Melenovský from the slot at 55:51 and a close-range stop at 54:43. Conceded three at even strength, none weak.

Player of the Match: David Vavřík (Valašské Meziříčí)

Valašské Meziříčí drew more penalties (4 called on Uherský Brod, 2 on the home side) but failed to convert any of their four power-play opportunities. Uherský Brod went 1-for-1 with the extra man. The decisive special-teams split was the shorthanded goal — Valašské Meziříčí's one chance while killing a penalty produced the swing goal. Discipline and transition efficiency, not total possession, decided this friendly.

This was the final pre-season tune-up for both sides before the 2026–27 Czech 2. liga (Východ) campaign. Valašské Meziříčí — known as HC Bobři (the Beavers) — finish their pre-season schedule with a win on home ice at Zimní stadion Valašské Meziříčí. Their competitive season opens at home against HK Ďáblové Nový Jičín on 19 September 2026. Uherský Brod (HC Spartak) continue their preparation, with further friendly fixtures including a return leg away on 10 September 2026.

The head-to-head record now stands at 2–1 in favour of Uherský Brod from four meetings (Valašské Meziříčí 2 wins, Uherský Brod 2 wins), with all four encounters producing over 2.5 goals — a trend the Beavers hope to carry into league action.

A genuine pre-season contest — pacey, physical, and decided by one moment of transition brilliance rather than sustained pressure. Valašské Meziříčí's shorthanded goal was the line between a 2–2 draw and a 4–2 win. Uherský Brod will take confidence from their power-play execution and late push, but will want to address why they couldn't generate offence at even strength in the final frame.