Ružinov Amateur Hockey League 1

The fight for the last playoff berth in RAHL2 is coming to a head, and you could cut the tension with a knife. But Alpha Hockey Team passed the key game against Trnava Beast with flying colors and, after a 4:2 win, sent its rivals a clear message that it can play under pressure. The main figure on offense, with three points, was Alek Ivan (1+2), who nevertheless rejects the role of hero and highlights the team's one hundred percent discipline. Read how the team prepared for this important step, why they are holding back the celebrations in the locker room and which opponent Alek would like to run into in the elimination stage.

A roller coaster of a game with a happy ending. Ice Punkers beat Black Wings 7:5 in RAHL3 after a real goal chase. The main driving force was Patrik Bučič, who contributed 2+2 to the win. In the interview he openly admitted that the opponent bit back much harder than they had expected. After a weaker start to the season, the league newcomers are coming to life thanks to their winter additions and have wiped out a huge points deficit. Their fate will now be decided in a head-to-head game for a place in the top four that advances.

For long seasons they were in the background, but this year Knights are writing a different story. After a shocking 8:1 win over leader Hockey For All, they have one foot in the playoffs. The architect of the success was František Polák, who fired four goals past the opponent. Read what is behind the team's revival, how the new additions have fit in and why, ahead of the key game against Royals, they even believe they can reach third place in the standings.

The Petržalka derby in RAHL2 had one undisputed ruler. TJ Družstevník Petržalka crushed rival HK Petržalka 7:2, and Peter Tisovský contributed two goals and an assist. In the interview, the newly named Player of the Week revealed why he was playing on “light legs,” how he sees the key game for first place against Uličníci and what manager Martin Rázus means to the locker room – including his little “slip-up” with the deducted points.

The marquee matchup between neighbors in the RAHL2 standings turned into a one-sided affair. Uličníci rolled over HK Petržalka 5:1, and Christian Badalov deserves a big share of the credit. With 2 goals and 2 assists, he became Player of the Week. Although his team is now only two points off first place, Christian stays pragmatic. In the interview he explains why chasing first place is secondary and what the key was to the clear win over a tough opponent.

The offensive drought is a thing of the past. Team Beers enjoyed a real scoring spree in the first round after Christmas and, in a game that produced a full 11 goals, pushed past Knights. The lion's share of the credit goes to Michal Hlinka, who added an assist to his hat trick and became Player of the Week. Thanks to the win, Beers moved closer to the playoff zone, but Michal is keeping his feet on the ground. Read what he thinks decided the result and why they are looking forward to the Pohár nádeje as well.

The on-paper predictions in RAHL3 went up in smoke in the opening minutes. Night Riders caught standings leader HC LEV Senec off guard with a lightning start, and by the 5th minute the scoreboard already read 3:0. The hero of the game was Peter Kožuch, who shone with a hat trick and sealed the newcomers' spot in the elimination stage for good. In our interview he told us what was behind their success, why they respect one team in particular, and what the hat trick is going to cost his wallet in the locker room.

Frosty air, fast ice and emotions within arm’s reach. This Saturday, 31 January, Hlohovec becomes the venue for a special celebration of hockey. The municipal rink on Bezručova Street will welcome the RAHL Winter Classic, an event that pulls players and fans out of the routine of indoor arenas and brings hockey in its purest, rawest form. A lot is at stake in the three games across all league levels: from a fight for sheer survival in the season to the definitive confirmation of championship ambitions.