Story Summary
Luboš Horký made his first appearance on Czech ice since April 2023 as Rögle BK travelled to Plzeň for their Champions Hockey League opener, but the Swedish side were comprehensively outplayed in a 4-0 defeat. Horký, the 28-year-old Czech forward who wears number 62, started on Rögle’s top line alongside Fredrik Olofsson (22) and Isac Solberg (42) but finished the game pointless. He suffered a painful hit to the ear from a deflected shot that left him on the ice while Plzeň’s Danny Katic pounced on the rebound to score. After the match Horký said Plzeň attacked from the first puck drop, left his team with little space to build and deserved the win. Rögle will head on to Pardubice for a CHL fixture on Saturday as part of a short Czech trip that also includes a game in Nitra.
Key Facts
- Rögle BK lost 4-0 to Plzeň in the opening match of the Champions Hockey League.
- Luboš Horký, 28, returned to Czech ice for the first time since April 2023 (he played for the national team in Poruba).
- Horký wears number 62; his line-mates in Plzeň were Fredrik Olofsson (22) and Isac Solberg (42).
- Horký took a direct hit to the ear from a deflected shot and was on the ice when Danny Katic scored from the rebound.
- Horký finished the match without a point.
- Horký is a Brno native who previously played for Lahti in Finland before joining Rögle about a year and a half ago.
- He is the only Czech in the Rögle squad and said he is satisfied with life at the club.
- Rögle are staying in Prague during the trip and will travel to matches; they planned to be in Prague until Sunday.
- Rögle reached the final last season, according to Horký, and he described the Swedish league as high quality.
IHM Discussion
Plzeň set the tone from the outset, according to Horký, using direct play and aggressive forechecking to deny Rögle time on the puck. Rögle struggled to establish pressure or create a sustained attacking push, while Plzeň capitalised on their mistakes. Horký’s evening was also disrupted when a deflected shot struck his ear and Katic scored on the rebound as he remained on the ice. The bigger concern for Rögle was their inability to respond to Plzeň’s simple, effective approach.
Why It Matters
The defeat leaves Rögle looking for a response in their next Champions Hockey League fixture in Pardubice. For Horký, the return to Czech ice carried personal significance with family in attendance, but he and his side were left disappointed by the performance. Plzeň showed how effective direct play, forechecking and defensive discipline can be against a visiting side that cannot find time or space to build attacks.
Mini Q&A
What was the result of the match in Plzeň?
Plzeň defeated Rögle BK 4-0 in the Champions Hockey League opener.
What happened to Luboš Horký during the game?
Horký was struck in the ear by a deflected shot, was left on the ice during the sequence and Danny Katic scored from the rebound.
Did Horký score or register a point?
No. Horký started on Rögle’s top line but finished the match without a point.
Where has Horký played previously?
Horký is a Brno product who played in Brno, then in Lahti (Finland) and moved to Rögle about a year and a half ago.
Is Horký the only Czech at Rögle?
Yes. Horký said he is currently the only Czech in the Rögle squad.
What are Rögle’s next matches on this trip?
After Plzeň, Rögle are scheduled to play Pardubice on Saturday and later have a fixture in Nitra as part of the same away sequence.
Coach Mark Comment
Plzeň’s forecheck denied Rögle clean time to break out, so the visitors will need closer support around the puck and quicker, simpler exits. They also need to establish more sustained offensive-zone pressure rather than chasing the game from isolated entries.
What Comes Next
Rögle travel to Pardubice for a Champions Hockey League match on Saturday, the next game of their short Czech trip; the visit also includes a fixture in Nitra later in the sequence. The team planned to be based in Prague and commute to matches, remaining there until Sunday.
IHM Final View
Plzeň were the better side and Rögle did not find an answer to their direct, disciplined approach. Horký’s return to Czech ice was personally meaningful, but the immediate task for Rögle is to produce a stronger performance in Pardubice.