Story Summary
Two of the Czech Extraliga sides that opened the season with coaches who arrived from national programmes have another link to international hockey: each carries a goaltender who featured at the most recent World Championship. Yet neither Dominik Pavlát (Rytíři Kladno) nor Josef Kořenář (HC Sparta Praha) has logged a minute in the first two rounds. Kladno have preferred Adam Brízgala, who started both wins including Friday’s 3:2 shootout victory over Sparta, while Sparta have started Jakub Kovář in Olomouc and at Kladno. Kladno’s assistant and sporting director Tomáš Plekanec confirmed discussions are ongoing about goalkeeper selection.
Key Facts
- Dominik Pavlát (Rytíři Kladno) and Josef Kořenář (HC Sparta Praha) both played at the most recent World Championship.
- Neither Pavlát nor Kořenář has played any minute in the first two rounds of the Extraliga.
- Adam Brízgala started and kept Kladno in goal for two early wins, including a 3:2 shootout victory over Sparta.
- Josef Kořenář has not been in Sparta’s match-day squad on the bench.
- Sparta used Jakub Kovář in goal in Olomouc and at Kladno; Kovář’s save percentage so far is above 93 percent.
- Tomáš Volevecký from first-league Litoměřice has been Kovář’s backup for Sparta.
- Kladno’s goaltenders are overseen by Ondřej Pavelec and Radek Jirátko.
- Tomáš Plekanec is Rytíři Kladno’s assistant coach and sporting director; he said there are goalkeeper coaches handling the matter and that discussions about who will start continue.
- Kladno have five points after two matches and began an Extraliga season with two wins for the first time since 2011.
- The Friday match at Kladno drew 5,200 spectators and ticket offices displayed ” Sold out” signs.
- Kladno forward Nicolas Hlava praised the coaching staff and said he is enjoying learning under Radim Rulík, despite being 32.
- Sparta forward Devin Shore praised Patrik Augusta’s energy and attention to detail and said players must execute the coach’s system.
IHM Discussion
The early picture at Kladno and Sparta highlights the balance between current form and international pedigree in goal. Kladno have backed Adam Brízgala, whose two starts have brought two wins, including Friday’s 3:2 shootout victory over Sparta. Pavlát, a summer signing, has served as backup so far.
Sparta’s situation is different. Jakub Kovář has started in Olomouc and at Kladno, posting a save percentage above 93 per cent, with Tomáš Volevecký providing cover. Josef Kořenář has not been named on the bench, and Augusta declined to elaborate on his absence. It is very likely linked to health problems.
Kladno’s five points from two games and the 5,200-strong sell-out crowd provided an encouraging opening. The clubs are also adapting under coaching staffs that arrived during the summer, with Kladno forward Nicolas Hlava and Sparta forward Devin Shore both praising the standards and clarity demanded by their new coaches.
Why It Matters
Early goaltending decisions can set the tone for a season. Kladno have gained five points while trusting Brízgala’s form, while Sparta have received strong early returns from Kovář as Kořenář remains unavailable. The next selections will show whether the current hierarchy holds once both clubs settle into the season.
Mini Q&A
Why haven’t Pavlát and Kořenář played in the first two rounds?
Dominik Pavlát has been used as the backup at Kladno, with Adam Brízgala preferred on form.
Who has started in goal for Kladno and Sparta?
Adam Brízgala has started for Kladno, including the 3:2 shootout win over Sparta. Jakub Kovář started for Sparta in Olomouc and at Kladno.
How have those starters performed so far?
Brízgala helped Kladno to two wins and was credited with key saves in the Sparta game; Jakub Kovář’s save percentage is reported to be above 93 percent after his starts.
Who covers for Kovář on Sparta’s bench?
Tomáš Volevecký from first-league Litoměřice has been Kovář’s backup.
What did Tomáš Plekanec say about goalkeeper selection at Kladno?
Plekanec said they have goalkeeper coaches handling selection, that discussions are ongoing and they will see who will go into goal next.
What was the crowd like at the Kladno – Sparta match?
The match drew 5,200 spectators and ticket offices displayed signs reading ‘Sold out.’
Coach Mark Comment
Kladno have a simple early decision: Brízgala has won both starts, so there is no need to disrupt that rhythm. Sparta, meanwhile, need Kovář to maintain his level while ensuring Volevecký is ready if required. Clear roles are especially important when a goaltender is unavailable.
IHM Final View
Kladno have so far reaped the benefits of backing an in-form Adam Brízgala, while Sparta are riding Jakub Kovář’s hot start amid uncertainty around Josef Kořenář. Goalkeeper management will remain the defining subplot for both clubs as the season settles; immediate results suggest Kladno enjoy momentum, but any change in availability or form could shift the balance quickly.