Story Summary
Vlci Žilina recovered from an early shock to beat HC Prešov 5:2 in Tipsport liga play under Dubňom. Prešov took the lead in the second minute through Jari-Leon Keltie Miguel, but Žilina seized control in the second period, with Šimon Petráš equalising late in the first and then adding a second, while Brett Ritchie scored twice as part of a dominant Žilina offensive display. Marek Hecl wrapped up the victory in the 58th minute after Gemel Smith briefly cut the deficit to two for Prešov in the third. Žilina missed a late penalty shot by Petráš but held on for a deserved home win.
Key Facts
- Final score: Vlci Žilina 5, HC Prešov 2.
- Prešov opened the scoring in the 2nd minute: Jari-Leon Keltie Miguel finished a close-range rebound past Žilina goalie Roman Rychlík.
- Šimon Petráš levelled for Žilina at 18 minutes during a power play; he later scored again to make it 3:1.
- Brett Ritchie scored Žilina’s second-period go-ahead goal (25′) and added another at 38′ to extend the lead.
- Patrik Koyš set up Ritchie for the 2:1 goal after drawing Prešov’s defence to the right wing.
- A Miller shot from the blue line was deflected by Šimon Petráš for his second goal of the game.
- Prešov’s Gemel Smith scored in the 52nd minute, cutting the score to 4:2 with a heavy wrist shot from the right face-off circle.
- Marek Hecl settled the match in the 58th minute by forcing a loose puck past visiting goalie Samuel Vyletelka.
- Žilina earned a penalty shot late; Šimon Petráš took it but failed to convert with a between-the-legs attempt.
- Žilina were penalised through Čajkovský and Repčík in the first period, while Holenda made important defensive plays.
- Samuel Vyletelka made several notable saves for Prešov, particularly in the third period, after facing substantial Žilina pressure.
- Post-match quotes: Milan Bartovič (Žilina coach) said the team did not have an ideal start but took the initiative after the equaliser. Peter Cehlárik (Žilina forward) called it a great start and welcomed being with the team. Samuel Vyletelka (Prešov goalie) described the first and third periods as good for Prešov but said the second period went badly for his side.
IHM Discussion
Žilina’s victory was built on a clear momentum swing between the opening and middle stages. Prešov’s early strike through Jari-Leon Keltie Miguel exposed Žilina’s slow start, but the home side gradually took control and converted its pressure into chances. The decisive phase arrived in the second period. Patrik Koyš drew defenders before setting up Brett Ritchie for the go-ahead goal, while Šimon Petráš added his second of the night on a deflection. Ritchie’s second goal made the lead emphatic. Petráš provided a finishing touch around the net, and Marek Hecl’s late goal removed any lingering doubt. Prešov had moments of quality, notably Gemel Smith’s 52nd-minute strike, but could not sustain pressure against Žilina’s second-period surge.
Why It Matters
The win showed Žilina’s ability to recover from a poor opening and turn sustained pressure into a multi-goal lead. The Koyš-to-Ritchie connection, Petráš’s two goals and Hecl’s late finish gave the home side contributions across the scoring sequence. For Prešov, the second period proved costly after a promising start and left little margin for their late push.
Mini Q&A
Who scored the opening goal of the match?
Jari-Leon Keltie Miguel opened the scoring for HC Prešov in the 2nd minute, converting his own rebound past Roman Rychlík.
Which Žilina players were the main scorers?
Šimon Petráš scored twice for Žilina and Brett Ritchie also netted two goals; Marek Hecl added the fifth.
How did the momentum shift in the game?
Žilina grew into the contest after conceding early, dominated the second period with sustained offensive pressure and turned that dominance into a multi-goal lead.
Did Prešov threaten a comeback?
Prešov reduced the deficit to 4:2 through Gemel Smith in the 52nd minute, but Žilina restored control and Marek Hecl’s 58th-minute goal sealed the result.
Were there notable post-match comments?
Coach Milan Bartovič acknowledged a poor start but praised the team for taking the initiative after the equaliser. Samuel Vyletelka noted that the second period did not go well for Prešov and emphasised the importance of playing a full 60 minutes.
IHM Final View
Žilina produced a tactically mature second period to overturn a nervy start and secure a 5:2 win. Petráš and Ritchie scored twice apiece, while Prešov’s late push after Smith’s goal was ended by Hecl’s 58th-minute finish. Žilina’s control through the middle twenty minutes proved decisive.