Three successful days in Győr – international EUHL matches at the Győr University Ice Sports Centre

Between 5 and 7 February, the Győr University Ice Sports Centre hosted the matches of the 4th University of Győr Hockey Cup IV. The tournament took place as part of the official EUHL competition series, meaning that the results achieved here counted in full towards the league points table.

During the three-day event, four teams competed against one another in an international field, representing different playing styles and traditions. Most of the matches were played at a fast pace and were physically demanding, resulting in several closely fought finishes.

Our matches in the EUHL Cup

On the first day of the tournament, we took to the ice against the Polish team Opole United. We managed to take control as early as the first period: we scored four times, which effectively sealed the outcome of the match. The rest of the match was characterised by solid defence from both sides, and with three minutes to go we scored another goal to secure a comfortable 5–0 victory.

On Friday evening, we were in for a particularly fast-paced, hard-fought match against Sapientia U23 from Transylvania. In the first period, we scored two goals, whilst our opponents found the net once. In the second period, neither team was able to capitalise on their chances, but in the third period we managed to seal the victory with a further three goals, bringing the match to a close with a 5–1 win.

Having secured two wins, we finished the tournament with 6 points, which was enough for second place in the overall standings.

The field of competitors and the final results

The cup was won by Lehel HC Jászberény by a 7-point margin. The Jászberény team took part in the event as invited guests and delivered a consistently solid performance thanks to their experienced and well-organised play. Third place went to Sapientia U23 with 4 points, whilst Opole United finished fourth with 1 point. The latter team’s squad consisted largely of American and Canadian university students, which resulted in a fast, physical and spectacular style of play.

The final result of the cup:

Lehel HC Jászberény – 7 points
UNI GYŐR ETO HC – 6 points
Sapientia U23 – 4 points
Opole United – 1 point

Note: The match between UNI GYŐR ETO HC and Lehel HC was not played during the three days of the tournament, but on the preceding Saturday as an Andersen League league match, the result of which was included in the cup standings.

Special Prize and Awards Ceremony

The tournament’s “Player of the Cup” special award went to Lehel HC’s goalkeeper, Tamás Monostori. The awards were presented by Lubomir Sekeras, President of the EUHA, Frantisek Sadecky, vice-president of the EUHA, and Dr Tamás Gyömöre, president of SZESE and head of the Sports Centre at Széchenyi István University.

No stopping

There wasn’t much time to rest after the EUHL Cup had finished: on Saturday we were already back on the ice away from home in the Andersen League, where we played a successful match against HKB, continuing our busy competition schedule.