The ‘Gladiators’ put in a strong performance, with an encouraging third period.

The lads didn’t have much time to rest after last week’s ‘grind’; on Monday, the Gladiators Trencin, champions of the last two EUHL seasons, were already waiting for our team at the Győr Ice Sports Centre.

The visitors turned up with a very strong side, which was evident from the very first second in their aggressive, high-pressing style of play. In the second minute, a long-range shot following a face-off unfortunately found its way into Róth’s net, and this, sadly, proved to be a bad omen for the match as a whole. In the opening minutes of the game, we were pinned back in our own third, and in the 4th minute, Skvarka capitalised on the rebound from a fine save. Two minutes later, the Trenčín side had another reason to celebrate: following a good win of the puck, they launched a two-on-one attack, which Smolka converted into a goal. Just before the break, the “Gladiators” managed to launch another counter-attack, and Buchmann showed no mercy.

We started the second period better, and the sizeable crowd saw a more evenly matched contest, which led to Győr’s first goal, scored by Mátyás Odnoga. Shortly afterwards, however, we found ourselves two men down, a situation we were unable to defend against, and this marked the start of another Trencsén ‘run’.  We conceded two more goals in the space of two minutes, after which Jakab Pálfi replaced Nándor Róth in goal. Shortly afterwards, the visitors capitalised on another man advantage, with Skvarka scoring his third goal of the match.

We came out onto the ice for the final period in a noticeably different frame of mind; we found our rhythm and were able to dominate the game. Barely half a minute had passed since the opening whistle when, following some fine team play, Benedek Madácsi scored Győr’s second goal. A few minutes later, Sebestyén Csata received a fine pass from Madácsi, taking our tally to three. With 10 minutes to go, Savara fired a shot from the blue line which Pálfi was unable to save, sealing the final score.

Unfortunately, the first two periods had already sealed the match’s fate, but the final period saw some very encouraging play and an exceptional fighting spirit.

We’re moving on: this Saturday we’re hosting Lehel HC in another home Andersen League match, and next week it’s the University of Győr Hockey Cup II!

Come on, UNI GYŐR ETO!

UNI GYŐR ETO HC vs Gladiators Trencin: 3 – 9 (EUHL) Goalscorers: **#21 Mátyás Odnoga, #18 Benedek Madácsi, #10 Sebestyén Csata, (UNI GYŐR ETO) #12 Stehlik, #11 Skvarka (3), #24 Smolka (2), #99 Buchmann, #68 Koncir, #22 Savara (Gladiators)

We’ve put together a selection of the best photos from the match in our gallery:

Photo: Dr Krisztina Németh-Csigai