Prague – The stakes are high as HC Olomouc and HC Dukla Jihlava prepare to clash on Wednesday, April 16th, in a high-pressure series to determine who will compete in the Czech Extraliga, the nation’s top-tier hockey league. Olomouc, currently holding the last position in the Extraliga, is fighting to defend its spot among the elite, a position they’ve maintained as 2014. Simultaneously occurring, Jihlava, fresh off a playoff triumph in the lower league, is hungry to return to the Extraliga, a stage they last graced in the 2017-18 season. The series, a best-of-seven affair, promises intense competition, with the final game scheduled, if necessary, for April 28th.

for U.S. hockey fans, this relegation/promotion series is akin to a team from the American Hockey League (AHL) challenging a struggling NHL team for a coveted spot in the big leagues. The pressure is immense, and the outcome can significantly impact both franchises.

Olomouc: ready to Defend Their Turf

Olomouc enters the series after a challenging end to their Extraliga regular season. Their last game was March 4th,a loss to Pilsen marking their seventh consecutive defeat. However, the team used the subsequent two-week break to regroup and refocus.

It was a realy good idea. If we were going in a row, the atmosphere would remain the same. We were excited,we’re going. We all cleaned our heads, we were with my family. We turned off from hockey, now we go to blood, said attacker Lukáš Anděl.

Lukáš Anděl, HC Olomouc Attacker

Anděl’s words highlight the importance of mental readiness in high-stakes situations. This approach resonates with strategies used by NHL teams during playoff runs, where mental fortitude is often as crucial as physical skill. As a notable example, teams frequently enough incorporate mindfulness and visualization techniques to help players manage pressure and stay focused.

Historically, Extraliga teams have dominated these relegation series. In recent years, Kladno defeated the first league’s best team 4-1 and twice 4-0. In the Czech Republic’s history, the Extraliga team has won ten times, while the first league winner has prevailed only seven times.

Despite the ancient advantage, Olomouc isn’t taking anything for granted.

Before the first bulls are useful, it will always be falling on. One thing is the prerequisites, the other is the ice game. So we have to take it. But we know it’s about how we play.

Jihlava: Poised for an Upset?

Jihlava enters the series fresh off a 4-2 series victory against Zlín in the First League final. Coach Viktor Ujčík believes his team is ready for the challenge.

They will be ready, relaxed, health and will be extraleague players, said coach Viktor Ujčík after the last winning duel.

Viktor Ujčík, HC Dukla Jihlava Coach

However, Jihlava faced challenges with team composition towards the end of their playoff run, with several players battling injuries.Captain Tomáš Čachotský’s availability was uncertain leading up to the series.

We will see how many people we will have. The format of the relegation is not happy for teams from the first league. We will see, it will depend a lot on how much we will be on Wednesday, said Ujčík.

Viktor Ujčík, HC Dukla jihlava Coach

Despite these challenges, Jihlava remains confident.

We will still play our abrasive and fighting hockey that decorates us and which we play all season. We will not change anything about it and see what will happen, said striker Tomáš Harkabus.

Tomáš Harkabus, HC Dukla Jihlava Striker

Their “abrasive and fighting hockey” style could be likened to the physical, hard-nosed play that some NHL teams, like the Boston Bruins, are known for. This style can be especially effective in a playoff-like series.

A meaningful disadvantage for Jihlava is the lack of home-ice advantage. All games will be played in Olomouc because Jihlava’s home arena in Pelhřimov doesn’t meet Extraliga standards.

We knew from the beginning that if we managed to win the league, we do not have a stadium that would match the standards. It will not be easy, said Ujčík.

Viktor Ujčík,HC Dukla Jihlava Coach

this situation is similar to a minor league baseball team playing its “home” games at a larger,more modern stadium due to facility limitations. The lack of familiar surroundings and fan support adds another layer of difficulty for Jihlava.

Statistical Data and Key Players

Here’s a breakdown of key statistics and players to watch in the Olomouc vs. Jihlava Extraliga Relegation series:

historical Context and Interesting Facts

• This is olomouc’s fourth time participating in a relegation series in the Czech Extraliga.
• Olomouc finished the Extraliga regular season six points behind 13th-place Kladno, with 57 points in 52 games.
• Olomouc is entering the relegation series after a 43-day break, having last played on March 4th.
• Jihlava finished the first League regular season in sixth place with 86 points in 52 games.
• Jihlava has won 12 championship titles during Czechoslovakia.
• Jihlava has participated in nine Extraliga relegations, succeeding three times.
• Olomouc lost their last seven games of the Extraliga regular season and hasn’t won since February 14th.
• Jihlava has won seven of their last ten games.

Several players have connections to both teams, adding another layer of intrigue to the series. For example, defenders Lukáš Mareš and striker Lukáš Anděl from Olomouc are Jihlava natives. Additionally, several players on Olomouc’s roster have previously played for Jihlava.

Goalkeepers Adam Beran and Maxim Zukov from Jihlava have played for Dukla. Attacker Matouš Menšík played six games for Hanak this year, and a total of 70 duels in the last three seasons.last year, defender Patriks Ozols played for Olomouc, and in the seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22, the jersey was also worn by Forvard Tomáš Čachotský.