Ocelari Trinec achieved a historic championship victory in Czech ice hockey, overcoming significant challenges, including a remarkable comeback from a 0:3 deficit in the semifinals. Daniel Vozenilek, a standout player, transitioned to EV Zug in Switzerland, where he has excelled and set records. His performance has positioned him as a top scorer in the National League, raising speculation about a potential NHL move. Meanwhile, Trinec’s current league standing is concerning as they struggle near the bottom.
Ocelari Trinec’s Historic Championship Journey
On April 28, Ocelari Trinec made history by clinching the championship title in what is being hailed as one of the most thrilling playoff series in Czech ice hockey’s history. Over the course of nearly six weeks, their remarkable journey captivated fans to the extent that it is now being adapted into a film. Trinec triumphed in all three playoff series with a nail-biting score of 4:3. Notably, they became the first team in Extraliga history to stage a comeback from a 0:3 deficit in the semifinals against Sparta Prague. In a heart-stopping Game 6, they equalized with just 0.2 seconds on the clock, followed by a dramatic victory in Game 7 that went into the fourth overtime. In the finals, despite missing several key players due to injuries, Trinec overcame a 2:3 deficit against the heavily favored Pardubice and secured the championship in the second overtime of the decisive game.
Daniel Vozenilek’s New Chapter
This unforgettable spring marked a turning point for Daniel Vozenilek, a 28-year-old powerhouse who emerged as Trinec’s star player last winter. Vozenilek, who had previously played in the second league in 2020 when top-tier teams overlooked him, made headlines by extending the season with a last-second goal. Shortly after, he celebrated becoming a world champion with the Czech national team, but soon realized he had accomplished all he could in his home country. With aspirations for the NHL, he found himself considering a move to Switzerland, particularly with EV Zug, whose manager Reto Kläy had been pursuing him for months. However, his contract with Trinec was set to last until 2026, and the club was reluctant to part with their top forward. Vozenilek recalls, “I practically begged for the release.” In mid-November, he trained with EV Zug after a successful morning session.
Ultimately, the two sides reached a compromise whereby Vozenilek’s contract would remain active until 2026, and Trinec would receive a low six-figure compensation for the transfer over two years. Meanwhile, Trinec’s current standing is a cause for concern, as they find themselves near the bottom of the league.
In ice hockey, acquiring a world-class player for 100,000 francs is a rare opportunity. Unlike football, where that amount might secure a mediocre player, in European ice hockey, it can mean bringing in an elite forward. Vozenilek even contributed to half of the transfer fee, underscoring the significance of this move for him. He stated, “I needed a new challenge; the money is not that important to me.” This sentiment may raise eyebrows, often associated with players eyeing lucrative contracts elsewhere, yet for the dedicated family man Vozenilek, it appears genuine. His earnings in Zug align closely with his previous salary in the Czech Republic, and there’s a sense of humility in his family, as exemplified by his older brother Marek, who has been content playing in the second Czech league for modest compensation.
Since joining EV Zug, Vozenilek has proven to be invaluable. In October, he set a club record by scoring in eleven consecutive games, surpassing expectations, including those of coach Dan Tangnes. While Tangnes was initially skeptical about Vozenilek’s speed for the league, he has since recognized the player’s immense contributions. Vozenilek’s impact transcends mere scoring; he brings a physicality to a team that had been lacking since their last championship title in 2022. Standing at 190 centimeters and weighing 98 kilos, he is among the league’s most formidable players, and his reputation as a tough opponent precedes him.
As the season progresses, Vozenilek has emerged as the second-best scorer in the National League, trailing only Kloten’s Miro Aaltonen. His presence has been pivotal in establishing Zug as the league’s top offensive team. Speculation about his potential move to the NHL this summer looms large, with Tangnes noting, “He is big, strong, agile, and scores. What more could you want? He is actually the prototype of an NHL winger.” Whether NHL scouts will take notice as swiftly as Zug’s coach remains to be seen, but for Vozenilek, this journey is a testament to his commitment to personal growth and success.
In recent weekend matchups, the results were as follows: Ambri-Piotta defeated Fribourg-Gottéron 5:3, Davos edged Ajoie 4:3, Genève-Servette lost to Bern 2:3, Kloten triumphed over Biel 4:3 in overtime, ZSC Lions bested Lugano 5:1, and Lausanne outperformed SCL Tigers 4:1. The current league standings show Davos leading with 46 points, followed closely by Lausanne with 45, and ZSC Lions at 43.