Canada’s fingerprints all over Košice’s record-breaking title win

Košice erased a two-goal deficit in the third period and clinched the title in overtime, cementing their place as Slovakia’s most successful hockey club.

Košice’s Steel Arena erupted into celebration on Tuesday night as HC Košice clinched a historic 10th Slovak title, overcoming HK Nitra 5-4 in overtime of a thrilling Game 7.

Canadian Danick Martel, the hero of the night, struck the winning goal in the 62nd minute during a power play, sending Košice clear at the top of the all-time title list, ahead of rivals Slovan Bratislava. The “Steelers” battled back from a 1-3 series deficit, underlining their resilience with an unforgettable comeback.

Nitra drew first blood early, with American Josh Passolt finding the net after a bizarre sequence that required a lengthy video review. Košice answered through Joona Jääskeläinen, but further goals from Bobby Jackson and another from Passolt gave Nitra a 3-1 lead. Martel reduced the deficit, only for  Canadian Jaedon Descheneau to restore Nitra’s two-goal cushion.

The decisive momentum shift came at the start of the third period. Nitra’s captain Branislav Mezei was ejected for a high stick that left Martel writhing in pain. Košice capitalised immediately, with Tomáš Zigo and Patrik Rogoň scoring to force overtime.

Martel, fittingly, completed the story. His second of the night crowned Košice champions, sparking wild celebrations.

“This is unbelievable,” said Košice’s Radek Deyl, as quoted by the TASR news agency. “We came back from 1-3 in the series, 2-4 in the game… It’s like something out of a film.”

Marek Bartánus, who captured a record seventh championship, was emotional: “I’m so proud of this team. To come back like that, hats off to everyone.”

While Košice celebrated, Nitra were left heartbroken.

“We’re obviously sad, but also proud,” said Nitra forward Tomáš Hrnka. “It was a brilliant final – a battle decided by a single goal.”

Head coach Andrej Kmeč echoed the sentiment: “We were so close. It’s painful now, but I’m proud of my players.”

Košice goaltender Jaroslav Janus, named playoff MVP and recipient of the Golden Skate, was immense throughout the series, replicating the feat of Dominik Riečický two years earlier.

Nitra, who fought bravely to force a Game 7, saw their dream of a third title slip away in agonising fashion. A teary Libor Kašík, playing his final match for the club, summed it up in an interview with TV JOJ Šport: “A small step separated us from lifting the cup. It hurts, but I wish Košice all the best.”