Dynamo Pardubice kicked off their Spengler Cup 2024 campaign with a hard-fought victory against Swiss club Fribourg-Gottéron, winning 3:2 after penalty shootouts on December 26, 2024. This match, held at the Eisstadion Davos, marked the beginning of Pardubice's pursuit of the prestigious trophy, which no Czech team has claimed since 1982.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries to star players Roman Červenka, Jiří Smejkal, and Jáchym Kondelík, Dynamo managed to secure their first win of the tournament. Goalie Roman Will initially showcased solid performance but was forced to leave the game due to cramps late in the third period, leading to Tomáš Vomáčka stepping up to hold the line.
Dynamo entered the game with high hopes, and they quickly bore fruit when Lukáš Radil opened the scoring just 9 minutes after the puck drop, assisted by David Musil’s long pass. Following up, Daniel Rákos extended the lead to 2:0 before Fribourg clawed back with two goals late in the game.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Radil highlighted the importance of the victory: "We said the first match is one of the most important, as it sets the tone for the tournament; it’s great we won and can rest tomorrow." He praised Musil’s first pass, calling it "fantastic," potentially setting up momentum for the rest of the tournament.
Following Will's injury, Vomáčka came onto the ice cold but quickly found himself tested after just 54 seconds, conceding from Ryan Gunderson's shot. Despite this rocky start, Vomáčka displayed outstanding skill during the shootout round, stopping every shot faced from Fribourg, ensuring the win for his team.
Coach Václav Baďouček expressed cautious optimism about the team’s future prospects, as the Dinamo now gears up for their next match against Kärpä Oulu, set for December 27. Meanwhile, Baďouček mentioned the possibility of Smejkal returning before the tournament’s end, bringing hope to the team amid current injury woes.
Pardubice’s successful opening at the Spengler Cup not only secures them Friday off but also establishes their campaign to reclaim international stronghold status. With such fierce dedication of their players and the backing of their coaching staff, Dynamo aims to uplift Czech hockey once more on the global stage.
