Dukla Trencin Hold Off Late Humenne Rally to Win Game 1, 3-2

Dukla Trencin claimed a crucial first-leg advantage in the Tipsport Liga playoff, defeating HC 19 Humenne 3-2 on home ice on March 27, 2026. The home side looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory after racing into a 3-0 lead, but a determined Humenne side made it a nervy finish before Trencin closed out the win.

A Dominant First Two Periods

Trencin set the tone early. P. Varone broke the deadlock in the 8th minute of the first period, converting after smart work from J. Descheneau and A. Hatala to give the hosts a 1-0 edge at the first break.

The second period brought more of the same. J. Bellerive extended the lead just four minutes in, finishing off a swift Varone-Bukarts combination to make it 2-0. Trencin kept their foot on the gas: eight minutes into the period, J. Siska fired home a third — assisted by J. Bezuch and A. Drgon — to put the game seemingly beyond reach at 3-0.

Humenne Stage Late Comeback

Humenne refused to fold. L. Toma pulled one back for the visitors in the 15th minute of the second period, with J. Linet and P. Lusnak combining to set him up. Suddenly, heading into the third period, there was life in the visitors.

P. Lusnak then struck early in the third — the 4th minute — assisted by Linet and Toma, to make it 3-2. Humenne spent the remainder of the period pressing for an equaliser that would have levelled the series on the road, but Trencin's defence and goaltending held firm to secure the 3-2 victory.

What It Means

Game 1 goes to Dukla Trencin, who will be pleased with the result despite conceding two late goals. A home win in Game 1 of the baraz is a significant step toward securing their Tipsport Liga status for another season.

For HC 19 Humenne, the comeback showed character — but they will need a full 60-minute performance to take points as the series shifts. The two-goal deficit they surrendered in the middle period was too steep to overcome on this occasion, and they face an uphill task going forward in the series.

Both sides will regroup knowing the series is far from over.