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HC 19 Humenne Edge Tense Relegation Battle Against Skalica 3-2
HC 19 Humenne secured a vital 3-2 home win over Skalica in Round 2 of the Tipsport Liga relegation playoff on 29 March 2026.
HC 19 Humenne Edge Tense Relegation Battle Against Skalica 3-2
HC 19 Humenne claimed a crucial home victory over Skalica on 29 March 2026, winning 3-2 (0-0, 2-2, 1-0) in the second round of the Tipsport Liga relegation playoff in front of 1,532 supporters at their home arena in eastern Slovakia. With both clubs fighting for top-flight survival, the result was a lifeline for the hosts and left Skalica facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
A Scoreless Opening Builds the Tension
The first period reflected the enormous stakes for both clubs. Neither side was prepared to take risks, and the hockey was intense but measured, with both goalkeepers emerging unbeaten after 20 minutes. The tension was palpable — one mistake in a relegation play-off tie can prove season-defining.
Second Period Fireworks — Two Goals in Two Minutes, Then Skalica Hit Back
The game burst to life in the second period. Humenne took the lead in the 23rd minute when Cibak converted after good work from Zakucia and Borov, and one minute later Zelezkow made it 2-0 with Viktor Sachvorostov picking up his first assist of the night.
Skalica refused to capitulate. Jurak gave them hope in the 29th minute, set up by Nemec and Kubicek, and just 90 seconds later S. Barcik completed a stunning two-goal comeback to make it 2-2, with Jurak turning provider. The second period ended level, but momentum had swung to the visitors.
Humenne Seize the Third Period
Humenne coach Andrej Parfionov responded well at the second intermission, and his side came out re-energised in the third. Rymarev provided the decisive moment in the 47th minute — again assisted by Sachvorostov — to restore the lead at 3-2. Humenne then showed considerable defensive resilience, managing the game intelligently in the final 13 minutes to deny Skalica an equaliser and secure a vital two points.
What It Means
The result has real implications for the relegation group standings. Humenne sit third on 3 points, behind Trencin (5 points) and Presov (4 points), and crucially remain in contention for a top-flight place next season. For Skalica, the picture is grim — bottom of the group with zero points from two matches, they must now win their remaining games and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to preserve their Tipsport Liga status.