Vsetin vs Krakow

Vsetín's quick-start approach — two goals inside the opening 17 minutes — forced Krakow onto the back foot before they could settle into the game. The Valaši carried significant momentum from their 1-0 overtime win over Přerov on Tuesday, and they rode that energy into the first period. Cracovia pushed after Montgomery's goal but could not find an equaliser, with Svoboda making key late saves against Dawid and White.

• Damien Stodůlka (Vsetín): The 18-year-old defenseman scored his maiden senior goal in just his fourth pre-season appearance, showing composure beyond his years in the slot.
• Lukáš Plos (Vsetín): The new signing from Litoměřice made an immediate impact with a power-play tip-in, proving his value on the man advantage.
• Adam Svoboda (Vsetín): Made crucial saves in the third period, particularly on Dawid's backhand chance from close range and late efforts from White, preserving the one-goal lead.
• Santeri Lipiäinen (Cracovia): The Finnish netminder, returning to his former home rink, kept his side in the game with several quality stops — including two on Plos in the second period — but ultimately finished on the losing side.

Vsetín's two-goal first period set the game on its course. The home side built on the foundation laid in Tuesday's 1-0 OT win over Přerov, carrying defensive discipline into this fixture. While Cracovia had their moments — particularly on the power play through Montgomery's goal and several third-period looks — Vsetín controlled the territorial balance in the opening frame and managed the game effectively in the third. The match featured frequent penalties as referees Vaněk and Čech set a strict standard.

By combining Tuesday's regulation win over Přerov (the tournament's points format awarded 2 points for a regulation win) with Thursday's victory, Vsetín finished top of the three-team Krušovice Cup standings. The result extends Vsetín's pre-season record to three wins from five friendlies, with wins over Poruba (4-0), Přerov (1-0 OT), and now Krakow, sandwiching shootout and overtime losses to Havířov and Frýdek-Místek respectively.

Cracovia, meanwhile, wrap up their Czech pre-season tour with one win (3-2 SO vs Přerov on Wednesday) and one loss in the Krušovice Cup.

A professional pre-season performance from Vsetín, who did the damage early and managed the game smartly through the final two periods. Stodůlka's breakthrough and Plos's power-play touch are encouraging signs for Luboš Jenáček's side ahead of the Maxa Liga season. Cracovia showed flashes but lacked the sustained pressure needed to overturn a two-goal deficit on the road.

Next up: Vsetín continue their pre-season programme with further friendlies ahead of the Maxa Liga season. Cracovia return to Poland to finalise preparations for the Polska Hokej Liga campaign.