Liptovsky Mikulas vs Zaglebie Sosnowiec

Nespala's goal 12 seconds into the second period proved decisive. It gave the hosts a 3-1 lead — a two-goal cushion for the first time. Although Zagłębie pulled one back on the power play at 23:53, they never drew level again. That quick strike out of the intermission shifted momentum permanently in Liptovský Mikuláš's favour.

Ryan Chyzowski (Liptovský Mikuláš) — Two primary assists in the first period (on Funtek's equaliser and Kalousek's go-ahead goal), driving the offensive response after the early concession.

Jakub Nespala (Liptovský Mikuláš) — One goal (the game's turning point at 20:12) and one assist (on Šandor's empty-netter). Involved in two of the four home goals.

Richard Noskovič (Liptovský Mikuláš) — Started in goal and played the bulk of the game (58:55 of 60 minutes), with a brief 1:05 substitution by Samuel Sameliak in the first period.

Väinö Sirkiä (Zagłębie Sosnowiec) — Scored the opening goal 102 seconds in, giving his side the early lead they could not build on.

Zagłębie Sosnowiec converted 1 of 4 power-play opportunities (25%), while Liptovský Mikuláš failed to score on 5 man-advantage situations (0%). Despite committing more penalties (5 for 10 minutes to the hosts' 4 for 8 minutes), Zagłębie edged the special-teams battle. Liptovský Mikuláš killed 3 of 4 penalties (75%), while Zagłębie killed all 5 (100%).

The second period was the most eventful — four minor penalties against the home side — but Zagłębie could only capitalise once. The penalty count reflected a physical pre-season encounter.

Liptovský Mikuláš used Samuel Sameliak for a brief 65-second spell at 7:50 of the first period — a planned rotation rather than an injury, as Noskovič returned immediately.

This was a pre-season friendly for both clubs as they prepare for their respective domestic campaigns. Liptovský Mikuláš play their next pre-season fixture at home against Cracovia Kraków on 27 August 2026 at 18:00, ahead of the Tipsport liga (Slovak Extraliga) season. Zagłębie Sosnowiec continue their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Frýdek-Místek on 27 August 2026, ahead of the Polish Hockey League campaign.

Liptovský Mikuláš's composed response after conceding inside two minutes was the story of the match. Three unanswered goals across the end of the first and start of the second periods built a lead Zagłębie could not overcome despite a power-play goal. The hosts' depth showed through, and the empty-net finish at 59:03 gave the scoreline a fair reflection of the balance of play.