Ceske Budejovice vs Zug

EV Zug opened the 2026 Lehner Cup with a commanding 3–0 victory over Banes Motor České Budějovice at Eishalle Sursee on Thursday night. Two goals inside the final 80 seconds of the first period — from Nando Gredig and Jan Kovář — put the Swiss side in control, and Sven Senteler's empty-net strike at 57:28 sealed Zug's third consecutive pre-season win over the Czech Extraliga side. Veteran goaltender Leonardo Genoni made it stand with a clean sheet.

The first period was a tight, tactical affair for the opening 18 minutes. Neither team found clear chances until the floodgates opened late in the frame.

18:36 — 1–0, Gredig (Rohrer): Nando Gredig collected a pass from Vinzenz Rohrer and beat Jan Strmeň from close range to break the deadlock.

19:50 — 2–0, Kovář (Wingerli): Just 74 seconds later, Czech international Jan Kovář doubled the lead on a feed from David Wingerli, sending Zug into the first intermission with a two-goal cushion.

The second period was scoreless. Ceske Budejovice pressed for a foothold but managed only sporadic chances. Štěpán Hoch's backhand attempt at 52:46 was the closest they came, forcing Genoni into a glove save.

57:28 — 3–0, Senteler (Hofmann): With Strmeň pulled for an extra attacker after 56:40, Sven Senteler fired into the empty net off an assist from Gregory Hofmann to cap the scoring.

Zug's two-goal burst in the final 80 seconds of the first period. Ceske Budejovice had held firm for 18 minutes, absorbing Zug's pressure without conceding. But Gredig's opener at 18:36 punctured their resistance, and Kovář's strike before the horn gave Zug a double advantage that Motor never recovered from. The second period, though goalless, was played almost entirely on Zug's terms.

Leonardo Genoni (Zug): The 38-year-old Swiss international goaltender was rarely tested but flawless when called upon. His clean sheet — facing a Ceske Budejovice attack that included Renārs Krastenbergs, Michal Bulíř and Rastislav Lantoši — was his second shutout of pre-season.

Jan Kovář (Zug): The Czech centre scored the crucial 2–0 goal at 19:50 that gave Zug breathing room. Kovář also drew defensive attention throughout, freeing space for his linemates.

Nando Gredig (Zug): His opening goal at 18:36 broke the deadlock after sustained Zug pressure. Paired with Vinzenz Rohrer, Gredig was a constant threat in the offensive zone.

Jan Strmeň (Ceske Budejovice): The Motor goaltender kept the scoreline respectable with several saves before being pulled for the extra attacker.

Player of the Match: Leonardo Genoni (Zug) — shutout performance anchored Zug's win.

• Penalties: Zug 2, Ceske Budejovice 4 — Motor took twice as many penalties, disrupting any rhythm they might have built. Zug's discipline kept them in control.
• Power Play: 0/0 — Neither team converted with the man advantage. Zug went 0-for-2; Ceske Budejovice 0-for-4.
• Empty-net goal: 1 — Senteler's 57:28 strike underlined that Motor's desperation push produced nothing.
• H2H record: Zug 3–0 vs Ceske Budejovice — Zug has now beaten Motor in all three Lehner Cup meetings (3–2 in 2024, 3–2 in 2025, 3–0 in 2026), outscoring them 9–4 across three editions.

Zug begins the Lehner Cup with a confidence-boosting win after finishing second at the Dolomiten Cup last weekend (win vs Eisbären Berlin, loss to HC Kometa Brno in the final). The clean sheet will please head coach Lauri Marjamäki as his side builds toward the National League season opener.

For Ceske Budejovice, this was a reality check. Motor entered the tournament having won three of five pre-season games. The Lehner Cup represents their toughest pre-season opposition, and Thursday's result shows work remains before the Extraliga campaign starts.

Next fixtures:

• Ceske Budejovice: vs SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers (Lehner Cup, Fri 28 Aug, 19:00)
• Zug: vs Nürnberg Ice Tigers (Lehner Cup, Sat 29 Aug, 17:00)

A clinical, professional performance from Zug. The Swiss side never looked troubled after their two-goal first-period salvo, and Genoni's shutout was the foundation. Ceske Budejovice were competitive for 18 minutes but lacked the cutting edge to trouble a well-drilled National League outfit. The scoreline fairly reflects the gap on the night.