Lowest Champions Hockey League Attendance in fourteen Years for Kometa Brno
Brno, Czech Republic – Kometa Brno recorded its lowest Champions Hockey League attendance in fourteen years during its recent competition run, a fact acknowledged by both team leadership and players. While the team isn’t dwelling on the end of its Champions League journey, the diminished crowds represent a notable shift for the organization, which views the domestic Extra League as its primary focus.
The low attendance figures come after a week-old loss and mark the conclusion of Kometa Brno’s participation in the Champions Hockey league. Despite the disappointing turnout, Head Coach Jiří Pokorný emphasized the positive aspects of the experience, highlighting “the approach of both the experienced players and the commitment and fighting spirit of the youngsters.” He also noted the valuable planning the Champions League provided, which showed at the beginning of the season, though injuries to key players Brandon Davidson and Filip Král in Bolzano and Bern proved a setback.
Team owner Libor Zábranský has publicly criticized the Champions Hockey League,and Pokorný agrees,identifying issues with its economic and organizational aspects. Forward Jan Stránský echoed a player’s perspective, stating, “I’m just a player, we have to play the Champions League. Of course, it’s a good test, especially in the summer. But especially in the Olympic season, when the program is packed… It’s just the way it is. I think it’s not a bad league, there are interesting matches, but we prefer the extra league.”
Kometa Brno will return to Czech domestic competition, facing Kladno on Friday.
