Jaromír Jágr and Ľubomír Višňovský in jerseys for the Winter Classic event.
Vlastimil Vacek, Right
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At the finish of the ski slope in Svatý Petr, an extra-league duel between Sparta and Hradec Králové and a match between Jágr’s Kladno Knights and Vrchlabí in the first league were to take place in a provisionally built stadium with a capacity of 7,500 spectators in the open air. The plan was also a duel of Czech and Slovak hockey legends, the forces were also to measure the national teams of the Czech Republic and Slovakia in para hockey, and junior matches were also to take place.
“Winter Classic was supposed to be the largest hockey event in the Czech-Slovak environment this year, unfortunately the situation regarding covid-19 does not allow us to prepare it to the extent that this unique cross-section of hockey deserves. The health of fans and players is a priority for us, so we decided to postpone the event to 2021, “said Andrea Bársony, co-owner of the Eniva agency.
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“I’m sorry,” said Jaromír Jágr, the owner of the Knights who co-organized the event.
“Winter Classic as a cross-section of Czech hockey is a unique event, a great idea and action that sport and hockey, especially in this period, really need. In any case, I believe that all interested clubs and partners will maintain our favor and support this unique event in 2021. For me personally, it was a great challenge to play in the Czech Republic in the open air. Unfortunately, I have to wait another year longer, “do not hide the disappointment of the legendary sixties.
“However, our priority was clear – to organize the Winter Classic as an event that will support Czech sport in this difficult period and as a unique and spectacular celebration of Czech and Slovak hockey. And that is not possible in the current situation, “Bársony realizes.
The WInter Classic in a mountain environment has never taken place in the Czech Republic or anywhere else in the world, and the organizers believe that next December, fans will see the premiere.
“We have an extra year at our disposal, which we will try to make the most of to compile a really busy program for the audience. The accompanying one will be even richer than we originally intended – we will simply do everything to ensure that the fans from Špindlerův Mlýn have a unique experience. At the moment, about 70% of tickets have been sold, which means that despite the unfavorable epidemiological situation, the event is extremely interesting and the spectators deserve to receive a truly extraordinary ‘gift’ for their loyalty to Czech hockey, “adds Bársony.
So far, four open-air duels have taken place in the Czech extraleague. In 2011, the game was played at the speedway stadium in Svítkov, where Pardubice hosted Brno. In January 2016, Kometa competed with Pilsen and Sparta behind the Lužánky in Brno. This year, Litvínov and Sparta competed in the football stadium in Dresden before 32,009 spectators, which meant a new competition record.
“I completely approve of postponing the event to next year. At present, it is not possible to hesitate to delay the decision due to the complexity of the preparation and especially the uncertainty as to whether the event could be attended by spectators. Without the spectators, the Winter Classic would be meaningless, “said Petr Dědek, the head of hockey Pardubice and the representative of the event’s titular partner, D + D REAL.
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