November 11, 2011, by: Libor Nenutil, Photo: ukacko.cz, Section: Students

The much anticipated sporting event had finally arrived! On Wednesday, November 9^th, the ice hockey teams of Charles University and the Czech Technical University played each other at the Tesla Arena in Prague’s Holešovice. Upon entering the grounds, it must have been clear to everyone that the battle was going to be tough. The stadium’s surroundings were crowded with hundreds of supporters dressed in the colours of their respective almae matres. Crowds of spectators hungry for a sports experience were streaming from the tram stops.

The air was filled with the sounds of horns and other instruments the fans had brought to support their team. The atmosphere outside, though, was nothing compared to what was to be seen inside. Queues of people resembling two colourful snakes were pouring into the grandstands. Everyone was trying to find the best seat possible to be able to see the ice rink. Once seated the spectators started to roll out their banners which they had brought to support their team.

The match was supposed to start at around half past nine. There was the usual small delay and all started some half an hour later. First of all, two MCs took the floor and later provided the commentary on the whole match. First they introduced the two teams and the charming cheerleaders who made the already interesting spectacle even more pleasing to the eye especially for the men. Before the match, the finalists of the Miss Charles University beauty contest came to wish all the best to the Charles University players. And then it all went ahead. After a short introductory speech by the Rector RNDr. Václav Hampl, DrSc., in which he wished a crushing defeat to the Czech Technical University team, a face-off took place and the war on ice began! The first goal came as early as the second minute. The blue team managed to shoot the puck into the Charles University net for which they received a mighty applause from the grandstand where their supporters were seated. However, it’s all easy to rest on one’s laurels, so no wonder that a goal from the rival team didn’t take long to come. The score at the end of the first period was 3:1 for Charles University!

The second period was less action filled. Only a single goal was shot. And of course, into the CTU’s net. The thrill of the supporters in red accelerated from zero to one hundred in a matter of minutes. No wonder – the boys were really working over the opponent. Before the final period, the numbers 4:1 shone on the scoreboard. In the pauses between play, necessary for resurfacing, the MCs kept the spectators entertained. There were also various contests, such as curling with beer barrels or running on ice. In the non-ice hockey disciplines the CTU students scored better without a question. But then it was time for the final and decisive period.

Even though the blue team managed to shoot another three goals, the Charles University fighters were not prepared to lose and the winner was clear well before the end of the match. Yes, you’ve guess it! The Charles University team won 7:4. Their supporters were ecstatic. Joy oozed out of the ice hockey rink, the players bench, the grandstands, even the VIP section where the rector cheered along with his family. We have won! Charles University now advances to the final battle for gold in which it will take on the Prague University of Economics. We can only hope that the match will be just as successful for our university and that we will show everybody the qualities of the Charles University team. Thank you, boys!