Havířov Returns to Czech First Hockey League After Four-Year Absence

After four years in the Czech Second Hockey League, AZ Havířov has secured promotion back to the country’s second-tier competition, the Chance Liga (formerly known as the First National Hockey League). The club’s return to the higher division was confirmed on April 28, 2026, following a decisive Game 7 victory over LHK Jestřábi Prostějov in the finals of the 2. Liga playoffs.

The promotion marks the end of a challenging period for Havířov, which had spent the previous four seasons in the third-tier league after financial difficulties forced its relegation in 2022. The club’s resurgence this season was built on a strong playoff run, culminating in a dramatic 2-5 road win in Prostějov to clinch the series 4-3 and secure the championship.

The Playoff Battle

The final series between Havířov and Prostějov was tightly contested, with both teams trading victories throughout the seven-game showdown. Havířov entered the playoffs as the second seed, while Prostějov finished the regular season atop the standings. The two teams split the first six games, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all Game 7 on April 27, 2026.

Prostějov, playing on home ice, took an early lead in the deciding game, but Havířov responded with five unanswered goals in the second and third periods. The turning point came midway through the second period when Havířov capitalized on a power play, tying the game at 1-1. From there, the visitors dominated, scoring four more goals to seal the victory and the series. The final score, 2-5, reflected Havířov’s clinical performance in the game’s critical moments.

The win was celebrated by Havířov’s players, coaching staff and fans, who had traveled in large numbers to support the team in Prostějov. The victory also brought an end to a season of redemption for the club, which had struggled with consistency earlier in the campaign but found its form when it mattered most.

A Long Road Back to the Second Tier

Havířov’s journey to promotion has been anything but smooth. The club, founded in 1928 and originally named KČT Lazy after the local coal mine, has a storied history in Czech hockey. It reached the top-tier Extraliga in the late 1990s after purchasing a license from Slezan Opava, but financial instability has plagued the organization in recent decades.

The club’s most recent relegation to the 2. Liga came in 2022, following years of financial struggles that included an insolvency declaration in 2010. That period saw Havířov forfeit games and drop to the third tier, where it remained until this season’s triumph. The promotion back to the Chance Liga represents a significant turnaround for the organization, both on and off the ice.

Head coach Marek Pavlačka, who has been with the team since 2023, played a key role in the club’s resurgence. Under his leadership, Havířov developed a resilient squad capable of competing with the league’s best teams. The coaching staff also benefited from the return of former player Miroslav Kusý, who joined the club’s youth coaching setup ahead of the 2026-27 season. Kusý’s experience and institutional knowledge were seen as valuable assets for the team’s long-term development.

What’s Next for Havířov?

With promotion secured, Havířov will now prepare for life in the Chance Liga, where the competition is significantly tougher than in the 2. Liga. The club’s management has already begun planning for the upcoming season, including potential roster reinforcements to ensure the team remains competitive in the second tier.

The Gascontrol Arena, Havířov’s home venue with a capacity of 5,100, is expected to see increased attendance next season as fans rally behind the team’s return to a higher division. The club’s leadership, including general manager Roman Šimíček, has emphasized the importance of financial stability moving forward, hoping to avoid the pitfalls that led to past relegations.

For the fans, the promotion is a moment of joy and relief. One visually impaired supporter, interviewed by Karvinský a havířovský deník, expressed optimism about the club’s future, stating, Do třetice to musí vyjít (“Third time’s the charm”). The sentiment reflects the hope that Havířov can finally establish itself as a stable presence in the Chance Liga after years of turbulence.

The Bigger Picture

Havířov’s promotion is part of a broader trend in Czech hockey, where smaller-market teams are increasingly finding ways to compete at higher levels. The Chance Liga has become a proving ground for clubs looking to rebuild and eventually challenge for a spot in the Extraliga. For Havířov, the immediate goal will be to avoid relegation and build a foundation for sustained success.

The club’s return to the second tier also reignites local rivalries, particularly with teams from the Moravian-Silesian Region. The derby matches against clubs like HC Frýdek-Místek and HC Poruba are expected to draw significant attention next season, adding to the excitement surrounding Havířov’s resurgence.

As the 2025-26 season comes to a close, Havířov’s promotion stands as one of the most compelling stories in Czech hockey. The club’s ability to overcome financial and on-ice challenges serves as a testament to the resilience of its players, staff, and supporters. While the road ahead will not be easy, the team’s return to the Chance Liga marks a new chapter for a historic organization.