Trenčín Edges Out Humenné in Thrilling Baráž Matchup
HK Dukla Trenčín secured a narrow 3:2 victory over HC 19 Humenné in a captivating game from the Tipos Extraliga baráž. The match, played on March 27, 2026, saw a dramatic finish as Humenné pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes.
First Period: Varone Breaks the Deadlock
The opening period saw a cautious start from both sides, with Humenné applying early pressure. However, it was Trenčín who drew first blood. Philip Varone capitalized on a rebound in the 9th minute, assisted by Jaedon Descheneau and Andrej Hatala, to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Second Period: Trenčín Extends Advantage
Trenčín continued their momentum into the second period, adding two more goals to their tally. Jordan Bellerive scored in the 25th minute, with assists from Varone and Roberts Bukarts, followed by Juraj Šiška’s goal in the 29th minute, set up by Juraj Bezúch and Adam Drgoň. This put Trenčín firmly in control, leading 3:0.
Third Period: Humenné Mounts a Comeback
Humenné refused to surrender, staging a spirited comeback in the third period. Lukáš Toma scored in the 36th minute, assisted by Jakub Linet and Patrik Lušňák, narrowing the gap. Patrik Lušňák then scored in the 45th minute, again assisted by Linet and Toma, bringing the score to 3:2. Despite their late surge, Humenné were unable to find the equalizer.
Key Stats and Game Details
The game was officiated by Klejna and Goga, with Orolin and Vystavil serving as linesmen. There were two minor penalties assessed, both to Trenčín, but neither team capitalized on the power play opportunities. A total of 1718 spectators witnessed the intense battle at Trenčín’s home ice.
Team Lineups
HK Dukla Trenčín: Junca (Hrenák) – Mikúš, Hatala, Starosta, Hain, Hlaváč, Drgoň, Goljer – Safin, Varone, Descheneau – Bukarts, Bubela, Bellerive – Lapšanský, Šiška, Bezúch – Hudec, Krajč, Krajčovič.
HC 19 Humenné: Lackovič (Hurčík) – Zekucia, Cibák, Jacko, Pavúk, Novota, Pulščák – Vaško, Vrábeľ, Žitný – Šachvorostov, Železkov, Rymarev – Lušňák, Toma, Linet – Borov, Krajňák, Sokoli.
Baráž Format and Implications
This match was the first round of the baráž, a four-team group where each team plays each other twice at home and twice away, totaling 12 rounds. The top two teams will advance to the Tipsport liga for the 2026/27 season, while the bottom two will compete in the Tipos SHL.
Did you recognize?
The baráž system is designed to provide a competitive pathway for teams from both the Tipsport liga and the Tipos SHL to earn promotion and maintain their position in the Slovakian hockey hierarchy.
FAQ
Q: What is the baráž in Slovak hockey?
A: The baráž is a playoff-style competition between teams from the Tipsport liga and Tipos SHL to determine which teams will play in the Tipsport liga the following season.
Q: How many games are played in the baráž?
A: Each team plays every other team twice at home and twice away, for a total of 12 games.
Q: What happens to the teams that finish in the bottom two of the baráž?
A: The teams finishing in third and fourth place will compete in the Tipos SHL.
Q: Who scored the goals for Trenčín in this match?
A: Philip Varone, Jordan Bellerive, and Juraj Šiška scored for Trenčín.
Q: Who scored the goals for Humenné in this match?
A: Lukáš Toma and Patrik Lušňák scored for Humenné.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Philip Varone – his performance was crucial for Trenčín in this game, and he’s a key player to watch in the remainder of the baráž.
What are your thoughts on this exciting matchup? Share your predictions for the rest of the baráž in the comments below!
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