Located in eastern Slovakia, Kosice is called "Slovakian Hockeytown" because of its many passionate fans. The club has been the most successful team in the Slovakian Extraliga since its establishment in 1993. 

by Tomas Schugerl

Hockey in Kosice has a long history and tradition. It was established in 1921, when the first ice hockey game took place there. The sport has since become an important part of city life, thanks to more than 90 years of history. Generations of hockey fans have regularly attended hockey games and many travel with the team as well.

The club itself was founded in 1962 and started playing in the top Czechoslovakian league in 1964. Kosice have never been relegated from the top tier of either Czechoslovakian or Slovakian hockey since that time, and have won 10 domestic titles – two in the Czechoslovakian federal league and eight since the formation of the separate Slovakian Extraliga. Additionally, the first Slovak to win a gold medal at the World Championships, Ladislav Trojak in 1947, started his career in Kosice. Trojak died in a plane crash in 1948 and there is now a commemorative plaque at Kosice's Steel Arena dedicated to him.

Numerous successes and titles

HC Kosice won titles in the Czechoslovakian Extraliga in 1986 and 1988, which earned the club two trips to the IIHF European Cup. Kosice did very well both times, winning silver medals in 1987 and 1989 after falling to the powerful CSKA Moscow team.

In 1993, the independent Slovakian Extraliga was founded and Kosice immediately become one of its best teams, winning titles in 1995, 1996 and 1999. After winning three championships in five years, the club's main sponsor discontinued, which created some financial problems and the team experienced a period of relative difficulty.

In the early 2000s, the club found a new main sponsor in US Steel, which helped build the new Steel Arena, with a capacity of 8,347, and improved the club's financial situation. Starting in the 2008–09 season, Kosice dominated Slovakian hockey, winning three straight titles. The 2010–11 season was unforgettable – Kosice earned 137 points in 57 games, a league record. In 2013–14, Kosice topped Slovakian hockey once more by winning a close seven-game final series against Nitra, putting an exclamation point on the win with a 6–0 score in the decisive game.

Kosice's dominance in Slovakian hockey is breathtaking. In 23 seasons they've made it to at least the semi-finals 21 times, the finals 15 times, and have won the title eight times.

Great team = great individuals

During the club's long history, many great players have played for Kosice. In addition to Trojak, who was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame, goaltender Jiri Holecek played nine years in Kosice from 1963 to 1972 and is still recognized as one of the most popular players in Hockeytown. Peter Bondra, the long-time forward of the Washington Capitals, started his career in Kosice and played four seasons there. Some other Kosice players who have played in the NHL include Jiri Bicek, Marek Svatos, Ladislav Nagy and Rastislav Stana.

Longing for international success

Kosice had only one main competitor in Slovakia – HC Slovan Bratislava. These clubs divided most of the national titles between themselves and there was a huge rivalry between them. In 2012, Kosice lost the final series to Slovan and it was the most recent time these these two clubs played each other in a meaningful contest, as Slovan left to the KHL that off-season.

Since that time, Kosice fans have longed for a greater a greater challenge for their team. Now, the Champions Hockey League provides them exactly that, and the club eagerly represents Slovakia well on the international stage as they try to advance as far in the competition as they can. The fans have been equally as enthusiastic, coming out in large numbers to watch CHL games in the first two seasons of the competition.

Team facts

CHL seasons

2015-16: 2nd in Group H, Round of 32
2014-15: 3rd in Group A

Click here for current information about the club.

NOTE: This article has been updated since its original publication.