For long seasons they were in the background, but this year Knights are writing a different story. After a shocking 8:1 win over leader Hockey For All, they have one foot in the playoffs. The architect of the success was František Polák, who fired four goals past the opponent. Read what is behind the team's revival, how the new additions have fit in and why, ahead of the key game against Royals, they even believe they can reach third place in the standings.

The Petržalka derby in RAHL2 had one undisputed ruler. TJ Družstevník Petržalka crushed rival HK Petržalka 7:2, and Peter Tisovský contributed two goals and an assist. In the interview, the newly named Player of the Week revealed why he was playing on “light legs,” how he sees the key game for first place against Uličníci and what manager Martin Rázus means to the locker room – including his little “slip-up” with the deducted points.

The marquee matchup between neighbors in the RAHL2 standings turned into a one-sided affair. Uličníci rolled over HK Petržalka 5:1, and Christian Badalov deserves a big share of the credit. With 2 goals and 2 assists, he became Player of the Week. Although his team is now only two points off first place, Christian stays pragmatic. In the interview he explains why chasing first place is secondary and what the key was to the clear win over a tough opponent.

The offensive drought is a thing of the past. Team Beers enjoyed a real scoring spree in the first round after Christmas and, in a game that produced a full 11 goals, pushed past Knights. The lion's share of the credit goes to Michal Hlinka, who added an assist to his hat trick and became Player of the Week. Thanks to the win, Beers moved closer to the playoff zone, but Michal is keeping his feet on the ground. Read what he thinks decided the result and why they are looking forward to the Pohár nádeje as well.

The on-paper predictions in RAHL3 went up in smoke in the opening minutes. Night Riders caught standings leader HC LEV Senec off guard with a lightning start, and by the 5th minute the scoreboard already read 3:0. The hero of the game was Peter Kožuch, who shone with a hat trick and sealed the newcomers' spot in the elimination stage for good. In our interview he told us what was behind their success, why they respect one team in particular, and what the hat trick is going to cost his wallet in the locker room.

Frosty air, fast ice and emotions within arm’s reach. This Saturday, 31 January, Hlohovec becomes the venue for a special celebration of hockey. The municipal rink on Bezručova Street will welcome the RAHL Winter Classic, an event that pulls players and fans out of the routine of indoor arenas and brings hockey in its purest, rawest form. A lot is at stake in the three games across all league levels: from a fight for sheer survival in the season to the definitive confirmation of championship ambitions.

HC LEV Senec has a terrific November behind it. 5 games, 5 wins and form that commands respect. Michal Maličký left a big mark on that run, piling up 17 points (9+8) in November and becoming the scoring leader of all of RAHL3. In the interview he looked back on the season so far, talked about being surprised by his individual numbers, singled out goaltender Aďo Nogely and said plainly how he sees the playoffs for his team.

Trailing 1:2 against an awkward opponent? For team Márna Snaha it was just a spur to play better. The main hero of the evening was Peter Martiška, who orchestrated the turnaround to a final score of 4:2 with three goals. Although a hat trick shines next to his name in the stats, he modestly highlights above all the team chemistry and his teammates' accurate passes. Read how he rates the important move up the standings and whether they are confident of holding a playoff position to the end.

The game against Uličníci had a special flavor for Alpha's goaltender. At the other end of the rink stood his good friend Luke Ďurža. But Richard Kazík set friendship aside during the game, withstood the favorite's pressure and, after a 1:0 win, is celebrating a shutout. Read how he rates this prestigious “mini-duel” and why he modestly insists that shutouts are not his doing alone.