Kožuch's hat trick takes down the favorite: Night Riders have clinched the playoffs, but there is one opponent they would rather avoid

RAHL3 delivered a game in which the favorite's plan fell apart right at the start. Peter Kožuch scored three goals against HC LEV Senec, Night Riders won 5:1 and their playoff spot is now secure. We asked him about his performance, about what decided the game, and about who they would rather avoid in the playoffs.

1. A hat trick against HC Lev Senec. How would you rate your performance?

Peter: “I felt really good in the game. I had support in the stands (my son, my girlfriend), and that pushed me forward too.”

2. A fairly comfortable 5:1 win over the favorite of the whole league. How would you rate your team's performance?

Peter: “As a team we played very well. We battled, we finished every puck battle and nobody took a shift off. We managed to be up by 3 goals by the 5th minute, and that let us play with loose hands.”

3. In your debut season, your team has already clinched a playoff spot. How do you see your chances in the playoffs, and which team would you most like to avoid?

Peter: “I hope and believe that our playoff run will last as long as possible. We have a quality roster. A team to avoid? Definitely Rockets, since we haven't managed to beat them yet.”

4. A hat trick probably doesn't come for free in the locker room. How will you treat your teammates in the locker room at the next game?

Peter: “The logo on our jerseys hints at what will make our boys happy. But something non-alcoholic, of course.”

Kožuch put it plainly: he felt great, the support in the stands helped him, and the team went all in. Battles finished, nothing given away, a quick 3:0 lead by the fifth minute and then control of the game. In the playoffs he believes they will go far, but they would rather not run into Rockets, a team they have yet to figure out. And the hat trick? It won't come for free in the locker room – the boys reportedly know from the logo on their jerseys what is coming.