HC Oceláři Třinec’s 14th-round Tipsport Extraliga game against HC Energie Karlovy Vary will begin at 10:30 on Sunday, October 25, at Werk Arena. The club says the unusual start time is intended to offer families with children a different hockey experience, and tickets are in the cheapest price category.
Oceláři executive director Marek Chmiel said the club wants to bring more young fans to the arena and believes the timing will appeal to families. He added that ticket pricing was also planned with them in mind.
The clubs considered the sporting demands of the league schedule as well as the family appeal. Oceláři head coach Boris Žabka said Karlovy Vary had welcomed the proposal, as an earlier finish would let the visitors begin their long journey home sooner and leave more time for recovery.
Karlovy Vary also has experience with early games: the club plans to hold its third school game this year, facing Vítkovice at noon on Friday, November 20, for students from across the region.