The Winners’ Cup Returns to BUT! Cavaliers Triumph in the University Ice Hockey Showdown

The Winning Group Arena in Brno once again hosted university ice hockey on Thursday, October 9. In front of a sold-out crowd and an electric atmosphere of 7,700 fans, the traditional University Ice Hockey Showdown featured sports rivals Brno University of Technology (BUT) and Masaryk University (MUNI). This year’s thrilling derby ended with a victory for the BUT Cavaliers Brno, who lifted the Winners’ Cup after two years.

The BUT Cavaliers Brno dominated the ice at the sold-out Winning Group Arena and claimed a thrilling 1–0 victory over HC MUNI. | Author: University Ice Hockey Match

The University Ice Hockey Showdown is one of the biggest student events in Brno, annually combining entertainment, sport, and the natural rivalry of the city’s two largest universities. This was the fifth edition – and after this year’s match, Brno University of Technology leads the overall score 3:2 against Masaryk University. The match ended 1–0 in favor of the BUT Cavaliers Brno, with the only goal scored in the first period by Nesim Harmin. Player of the Match was Cavaliers’ goalkeeper Štěpán Zlatnický, whose saves were crucial for his team’s victory and kept a clean sheet.

“Congratulations and thank you! After a one-year break, our players once again won the university derby between BUT and MUNI. As always, it was a great match with an amazing atmosphere in the sold-out arena, where 7,700 spectators cheered. I am glad the Winners’ Cup is back with us and will adorn my office. I thank our players, the organizers of this exceptional event, and everyone who came to support and helped create this unique experience,” commented BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček on the Cavaliers’ success.

Popular goalkeeper Štěpán Zlatnický supported the team with 25 saves, earning himself the title of Player of the Match. | Author: University Ice Hockey Match

The University Ice Hockey Showdown annually attracts thousands of students not only for the hockey but also for the unique atmosphere. In 2023, the match entered the Czech Book of Records for the loudest crowd at a sports event in the Czech Republic, with fans reaching a noise level of 118 decibels – equivalent to a jet taking off.

The ceremonial puck drop was performed jointly by BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček and MUNI Vice-Rector Petr Suchý. | Author: University Ice Hockey Match

In addition to the match itself, the evening featured a traditional supporting program. This year’s surprise was a lecture by MMA fighter Jiří Procházka, which entered the Czech Book of Records as the largest lecture in the Czech Republic. A total of 7,700 spectators attended the lecture live. Jiří “BJP” Procházka spoke about mental health and resilience, contributing to the universities’ long-term efforts to focus on student wellbeing.

Before the opening faceoff, fans of both teams were treated to a surprise — professional fighter Jiří Procházka appeared on the ice. | Author: University Ice Hockey Match

The University Ice Hockey Showdown once again confirmed its reputation as the largest student sports event in Brno. Those who couldn’t attend the sold-out arena this year will have another chance. The next University Ice Hockey Showdown will take place on February 25, 2026.