Prostějov coach steps down

Shortly after the 5-3 loss against the visitors from Spartak Pelhřimov it was announced that the coach of Prostějov, Alois Chlustina, had stepped down.  The game tonight was pretty much a make or break situation for him. His replacement should be announced next week, perhaps in time for the home game against Břeclav this coming Wednesday (18:00). Apparently the club already have a few names under consideration, but if they don't find anyone in time for Wednesday, current assistant coach, Svatopluk Vařeka, could be behind the bench for this crucial game.

October 19th - Yet, another loss

Game #11 - Jestřábi Prostějov 3 Spartak Pelhřimov 5

The 11th game of the season, and the 10th loss.  Ever since the first game, a 3-2 shootout loss to Šternberk, Prostějov have dropped 11 games in a row.  

First of all, a little background on the situation here.  Last season, Prostějov were in the první liga (2nd division), but were relegated after they finished 3rd out of 4 teams in the relegation round.  To make matters worse, the club was locked out of the stadium for much of pre-season training, because they owed the city money.  Eventually, they were let back on the ice, but they missed a few weeks of training.  With no money, the club weren't able to buy many players.  Thus, they relied of a number of players just out of the junior leagues, whom frankly aren't up to the play in the druha liga (3rd division).  Over the past few weeks the club has brought in two junior players for Jihlava, and signed goalie Martin Stefl, who previously played with Vsetin HC and Sparta Praha in the extra-liga (1st division).  The new players have helped slightly, but with the loss tonight, they sit 9 points back of Spartak Pelhřimov (15th place).  

It was a frustrating game to watch, because for the first time this season, I felt that Prostějov deserved to win.  They created a number of chances, but just couldn't put the puck in the net.  The game was tied 1-1 going into the third period, but the visitors scored two quick goals to make it 3-1.  Prostějov battled back, to tie the game at 3-3, but unfortunately Spartak Pelhřimov scored two goals in the last two minutes to win 5-3.  The players looked demoralized as they skated off of the ice.  They knew that they had just dropped a valuable three points.  In many ways, this game was an important game for hockey in Prostějov, because three points were desperately needed.  If they keep losing, people might stop coming out, which means less money for the club.  

What does the future hold for hockey in Prostějov?