SK Slavia Prague endured a tough first weekend in the Euro Hockey League as they made history as the first Czech Republic club to play in the competition.

They endured a tough baptism against Pinoké in their debut at the Men’s KO16 earlier this month before battling hard but ultimately falling 4-2 to Austria’s SV Arminen.

Kryštof Bodnár did capture another place in the record books when he swept home in the 43rd minute against Arminen to score his club’s first goal in the competition.

And he and his club are hoping they can use it as a building block to close the gap in future seasons.

“Of course, it feels great to get the first goal for a Czech team in the EHL,” he said. “The games in Haburg were really tough, really hard, especially against Pinoké getting demolished 16-0. 

“We came out against Arminen wanting to prove ourselves that we could play at this level of competition. We scored two goals, made some mistakes but we did show we can play in the EHL.

“It is a great tournament. The players are among the best in the world and it is the top club competition. It’s a pleasure to play here.

“We hope next year and the years after we can qualify again to become more regular here!”