EIGHT GOALS. ONE STATEMENT. THE CAPITALS OWN HOME ICE.

by Joe Kolodziej

After a ceremonial puck drop from former NHL goaltender Jaroslav Halak, the VSM Bratislava Capitals made an emphatic statement in their home opening game Friday night, defeating the VSFS Prague Guardians 8–2 at the Ondrej Nepela Arena in EUCHL action.

After a scoreless opening period, the Capitals erupted for six goals in the second period, taking control of the contest and giving the home crowd plenty to celebrate.

Bratislava continued its offensive production in the third period, adding two more goals while limiting Prague to a pair of power-play markers.

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION IN THE SECOND

The Capitals' six-goal second period featured contributions from throughout the lineup.

John Marshall Duffy opened the scoring before Matias Baumann doubled the advantage on the power play. Raphael-Noah Boiteau, Alexander McIntosh, Tate Warwarick and Tommy Jacques followed with goals of their own to put Bratislava firmly in control.

Jacques was particularly impressive, finishing the night with two goals and two assists. Boiteau also delivered a strong performance with a goal and two assists, while Warwarick contributed a goal and an assist.

SPECIAL TEAMS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Bratislava demonstrated its ability to produce in every situation, recording two power-play goals and an impressive shorthanded goal.

Ignac Bene added a third-period power-play marker, assisted by McIntosh and Jacques. Jacques then capped the scoring with a shorthanded goal, assisted by Duffy and McIntosh.

The Capitals also controlled the overall pace of play, outshooting Prague 43–24.

A COMPLETE TEAM PERFORMANCE

Bratislava's goaltending tandem combined for 22 saves, with Brasco Cirillo stopping all nine shots he faced and Glen McInnes turning aside 13 of 15.

The eight-goal performance was a strong demonstration of the offensive depth and competitive identity the Capitals are building in their first season representing VSM City University of Seattle.

Head Coach Karol Fako and his team will look to carry Friday night's momentum into the second game of the home opening weekend at 6:45 CET or 12:45 Eastern on YouTube.

FINAL SCORE: BRATISLAVA CAPITALS 8 – PRAGUE GUARDIANS 2

Scoring Summary – Bratislava

  • John Marshall Duffy

  • Matias Baumann (PP)

  • Raphael-Noah Boiteau

  • Alexander McIntosh

  • Tate Warwarick

  • Tommy Jacques (2)

  • Ignac Bene (PP)

Three Stars of the Game – Bratislava

  • Tommy Jacques – 2 goals, 2 assists

  • Raphael-Noah Boiteau – 1 goal, 2 assists

  • Alexander McIntosh – 1 goal, 2 assists

Next Game: The Capitals and Guardians meet again Saturday, October 31, at 6:45 PM CET at the Ondrej Nepela Arena.

Fans can follow the action live on YouTube.

ABOUT THE BRATISLAVA CAPITALS

The VSM Bratislava Capitals compete in the European Union College Hockey League (EUCHL), representing VSM City University of Seattle in Bratislava, Slovakia. The program combines competitive college hockey with internationally recognized American university education, providing student-athletes with an opportunity to pursue their academic and athletic ambitions in Europe.