We got our first look at the Polish U20 squad this year as the team played in a somewhat unique tournament. In the Ostrava Hockey Cup, teams play four games in two days, with each match consisting of three 15-minute periods. In the tournament, Poland U20 faced off with the junior squads of a few strong European clubs. Poland U20 was competing against Dukla Jihlava (Czechia), HC Vitkovice Ridera (Czechia), HK Nitra (Slovakia), and Schwenninger Wild Wings (Germany). This tournament is an excellent chance to test the depth of the U20 squad against a level of junior hockey many Poles don’t reach. With four games in two days, how did the Polish team do?

Game 1: HC Vitkovice Ridera vs. Poland U20

Score: 4-0

Poland started with a rough loss to HC VItkovice, getting beat quickly. This match included Poalnd facing off against Polish player Jakub Ślusarczyk, who is signed to the Vitkovice. Jakub Ciucka got the start and saved 29 shots while allowing four goals.

Game 2: Poland U20 vs. Schwenninger Wild Wings

Score: 5-0

Poland responded to their significant loss with a big win of their own. The defense led the scoring for Poland as Oliwier Kurnicki opened the scoring eight minutes in. Mateusz Siekierka would then add to Poland’s lead and score twice, putting the game close to out of reach. Adrian Gromadzki scored and had two assists in the game to lead the Polish team in points. At the 19-minute mark, Szymon Kucharski would score Poland’s fifth and final goal. Mateusz Kubiaczyk got the 45-minute shutout for Poland with 13 saves.

Game 3: Poland U20 vs. HC Dukla Jihlava

Score: 2-3

To start day two, Poland and Dukla Jihlava stayed even on the scoreboard. The Czech club mostly had the advantage finishing with a 30-17 shot advantage. Bartosz Blach got the start for Poland with a solid 27-save appearance. Poland’s top line scored quickly in the first two minutes with two goals. Jakub Michalski scored the first goal only 53 seconds in, while Szymon Kucharski assisted on the first goal and scored the second. Dukla Jihlava would score three unanswered during the rest of the game to win it.

Game 4: Poland U20 vs. HK Nitra

Score: 0-1

Poland went into the final game of Day Two with a chance at a bronze medal. Jakub Ciucka got the start for Poland and provided some great play in net. Jakub Ciucka recorded 27 saves while allowing one goal that came late. The Polish offense didn’t have a strong day, with only 17 shots and failing to get one past the Slovak goalie.

Final Standings

1. HC Dukla Jihlava
2. HK Nitra
3. HC Vitkovice Ridera
4. Poland U20
5. Schwenninger Wild Wings

Poland walks away with no medal, but outside the first game, they played it well. Despite three losses, they finished with only a -1 goal differential. The games against the Slovak club and the second Czech club could have potentially gone either way while they dominated their German opponent. Adrian Gromadzki and Szymon Kucharski led the Poland offense, while Mateusz Siekierka had a strong tournament on the back end. All three goalies that appeared had strong appearances. Poland U20 will play at the Division 1 Group B U20 World Championship in Slovenia from December 11-17.

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