Symbolically 18.8. precisely at 18:18, the opening goal of Marián Hossa’s Goodbye Game exhibition match came in handy. The winter stadium of Pavel Demitra was sold out as expected, the official figure was about 6150 spectators in the auditorium.
The three-time Stanley Cup winner put a definitive end to his career in the company of foreign NHL stars such as Nicklas Lidström, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Daniel Alfredsson. There were also Slovak hockey legends such as Zdeno Chára, Peter Bondra, Miroslav Šatan and Žigmund Pálffy.
In addition to the players, however, the names of the coaches – Ján Filc, Július Šupler, František Hossa and Marián Gáborík, who remained only on the bench due to health problems – attracted attention.
“It was touching. I don’t cry easily, but today, when I was talking, I had something to do. The atmosphere was excellent, which we expected as we got huge names here. I have already thanked the boys several times. I am very happy that they found their way here and that they came,” said Marián Hossa after his last career match.
In the afternoon, in front of a crowd of fans on Mierov Square, the players were divided into two teams – white and black. As expected, many goals were scored during the evening match. In the end, the players in white jerseys enjoyed the victory, winning 10:9 after extra time. Rastislav Pavlikovský scored the winning goal three seconds before the end of overtime. Marián Hossa scored two goals.
The four-time Stanley Cup winner and one of the best defenders in history, Nicklas Lidström, also enjoyed the entire event:
“It was fun to be part of Marian’s farewell match. I didn’t know what to expect from it, but the whole thing was amazing from the hotel, to the celebrations and the draw of the teams in the square to the actual match with the fans in the stadium. The atmosphere was great and for me it was simply a great experience.”
There’s a lot of hockey talent in that dressing room… 👀
(🎥: @MGaborik12) pic.twitter.com/Ww3mGj6Bn0
— NHL (@NHL) August 18, 2023
Hossa: I don’t go to the ice at all
Even before the start of the match, Marián Hossa received a gold medal
This article is exclusive content for Denník N subscribers.
Are you a subscriber? Log in