Pilsen Challenge 2025: International Ball Hockey Battles with a Charitable Mission
The Precol Arena in Plzeň will host the prestigious Pilsen Challenge 2025 from February 7 to 9, featuring elite club teams from Czechia, Slovakia, and Switzerland. This year, however, the tournament carries an important charitable message.
Ball Hockey Elite Arrives in Plzeň
Pilsen Challenge 2025 promises top-tier international ball hockey action, bringing together clubs from three different nations. The Swiss NLA will be represented by Oberwil Rebells and Sierre Lions, while LG Bratislava, the Slovak vice-champions, will compete alongside HBC Plzeň, who will carry the Czech banner. Additionally, Czechia U20 and Slovakia U23 national teams will participate as part of their preparation for the upcoming Junior World Championships.
Over the course of three days, teams will battle for the Pilsen Challenge title in a competitive format. Group stage matches will take place on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday will feature placement games and the grand final.
The tournament format is straightforward:
• Group stage rankings determine the final matchups.
• Games are played in a 3×10-minute stop-time format.
• If a 3rd or 5th place match ends in a tie, the winner will be decided by shootout.
• The final will feature a 3-on-3 overtime, followed by a shootout if necessary.
• Czech team games and all placement matches will be broadcast live on Hokejbal TV.
Pilsen Challenge with a Charitable Mission
Pilsen Challenge 2025 is not just about elite ball hockey—it also aims to make a difference. Throughout the event, fans will have the opportunity to contribute through voluntary donations, with all proceeds supporting Míša Šťastná and her family.
Míša is a dedicated ball hockey fan, a regular attendee at HBC Plzeň’s home games, and an enthusiastic supporter despite facing health challenges from an early age. Alongside her parents, she passionately follows Plzeň’s "Mečouni" in person and via online streams. At the tournament’s closing ceremony, Míša and her family will be presented with a donation check, representing the funds raised from ticket contributions. This financial support will help them continue their love for sports and travel to more ball hockey events.
