HC Vrchlabi vs Benatky: match preview on 3 September 2026

Benatky are the clear favourites for this friendly at HC Vrchlabi. The visitors have won four of their last five matches, while the hosts have managed only two victories in the same period. Benatky also took both of their recent meetings against HC Vrchlabi, winning 8:3 in August and 4:3 in September last year.

Prediction

Benatky's record of 12 points from five games, with 20 goals scored and 13 conceded, follows a pattern of consistent results. They beat Leipzig at home 4:3 after losing 2:0 away, then saw off Kobra Praha 3:2 and Pribram 5:3. The only blemish was the defeat in Germany, but they bounced back immediately. HC Vrchlabi's six points from the same span look thin by comparison. They lost three of five, conceding 25 goals while scoring 23. Their only win came against Ústí nad Labem 8:1 on 1 September, and their other victory was a 6:5 thriller against Pardubice Dynamo B last August.

Recent meetings

The head-to-head has shifted in Benatky's favour. In their last two encounters, Benatky won comfortably — 8:3 at home in August 2025 and 4:3 away in September 2025.

What the numbers suggest

Benatky's goal difference of +7 across five games is solid, while HC Vrchlabi's -2 suggests defensive vulnerability. The visitors have kept their goals in check in most matches, conceding only 2 against Leipzig away and 3 in each of their other wins. Vrchlabi's 8:1 win over Ústí nad Labem shows they can score freely, but they also conceded 8 in the defeat to Benatky and 7 against Králupy nad Vltavou.

Outlook

A draw would suit HC Vrchlabi, and given how friendlies often level out, that is the main threat to this prediction. If the match becomes a test of endurance rather than quality — which is common in pre-season — the hosts could hold on for a share of the points. But under normal conditions, Benatky's superior form and recent dominance should see them through.