Czech ice hockey for first-timers
Hockey is the country's favourite sport. What to know before your first Extraliga game.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026 · 2 min read
IllustrationIce hockey is the most watched team sport in Czechia, and a league game is one of the best ways to see local life up close. The top division is the Tipsport Extraliga, with 14 teams from Prague to Třinec on the Polish border.
How the season works
The regular season starts in September and runs through the winter, followed by the playoffs in spring. A game has three periods of 20 minutes. A win in regular time earns three points; if the score is level after 60 minutes, there is overtime and, if needed, a shootout, with two points for the winner and one for the loser.
Getting tickets
Clubs sell tickets on their own websites and at the arena box office. Seats for most regular-season games are easy to find, but derbies and playoff games sell out. This season Sparta is the only Prague club in the Extraliga; Kladno, about 25 kilometres west of the city, is another easy trip.
In the arena
Fans stand and sing behind one of the goals, with drums and flags, and the atmosphere is loud but friendly. Beer and sausages are sold in the concourse. Bring a layer: the stands can be cold even when the arena is full.
Rules, prices and timetables change. We review this guide regularly; the date of the last check is shown at the top.
Storyline: Extraliga 2026/27
- Czech ice hockey for first-timersYou are here
- Třinec win 9‑0 and set an Extraliga record with eight straight wins
- Motor beat Kometa Brno 5‑1 in their best game of the season
