The duel of the 51st round Czech ice hockey league with South Bohemian Motor, being the last home game for Pilsen in this year’s regular part of the Tipsport extra league, will be a sign of this year’s eightieth anniversary of the liberation of the city of Pilsen by the American army from the Nazi occupation. The Pilsen Indians will play this match on Sunday, March 2 from 16:30 in special jerseys with military elements, which will be complemented by, for example, a large period photo of American soldiers in front of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, a map of the campaign in Europe or a portrait of General George Smith Patton.
“This year’s Liberation Festival Pilsen will be jubilee, and I am very happy that hockey Indians have joined the celebrations. The special jerseys and accompanying program give the match a special touch, and we were very happy to support this event. It is a clear proof that in Pilsen we pull together and do not forget who brought us freedom,” said Pilsen Mayor Roman Zarzycký
“We are trying to point out the past, we are also a part of. We really appreciate this sign and are very excited about the whole event. We believe that even the fans will appreciate our efforts and we will enjoy the entire spring festival together. Because we consider it very important to remember history,” said Martin Straka, co-owner and deputy chairman of the board.
Under the command of General Patton, the 3rd American Army liberated Pilsen in the spring of 1945, and the 2nd Infantry Division was also a part of it, getting through the European theater of war after the Normandy landings and took part in important battles. The division soldiers carried the head of the Indianhead on a white five-pointed star on their shoulders.

Since 2009, the Pilsen hockey club has also adopted the emblem as its own, soon after they celebrated its historic title with an Indian on its jerseys. The HC Škoda club will bring the story to the fans in a specially prepared video, having its premiere right before the opening of the game. It will also include lining up of the soldiers to the ice and singing the Czech national anthem.
The České Budějovice Motor will also take advantage of the festive moments, playing in special liberation period jerseys. A swing band will start the afternoon an hour before the game in front of the LOGSPEED CZ Arena, fans can also look forward to the opportunity to see a typical military jeep.
In addition, plastic beer cups with a military theme, a stand with such tuned pucks and a special collection in the fanshop will be prepared for visitors. After the end of the match, collectors can auction the jerseys played, as a bonus the club is also preparing a limited number of “LIBERTY 80” jerseys for its supporters.
source of information: www.plzen.eu