HC Dynamo Pardubice

Lore & Background

Ice hockey in Pardubice dates to the early 20th century, with the first match played in 1913 on Matiční jezero. Organized hockey began in 1923 when Vilém Weiss founded LTC Pardubice. The club won its division in the 1949–1950 season and was promoted to the Extra League, competing under names such as Slavia Pardubice, Dynamo Pardubice, and Tesla Pardubice before becoming HC Dynamo Pardubice in 2015. The team's first major success came in 1960 with a third-place finish, and it won its first Czechoslovak Extraliga title in 1972–73.

Reader's Guide

HC Dynamo Pardubice holds a significant place in Czech ice hockey history as a club that has never been relegated from the top tier. Its players have achieved international recognition, including Olympic representation and NHL careers. The club's first Czechoslovak title came in 1972–73, and it later won three Czech Extraliga championships in the 2000s and 2010s. Notable alumni include goaltender Dominik Hašek, who won multiple Golden Hockey Sticks, and forward Milan Hejduk, who won Olympic gold in 1998. The club's resilience and consistent presence at the highest level underscore its legacy as a cornerstone of Czech hockey.

Did You Know?

• The club was originally named LTC Pardubice and acquired its current name at the start of the 2015–16 season.
• Goaltender Jiří Crha became the first Czech player to play in the NHL after emigrating.
• Dominik Hašek won the Golden Hockey Stick in 1987, 1988, and 1990 while playing for the club.
• The club's 2004–05 championship was aided by the cancelled NHL season, allowing players like Milan Hejduk to join.