Rytíři Kladno

Lore & Background

The club began in 1924 as the ice hockey department of SK Kladno. After the Communist takeover in 1948, it underwent several name changes, reflecting state control and sponsorship by the Poldi steelworks. The team was sponsored by the State Security police until the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Kladno was particularly strong in the late 1970s, winning four consecutive league titles from 1975 to 1978 and another in 1980. Star player Milan Nový was league MVP in 1977, 1981, and 1982, and won six scoring titles. František Pospíšil was league MVP in 1971 and 1972.

Before the 1997–98 season, Kladno lost its sponsor, ironworks Huť Poldi, leading to financial struggles and poor performance. The team perennially finished last, and the main coach resigned. Despite the departure of players abroad in 2003, Kladno returned to the highest-level league. However, after the 2012–13 season, the team performed poorly in the Extraliga. Jaromír Jágr played for his hometown Kladno during parts of four seasons, including NHL lockouts in 1994, 2004, and 2012. He took over majority ownership from his father in 2011 and renamed the club Rytíři Kladno, with a logo featuring a cross in homage to Eastern Orthodoxy.

In January 2018, Jágr was assigned to HC Kladno after a partial season with the Calgary Flames. On January 30, 2025, Jágr stated he was selling an 80 percent stake of the club to businessman Tomas Drastil while retaining a minority stake. Financial details were not given.

Reader's Guide

Rytíři Kladno holds a significant place in Czech ice hockey history, both for its on-ice achievements and its connection to one of the sport's most iconic figures, Jaromír Jágr. The club's six Czechoslovak Extraliga titles, including four consecutive from 1975 to 1978, mark a golden era. The team's sponsorship by the State Security police until 1989 reflects the political context of the time. The loss of the Poldi sponsor in 1997 led to a decline, but the club's resilience saw it return to the top league multiple times. Jágr's involvement as owner and player has brought international attention, and his 2025 sale of a majority stake signals a new chapter. The club's many name changes, from HOSK Kladno to Rytíři Kladno, illustrate its adaptation to political and economic shifts. The 2010–2011 point deduction for using improperly registered players highlights administrative challenges. Overall, Kladno's legacy is one of triumph, struggle, and enduring local pride.

Did You Know?

• The team was sponsored by the State Security police until the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
• Jaromír Jágr took over majority ownership of the club from his father in 2011.
• During the 2010–2011 season, the team was docked 6 points for using improperly registered players.
• The club won the IIHF European Cup in 1976–77.