Trenčín's Hat-Trick Hero Ahl Crushes Humenné 7-4 in Baráž Thriller

HK Dukla Trenčín produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat HC 19 Humenné 7-4 in Round 4 of the Tipsport Liga baráž on April 5, 2026, overturning a 3-2 deficit with five unanswered goals in a pulsating third period. Swedish forward Filip Ahl was the star of the show with a hat-trick, as the visitors extended their unbeaten run at the top of the qualifying standings.

First Two Periods: Humenné Seize the Advantage

The 2,282 fans packed into the home arena dared to dream when HC 19 Humenne took control after two periods. Pulščák opened the scoring in the 18th minute — finishing off a move involving Vrábeľ and Žitný — to give the hosts the lead.

Trenčín levelled before the end of the first period, but the second session turned into a showcase for Humenné's attacking ability. Rymarev made it 2-1 in the 31st minute from close range, before Šachvorostov capitalised on Rymarev and Železkov's work to fire the home side 3-1 ahead with 35 minutes played. Lapšanský pulled one back for Trenčín right on the 40-minute mark to leave it 3-2 heading into the final period — but all the momentum was with the home team.

Third Period: Ahl's Hat-Trick Seals a Ruthless Comeback

Dukla Trencin emerged from the dressing room transformed. Ahl rifled home at 42 minutes to make it 3-3, and just two minutes later he struck again to give Trenčín the lead for the first time since the opening exchanges. That double in the space of 109 seconds shattered Humenné's resolve.

Bellerive extended the visitors' lead to 5-3 in the 49th minute, and although Žitný gave the home crowd a flicker of hope with a power-play goal at 52 minutes to make it 4-5, there was to be no way back. Bellerive added a sixth in the 57th minute, and Ahl completed his hat-trick at 59 minutes to seal a comprehensive 7-4 win.

What It Means

The result keeps Dukla Trencin firmly on track for direct Extraliga qualification in 2025. With 11 points from four baráž games and still unbeaten, Trenčín hold a two-point cushion over second-placed Prešov and are on course to secure one of the two Extraliga spots.

For HC 19 Humenne, the defeat is a body blow. Sitting third with four points, Humenné now need near-perfect results over the remaining eight rounds of the baráž to avoid dropping down to the Tipos SHL. Despite the excellent atmosphere and a strong two-period showing, conceding five goals in a single period underlined the defensive fragility that has plagued them throughout this high-stakes round-robin.

Trenčín visit Prešov next — a match that could set up a title showdown in the qualification round.