It took a shootout to decide the winner, but Czechia held on in the skills competition to beat Sweden 3-2 and take home bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championship.

The bronze is Czechia’s third since the split from Czechoslovakia and their second in two years. The Czechs also took home silver in 2023 and finished fourth in 2022, so the team’s recent run is a sign that the program is thriving right now.

Sweden, meanwhile, is 1-2 in the bronze game over the past four years. The team took third in Edmonton in 2022 before falling to the United States in Halifax back in 2023. The Swedes bounced back in 2024, taking home silver after once again losing to the Americans.

USA and Finland will play in the gold medal game shortly after 7:30 PM ET.

The Czechs struggled in the first 10 minutes, registering just one shot. Fortunately for them, they made it count as Jakub Stancl took Adam Jecho’s feed and fired it past Marcus Gidlof for the 1-0 goal.

The Swedes were much more active on the attack, and at 12:31, David Edstrom got Sweden on the board after Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal lost track of the puck just outside the Czech crease. The game remained tied until the 29th minute. Czechia’s Eduard Sale would be on the receiving end of a feed from Miroslav Holinka, where he’d go on to deke out Gidlof for the 2-1 goal.

The Swedes needed a goal in the dying minutes of the second to get them back on track, and Edstrom delivered. Felix Unger Sorum did a good job of winning a battle through the slot and passed it out to Edstrom, who re-directed the shot below Hrabal’s pad and in to make it 2-2.

Just like Sweden’s game on Saturday, this one needed extra time. Both teams traded opportunities, with Hrabal and Gidlof making some timely saves. So much so, though, that we needed a shootout to decide the winner.

It took 14 rounds – and many star players on both teams going up multiple times – until we finally decided who took home bronze, but it would be Sale who would finish things off to win the game for Czechia.

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Chivalry wasn’t dead in 1938 when Nazi tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia. It lived on in at least one man: Josef Menčík, also known as the “Knight of Strakonice.”

Once described as “the definition of living history,” Menčík owned and refurbished a castle in his native country and took the time to teach medieval history to anyone who would listen.

More importantly, when the world decided to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a large chunk of his country, Menčík rode out to meet Adolf Hitler’s tanks, alone and in full medieval armor.

It might have been a foolish gesture of resistance, or even a symbolic one, but it was certainly one of the few acts of defiance against the Nazi regime until that point.

Josef Menčík, the Last Knight

Despite his love for history, there isn’t a lot history knows about Menčík. He grew up in the Böhmerwald area of what was then Czechoslovakia, a mountainous region that today straddles Germany and the modern Czech Republic. Indeed, it appears that Menčík suddenly emerged from the Bohemian Forests in the early 20th century to do things that few others would, which includes (but isn’t limited to) standing up to the Nazis.

What is known about Menčík is that he acquired a 13th-century Gothic fortress in the Czech town of Dobrš (a structure known today as Tvrz Dobrš). Through that structure, we can get a glimpse of the man who helped rebuild it.

Local nobility added a Baroque-style wing onto the old castle in the 1700s, but after that, it fell into disrepair. It became housing for the local poor, then a granary before being turned into a school in 1838. In 1911, the school and the fortress burned down and were set to be demolished. That’s when Menčík stepped into history.

The most we know is that he was the oldest of four siblings, and was born in an apartment in the local castle before buying the fortress and spending the next 30 years reliving the life of a knight. Not only did he begin renovating the Dobrš Fortress to suit his version of the High Middle Ages, he began to fill it with antiques and curiosities and started appearing at markets and fairs in a suit of full medieval armor he purchased in France.

Menčík dubbed himself “the Last Knight” and tried to live up to the chivalrous title by showing generosity and hospitality to his neighbors and guests.

He frequently gave tours and explained the history he was trying to recreate; he even dressed his wife Ema and his two children up as characters in his knight’s tale. But the act of chivalry for which ​​Menčík is best known would come 27 years after he became a local “nobleman,” in the face of a new age of warfare.

Resisting Nazi Aggression

What was once known as Sudetenland was not a single chunk of land, but areas along the borders of Czechoslovakia and Germany that were filled with native German speakers. After the Anschluss — the incorporation of Austria into Adolf Hitler’s growing Nazi Empire — the Germans wanted these German-speaking parts of Czechoslovakia and were willing to go to war over it. Dobrš, then a part of Bohemia, was included in Hitler’s demand.

Germany had already begun a low-intensity conflict with the Czechs in September 1938, claiming ethnic Germans were being oppressed and killed in Czechoslovakia. Hitler even created an army of pro-Nazi Czechs to infiltrate the area. The rest of Europe, of course, didn’t have the stomach for war after the chaotic destruction of World War I.

At the end of that month, representatives of England, France, Germany and Italy met in Munich with the hopes of averting another war. The Czechs were not invited to the talks, so the offer made to “appease” Hitler was giving up the Czech Sudetenland to Germany, which Czechoslovakia was forced to accept.

It wasn’t long before the whole of the country was swallowed up by Germany, then Hungary and Poland. By 1939, Czechoslovakia ceased to exist.

The Last Knight Rises

In the early days of October 1938, German tanks began rolling into Czechoslovakia — and no one fired a shot to resist them. In fact, it seemed the world cared little for the needs of the Czech people, so long as no one was wearing gas masks in the muddy trenches of another world war. The people living in the Sudetenland saw the Munich Agreement as a betrayal, and few went out to greet their would-be occupiers.

One of those who did ride out to meet them was Menčík. When a German armored column crossed the border at Bučina, they came upon an incredible scene. Adorned in full armor and on the back of his horse, the Last Knight stood opposed to Nazi aggression against his home country.

He reportedly charged the column with a sword and halberd. No one is really sure why he wasn’t mercilessly gunned down in the Nazi tradition, but most believe the Germans probably thought he was crazy.

The column of tanks actually did stop for a moment, but Menčík eventually was forced to stand aside as the Germans advanced. He would survive to see his homeland liberated, but would not live much longer. He died at his son’s home on Nov. 19, 1945.

After World War II, Czechoslovak borders were reconstituted and the German-speaking inhabitants of what was once the Sudetenland were expelled from the Czech lands.

Today, the region is predominantly filled with Czechs. Menčík’s home at Tvrz Dobrš has been taken over by the Dobrš Restoration Association, which works to rebuild structures that might be otherwise lost to history — much like its eccentric, erstwhile owner.

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Bohemians Praha 1905 is set to start a significant renovation of their iconic Ďolíček Stadium in late 2025.

The project, estimated to cost between CZK 300 and CZK 350 million, aims to modernize the facility to meet contemporary standards and enhance the fan experience.

Historical Significance of Ďolíček Stadium

Established in 1932, Ďolíček Stadium has been the home ground for Bohemians Praha 1905 for over nine decades. Located in the Vršovice district of Prague, the stadium holds a special place in Czech football history, witnessing numerous memorable matches and serving as a cultural landmark for the local community.

Details of the Renovation Plan

The renovation is structured into five phases, each focusing on different stadium sections to ensure that Bohemians can continue hosting matches at Ďolíček throughout the construction period.

The current seating capacity of 6,300 is slated to increase to 7,795 seats, with the potential to accommodate up to 9,500 spectators by incorporating safe standing areas in the northern and southern stands.

A notable addition is constructing a new southern stand behind the goal adjacent to the tram stop, which will complete the stadium’s enclosure.

The design respects the height of the existing main stand, maintaining architectural harmony. Behind the main stand, new facilities will be developed, while preserving the traditional gathering area cherished by fans.

The design of one of the stands draws inspiration from La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, home to the renowned Boca Juniors.

Financial Aspects and Club Commitment

The renovation will be financed privately by the Jakubowicz family, owners of Bohemians Praha 1905. Club chairman Dariusz Jakubowicz has indicated that the project will be funded through personal resources and loans to the club, emphasizing the necessity of these upgrades for the club’s future viability. This private investment is notably more economical compared to earlier municipal estimates, which projected costs around CZK 700 million.

In November 2024, Bohemians secured a 60-year lease extension for Ďolíček Stadium, providing the long-term security needed to justify the substantial investment in the renovation. This agreement enables the club to negotiate directly with authorities and contractors, streamlining the project’s execution.

Impact on Fans and the Community

Throughout the renovation, Bohemians plan to continue playing home games at Ďolíček, minimizing disruption for fans. The phased construction approach will allow different sections of the stadium to remain operational, with temporary relocations of spectator areas as needed.

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Operations at Václav Havel Airport in Prague were suspended at 5 p.m. on Sunday due to deteriorating weather conditions.

The suspension was caused by freezing rain, according to airport spokeswoman Denisa Hejtmánková. It remains unclear when operations will resume, but the airport anticipates reopening later in the evening.

The airport announced the suspension on its official website, advising passengers to monitor updates regarding their departures. Travelers already at the airport are being informed through radio announcements and monitors.

However, the airport’s website has faced technical difficulties, likely due to an increase in traffic as passengers seek information.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) had previously issued warnings about snowfall turning into freezing rain.

By midday Sunday, reports confirmed the transition had already occurred in areas such as Šumava, Pošumaví, and České Budějovice, leading to the formation of ice.

Provoz na Letišti Václava Havla Praha je z důvodů nepříznivých meteorologických podmínek zastaven. Doporučujeme cestujícím, aby sledovali informace o svém odletu na webových stránkách https://t.co/a5a73U6XZ2. Cestující, kteří již jsou na letišti, informujeme o aktuální situaci… pic.twitter.com/v2yLnfTVOL

— Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) January 5, 2025

The adverse weather conditions have not been limited to the Czech Republic.

Over the weekend, flights in the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany were also impacted. At Frankfurt am Main, Germany’s largest airport, 120 out of 1,090 scheduled flights were canceled on Sunday due to icy conditions.

Passengers planning to travel via Prague Airport are advised to stay updated through the airport’s official communication channels.

 

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A Year Full of Music

The year kicks off with a series of unmissable performances. On February 23, the O2 Arena will host Cyndi Lauper, celebrating her farewell tour, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. In March, Lenny Kravitz will perform at the O2 Arena, followed by Anastacia at the O2 Universum, marking the 25th anniversary of her debut album.

Pop superstar Dua Lipa, a three-time Grammy winner, will perform two shows at the O2 Arena on May 27 and 28. Her performances are expected to draw massive crowds.

Rock enthusiasts can look forward to Iron Maiden on May 31 at Letňany Airport, celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary. Their manager, Rod Smallwood, promises an unforgettable show featuring classics and fan favorites, many of which have not been performed live in years.

The summer will bring even more excitement. The Imagine Dragons will play two concerts at Letňany Airport on June 9 and 11, followed by Bruce Springsteen on June 15. Lionel Richie, with his European tour Say Hello to the Hits, will perform on July 6.

The year concludes with a high-energy performance by The Offspring at the Fortuna Hall in Holešovice on October 2.

Sports Highlights of 2025

Prague will host various international and local sports events, offering something for every sports enthusiast. Football fans can look forward to the Czech national team’s qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches scheduled between March 22 and November 17. Details of games to be held in Prague will be announced soon.

The Prague International Marathon is set for May 4. Meanwhile, the city’s longstanding tradition in canoe slalom continues with the ICF World Cup, taking place in Troja from June 26.

On May 16, the Prague Dragon Boat Festival will see teams racing along the Vltava River. The spectacle includes professional, amateur, and corporate crews, making it one of the most popular water sports events in the city.

Prague will also welcome the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship at the Marketa Stadium on May 31, featuring the best speedway riders in the world.

Wrapping up the year, the O2 Arena will host the Global Champions Prague Playoffs, a world-class show jumping event, from November 20.

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Starting Monday, January 6, Prague will adjust its public transport schedule due to a seasonal drop in passenger numbers.

According to the city’s transport coordination company, passenger traffic typically decreases by 15% at the start of the year compared to December.

The adjusted “semi-vacation schedule” will remain in effect until February 23, impacting metro, tram, and bus services with extended intervals.

Metro Service Changes:

• On Line A, weekday rush hour intervals will increase from 150 seconds to 180 seconds, and afternoon/evening intervals will rise from 180 seconds to 210 seconds.
• On Line B, rush hour intervals will extend from 140 seconds to 160 seconds, while afternoon/evening intervals will change from 150 seconds to 180 seconds.
• On Line C, rush hour intervals will rise from 115–120 seconds to 130 seconds, and afternoon/evening intervals will grow from 145 seconds to 155 seconds.

Early morning metro services on all lines will run at 5-minute intervals on weekdays. Weekend services will have 7–8-minute intervals, except for Sunday evenings on Line C, where intervals will shorten to 6 minutes.

Tram Services:

Weekday tram intervals will be extended from 8 minutes to 10 minutes. The busiest routes—9, 17, and 22—will see intervals increase from 4 minutes to 5 minutes.

Bus and Trolleybus:

On weekdays, morning bus intervals will increase from 6 minutes to 7.5 minutes, with daytime intervals rising from 7.5 minutes to 10 minutes.

Busy routes such as 58, 59, 107, 123, 135, 136, 143, and 213 will also see minor adjustments. Weekend schedules will remain largely unchanged, except for line 125, where intervals will increase slightly.

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The Czech Republic is set to experience extreme weather conditions this Sunday, with a major ice storm predicted to impact most regions.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), a warm front will bring snowfall that will transition into freezing rain, leading to the formation of hazardous ice. Meteorologists are strongly advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

On its official website, ČHMÚ has issued a warning about the incoming storm, which is expected to begin with heavy snowfall moving from the southwest.

This snowfall will intensify temporarily before turning into freezing rain during the afternoon and evening. “From Sunday afternoon in the northeast, and later in the evening across most regions, snowfall will shift to freezing rain,” the institute announced.

The experts predict that 2 to 7 millimeters of freezing rain will fall across much of the country, forming a dangerous ice layer. “A strong ice sheet is expected to develop,” ČHMÚ stated on Facebook, emphasizing that people should monitor updated forecasts for any changes.

Meteorologists further clarified that the ice layer is likely to begin forming around midday on Sunday in western regions, gradually spreading to nearly the entire country. This information has been confirmed through visual updates shared on the institute’s official website and social media platforms.

Given the severity of the situation, ČHMÚ is urging residents to reconsider travel plans. “If you plan to travel by car or train on Sunday, think carefully and assess the risks. The conditions could become extremely dangerous,” meteorologists warned.

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The price of electricity for households in the Czech Republic has risen sharply, even though the nation is one of Europe’s largest electricity exporters.

According to Eurostat, the cost reached €0.321 per kilowatt-hour in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms during the first half of last year. This marks an 85% increase compared to the same period in 2021 for a household with average consumption levels.

Czech Prices Outpace Regional Neighbors

The steep price hikes in the Czech Republic contrast starkly with trends in other Visegrad Four (V4) countries, where electricity costs have remained relatively stable, states Lukáš Kovanda Chief Economist at Trinity Bank.

Slovak households paid an average of €0.1543 per kilowatt-hour, less than half of what Czech households were charged. Slovakia saw a modest increase of around 12% over the same period.

Polish households fared even better, paying €0.1531 per kilowatt-hour, with a surprising 2% price reduction compared to the first half of 2021.

Hungary boasts the lowest electricity prices not only in the V4 but also across the EU, at just €0.1234 per kilowatt-hour, a mere 1% increase over three years.

A Sharp Shift in Czech Pricing Trends

Electricity prices in the Czech Republic were once on par with its V4 peers when adjusted for purchasing power. However, a dramatic turning point occurred around late 2021 and early 2022. Czech electricity prices began climbing sharply, eventually surpassing those of neighboring countries. By comparison, Hungarian electricity prices remain 2.6 times cheaper.

This disparity is even more puzzling given the Czech Republic’s status as a leading electricity exporter. Between the first half of 2021 and the same period in 2022, the country exported 35.4 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, according to Montel data. Slovakia, another net exporter, managed just 3.6 TWh in the same period.

Poland and Hungary, by contrast, are net importers of electricity. Poland imported 6.4 TWh, while Hungary’s imports reached 41.8 TWh.

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The reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague 3 is well underway, with the first year nearly complete.

New paving has already been installed in some areas, and freshly planted trees are now visible behind fencing. In January, the children’s playground will be modernized, while the popular farmers’ markets will temporarily relocate to their original spot near the elementary school.

Progress on the Square’s Reconstruction

The renovation project is set to continue for approximately two more years. The square is being reconstructed in phases, with the section in front of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus expected to remain closed throughout 2025.

The area near the elementary school is already finished, boasting newly laid paving.

Playground Modernization

The children’s playground overhaul is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and will bring significant updates. According to Prague 3 representatives, the playground was removed at the end of November 2024, and during the Advent season, a temporary straw playground entertained children until December 23.

Construction work on the playground will last until April 2025, with additional work in the surrounding area continuing until October. The redesigned playground will feature expanded play areas, new equipment like a water pump, sand excavator, and fountains, and will be surrounded by a hedge with integrated barriers to prevent dogs from entering.

The play equipment will prioritize sustainability, utilizing solid wood and minimal plastic, while the surface will be covered with certified pine chips.

Farmers’ Markets Temporary Relocation

The farmers’ markets will temporarily move to the original site near the elementary school. This area, located closer to the metro station, has been renovated and will host the markets on its new paving until the reconstruction of the square is complete in 2026.

Investment and Future Plans

The transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is spearheaded by the City of Prague, with an estimated budget of 477.7 million crowns. The Ministry of Regional Development is expected to fund up to half of the total cost, approximately 238.8 million crowns.

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Starting Monday, January 6, Prague will face significant metro service restrictions, with two stations closing for extensive renovations.

Pankrác on Line C and Českomoravská on Line B will be shut down for approximately a year, impacting thousands of daily commuters.

Pankrác Station: A Year-Long Closure for Line D Connection

The Pankrác station will close for 12 months to facilitate the integration of the newly constructed Line D.

To compensate, tram line 19—recently extended to the shopping center near Pankrác—will provide an alternative route. This tram connects Pankrác to the nearby Pražského povstání metro station, offering commuters a convenient detour.

Českomoravská Station: Reconstruction Near O2 Arena

The Českomoravská station near the O2 Arena will be reconstructed for the next 11 months. Passengers are advised to utilize surface transport alternatives from the Vysočanská metro station.

Bus routes will connect key stops, including Poliklinika Vysočany, Divadlo Gong, and the Českomoravská bus interchange.

 

Transport Adjustments During O2 Arena Events

For events at the O2 Arena, Prague’s public transport authority plans to strengthen surface transport lines. Despite this, travelers are encouraged to walk from the Vysočanská station to avoid potential delays.

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Four branches of Prague’s National Gallery will offer free entry for two consecutive days, February 8 and 9, 2025, as part of its birthday celebrations marking 229 years since its founding.

On both days, visitors can enjoy free access to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The offer applies to all visitors, regardless of age or nationality, welcoming locals and tourists. The announcement was made on the National Gallery’s official website.

Exhibitions Open to the Public

The free entry promotion includes several exhibitions across four locations:

• Old Masters I (Staří Mistři I) – Schwarzenberg Palace
• Old Masters II (Staří Mistři II) – Sternberg Palace
• Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe (1200–1550) – Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia
• 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century – Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác)
• 1918–1938: The First Republic – Trade Fair Palace
• 1956–1989: Architecture for All – Trade Fair Palace
• 1939–2021: The End of the Black-and-White Era – Trade Fair Palace

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The Prague Transport Company is gearing up to expand the city’s tram network significantly.

Construction of a new tram line in Malešice is set to begin this year, alongside connecting tracks from Wenceslas Square to Vinohradská Street.

By next year, work on three additional lines—Libuše to Nové Dvory, Malovanka to Strahov, and a route through the new district at the Žižkov Freight Station—will also commence, according to iDNES.

The Malešice line will stretch 2.3 kilometers, running through the middle of Počernická Street from the existing Vinohradská tracks to a turning point at Sídliště Malešice.

Six stops, provisionally named Hagibor, Na Palouku, Hostýnská, Plaňanská, Tuchorazská, and Sídliště Malešice, are planned along the route. The project, estimated at 1.75 billion crowns excluding VAT, is currently in the tender phase to select a construction company.

In addition, DPP will start building tracks across Legerova Street near the National Museum. These tracks will connect the upper part of Wenceslas Square to Vinohradská Street. “We are finalizing the public tender for the contractor and expect construction to begin this spring,” said Daniel Šabík, the company’s spokesperson.

Future Plans: Expansion Across Prague

Next year, the Prague Transport Company will kick off construction on a 2-kilometer line from Libuše to Nové Dvory, the future location of the D metro station. This line will link with the Modřany–Libuše route completed in 2022. “We plan to announce the public tender in the first half of this year, aiming to start construction in 2026,” Šabík stated. Estimated costs for this project are around 1.4 billion crowns.

Another planned project includes a 1.3-kilometer line from Malovanka to Strahov, which has already received a final building permit. Construction is expected to begin next year.

In 2026, work will also begin on a 2-kilometer line connecting Jana Želivského and Olšanská streets to Sídliště Jarov. This line will traverse a new district being developed around the former Žižkov Freight Station.

Recent Achievements

The Prague Transport Company has made significant strides in recent years. The extension of the tram line to Pankrác was completed last year, while new lines from Divoká Šárka to Dědina, Modřany to Libuše, and Barrandov to Sliven were launched in 2022.

Currently, the Dvorecký Bridge, connecting Prague 4 and 5, is under construction and will eventually accommodate tram tracks. Plans are also underway to extend tracks from Podbaba to Suchdol and connect Jeremenkova Street to Michle via Budějovická.

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