Also on Sunday he performed 100% with the Sparta Prague shirt. However, it was only his ninth start of the season, his third since early December. And given the form Spartan number one Jakub Kovář has resumed, Kořenář’s personal prospects are not entirely positive.
Initially, Jihlava’s protégé was set to start alternately with Dukla, but eventually started for Slavia in the 1st league after Jihlava’s approval.
Josef will wear the Slavic shirt for the first time today #SPICE. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has made 12 NHL appearances over the past two seasons, has alternated starts with Sparta’s schedule for Eden. Pepo, good luck with us! 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/MBnqwIWAUM
— HC Slavia Prague (@HCSlavia) January 11, 2023
“We talked about it a few months ago. I knew that when the moment came when I had to catch up, I would come up here,” explained Kořenář. “I got over the hill and maybe I’ll jump it again sometime. Drive everywhere,” he boasted.
Rýpanes has yet to hear from his Sparta teammates. “He probably doesn’t know it yet. But when I start there again, it will be very dear to me,” he laughed. However, he doesn’t see the rivalry between the two Prague clubs. “We don’t play in the same competition. On the contrary, it’s great that clubs help each other,” he thought.
Kořenář also brought back the form from his last game with Sparta, when he kept a clean sheet against the red and white team’s Kladno. Prostějovu seized all the chances and the audience applauded him with thunderous applause. “Perfect start. The guys helped me a lot, they blocked shots very well. I’m glad I was able to catch, we have a break with Sparta on Friday,” the goalkeeper added.
