The 16th edition of the Santa Claus Cup once again provided many exciting moments for ice hockey fans. The 30-team international tournament featured teams from seven countries competing to determine the ultimate winner of this high-level event. In the end, it was the Slovak Lokomotíva Nové Zámky that claimed the top spot on the podium this year.

Many teams had sent their best players to last week’s AAA tournament, so they competed with younger or reserve teams this time around. However, this did not diminish the quality of play, as the talent and determination of the participants shone through in every match.

Final Standings:

1. HK Lokomotíva Nové Zámky (SVK)
2. Ružinov Bratislava (SVK)
3. Barani Banská Bystrica (SVK)
4. HC Lamač (SVK)
5. HC Topolcany Blak (SVK)
6. HC Košice (SVK)
7. HK Havrani Piešťany (SVK)
8. Lvi Most (CZE)
9. Berani Zlin (CZE)
10. UTE Budapest (HUN)

The tournament also saw participation from teams like Piráti Chomutov (CZE), DVTK Miskolc (HUN), and Wolves Brassó (ROU). The 30 teams included Turkish, Serbian, and Austrian squads as well, adding to the diversity of the competition.

Best Players:

• MVP: Ádám Vízi (Lokomotíva N. Zámky)
• Best Goalkeeper: Nela Jánošíková (HC Lamač)
• Best Forward: Boris Haris (Ružinov Bratislava)
• Best Defender: Vincent Dobrota (Barani Banská Bystrica)

The tournament organizers extended special thanks to the 67 teams that participated in various categories of this year’s Santa Claus Cup. The event continues to grow in popularity every year, and they are already looking forward to the next edition.

See you next year at the 17th Santa Claus Cup!