Pierre Dehaen
Probably not many people noticed but there is a name that is not usually found in the box score of a MOL League game where the linesmen are listed. One of the linesmen for the Ferencváros-Miskolc game on Tuesday the 26th as well as the Ferencváros-Nové Zámky game on the 24th was a gentleman by the name of Pierre Dehaen.
At first look one might think that is clearly not a Hungarian name, and they would be correct, he is from France. Pierre is a former defenseman who spent most of his career with AC Boulogne-Billancort in the French 3rd and 4th divisions and one season in the French 2nd division with Asniéres.
What is so special about a former lower level hockey player officiating in Hungary? Pierre is on the shortlist to be one of the linesman at the 2014 Sochi winter games. The MOL League had the honor have having him officiate two matches because he feels that this is a high level of hockey that is different from the usual style that he sees game in and game out, it is a good way to prepare for the Olympics. “I feel like this is a good level for me to work, I had asked the Hungarian officials association if I could come and work a couple of games,” said Dehaen after the FTC-Miskolc game. Based off of his twitter profile (@PierreDEHAEN) and what he tweeted one can see that he had a wonderful time both on and off the ice in Budapest.
Dehaen has the professional experience and is qualified to be a linesman at the highest level in international play. The IIHF will take the list of 15 and cut it down to about 7-8 who will take it to Sochi. Aside from working games at the highest level in his home country he has also gained experience in the Quebec Juniors, Swedish Elitserien and Allsvenskan as well as many international matches. Dehaen has worked the World Championships and the Continental Cup as well.
It is needless to say that the IIHF will have a hard decision to make in regards with Pierre Dehaen and the other elite linesmen who are hoping for a shot at Sochi.
Szabolcs Závodszky
@Zavodszky