In past couple of week Miskolc has closed the gap between themselves and first place DAB.Docler to a single point after a week where they picked up six point in two road wins against Debrecen in a 2-1 win and UTE in a 5-1 win. In both games but more importantly in the one goal win over DHK, Miskolc’s goalie Bence Bálizs stood tall. Against Debrecen he saved 43 out of 44 shots for a save percentage of 97.7% and against Újpest made 29 saves and had a save percentage of 96.6%. In the process he has become the league leader in all goaltending statistics this season, and this is why he is this weeks player of the week.
Since the first time laced up the skates Bálizs has always been employed by Fehérvár until this season. He did spend the 2009-10 season on loan with his current employer Miskolc but this is the first time he is under contract with a club other than Fehérvár. Bálizs has been a staple in the goaltending department of the national team for the past couple of seasons despite his young age.
How do you feel in Miskolc?
Everything is going great, I feel fine and there environment is idea for me to play well.
How much of a difference is there between the MOL League and the EBEL?
There is a difference between the two leagues in the pace of the game and the professionalism as well, however I have been pleasantly surprised with the MOL League this season.
Based off of your experience where does the MOL League need to improve to raise the overall level of the league?
There are a number of things that could be improved upon, there are some aspects that teams should not be doing at this professional level, like I said before teams and the league just need to be more professional overall.
What is the key to Miksolc’s success this season in the MOL League?
There is not one exact thing I can put my finger on, just that we are truly a TEAM, we have show all season that we can come back from a multi goal deficit to win a game. This just proves that we really trust each other and that we have real team spirit.
At the beginning of the season you were planning on playing in Miskolc until you received an offer from a team in another country that you liked, what is the situation with a move abroad right now?
The situation is that just over a month ago I signed a contract with Miskolc for the rest of the season, therefore I will be here until the end of the season.
Photo: László Mudra