There are a couple more adjustments to make and then rock n roll. This is what Rich Chernomaz said in his last press conference before the World Championships. Before the puck is dropped against Great Britain the coach still has to send a defensemen home and pick which two goalies make the team with the third one being an emergency goalie. From both the current and former players everyone agrees that the coaching staff has done a great job implementing their new tactics. Former national team player Roger Holéczy liked what he saw against Japan. “Sharp, focused, have a clear game plan, and everyone seems eager to stick with it. I haven’t seen team Hungary play like this in long time.” Holéczy continued saying that “everyone seems to know what to do, and they are doing it with confidence and pride to play. This comes from Great Leadership, and looks to me there is a good Captain leading this Boat!”
Roger Holéczy also gave us a bit of a scouting report on what to expect from the game and what the Brits might bring to the table. What we already knew was that Great Britain will bring a tough style of hockey which Hungary should be able to match. Holéczy expects Sofron to be a major player not only in light up the net but also bringing a physical side to the game as well. “Sofron will lead the charge with making sure bodies will be crushed.” Another aspect of this team that has impressed the former player was the line combinations and how they have worked well together. I am very impressed at what Chernoz has done with the lines, and added some youth, that brings a punch. A key will be for that fourth line to bring energy and enthusiasm, to our team and grind down the other team.” It is clear after what we have seen in the two matches against Poland and Japan and what Holéczy says is that this team is put together almost like a typical North American club with your typical bruising 4th line.
Either way it will be interesting to see what will happen as the end of the week but everyone will have to agree with Roger Holéczy’s last comment, “I am very excited about this team! It looks like a team on a mission!”
Szabolcs Závodszky
Twitter: @Zavodszky