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Speaking of the Hungarian supporters, saw this article in the local paper today:
IIHF world hockey championship Team has no prayer, but fans don't care
By: Wayne Scanlan
27/04/2009 1:00 AM | Comments (0)ZURICH-KLOTEN, Switzerland -- You've heard of the dump-and-chase strategy.
Hungary's plan was to "dump and pray" against Canada at the 2009 IIHF world hockey championship.
Of course, they had no real prayer of a chance. Confronted with huge deficits in size, strength and skill, 20th-ranked Hungary swallowed a predictable deficit on the scoreboard, losing 9-0.
Despite the rout, their loyal, and not entirely sober, fans chanted and sang throughout the evening at the Zurich-Kloten Arena, long after the players had left the ice. They were the real heroes of the night, these remarkable Hungarian fans. Canadian and Hungary players saluted them right back.
"Nothing against our fans in Nashville, I love 'em to death," said Canadian defenceman Shea Weber, who scored two goals on blasts from the point. "But this is different, this is something special to be a part of -- it's really neat."
"Unbelievable," said Canadian goaltender Chris Mason, making his first start at the worlds after being a backup in 2006 and '07. "They didn't stop the whole game. It's like a soccer/football atmosphere. It's awesome. And that team over there didn't stop working all game. It says a lot about the pride they have in their country."
Martin St. Louis led the relentless Canadian attack with three goals and Weber had the pair. Singles went to Derek Roy, James Neal, Mike Fisher and Jason Spezza. Mason made 16 saves for the shutout, including a couple of legitimate scoring chances.
Fans roared to every Hungarian shot and whistled to boo every Hungarian penalty. After Hungary had spent 70 years on the outside looking in at the elite division of the tournament, they were just happy to be here.
Captain Balazs Kangyal praised the more than 5,000 fans in attendance, including Canadian supporters, and suggested there was one other presence in the building.
"It was a special situation," Kangyal said, his eyes wearing emotion. "We had a player (Gabor Ocskay) die before the tournament. He was my best friend, and he was the best player in Hungary. His dream was to go to the A Pool. I believe he was here, with the team."
On the Hungarian bench, goaltender Levente Szuper sat stunned, dejected after giving up six goals by the midpoint of the game, pulled at that point in favour of 21-year-old backup Zoltan Hetenyi.
Szuper, a former fourth-round draft choice of the Calgary Flames, still dreams of reaching the NHL for more than just nine games as a backup, which he was in 2002-03.
Canada showed some mercy, at least in deployment of personnel. By the second period, head coach Lindy Ruff started using third and fourth line players on the power play.
-- Canwest News Service
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