HungaryS men’s national ice hockey team concluded its participation in the Sárközy Tamás Memorial tournament with a narrow 1-2 loss to Italy on Friday, marking a key test ahead of the upcoming World Championships, where Hungary will compete in the top division for the first time in program history. The tournament served as a vital planning period for Head coach Gergely majoross and his staff to evaluate the roster, which features a mix of seasoned veterans like István Bartalis returning from injury and emerging talent. Hungary will continue preparations with further pre-season matches against France and Poland this weekend.
The Hungarian national team faced a tough challenge at the Sárközy Tamás Memorial tournament, concluding with a 1-2 loss to Italy on Friday, December 12th. This tournament serves as crucial preparation for Hungary as they aim to improve their standing in international ice hockey.
Hungary began their November competition in France, securing a 6-4 victory over the host nation – an Olympic participant currently ranked in Division 1/A – in their final game. However, prior defeats against Denmark (1-5) and Norway (2-4) left them finishing fourth overall.
Head Coach Gergely Majoross and his staff are planning three pre-season tournaments, including a trip to Oslo in early February during the Olympic break. They are also looking ahead to April and direct preparation for the World Championships, and have been evaluating a large roster throughout the year. This time, players who participated in the U20 World Championships in Italy, including Domán Szongoth, were not selected, but veteran István Bartalis has returned to the national team. A key player for Fehérvár AV19, Bartalis hasn’t featured for the national team since the Olympic qualifying tournament at the end of summer/early fall due to injury.
Márton Nemes, who studies and plays overseas, and Fehérvár defenseman Bence Stipsicz, sidelined by injury, also haven’t played for the national team since the Olympic qualifying tournament and missed out on the World Championships.
The tournament began with France taking on Poland, a fellow second-tier team in the 2026 World Championship qualification, resulting in a 3-3 tie after 60 and 65 minutes, with Poland winning the shootout 3-1 after four rounds.
In the evening’s main event, Italy, who won last year’s tournament undefeated, faced Hungary. Hungary finished second in 2024 with two wins and one loss.
Bence Bálizs started in goal for the home team, while Damian Clara guarded the net for Italy. For Bálizs, a Ferencváros player, the Tüskecsarnok arena offered a familiar home-ice advantage. The ice arena, with a capacity of 2540, was nearly two-thirds full, though the crowd took some time to find their voice.
Hungarian goalkeeper Bálizs showcased a brilliant save in the second minute, quickly followed by a two-man advantage for Hungary at 1:41. Hungary capitalized on the power play, with István Terbócs scoring with a powerful shot at 6:00, giving them a 1-0 lead. This energized the home crowd, who grew increasingly enthusiastic as Hungary dictated the tempo and maintained possession. The home side produced some excellent attacks in the first period, with their defense consistently disrupting Italian plays. However, Italy gradually gained momentum, forcing Bálizs into a series of saves. Italy eventually equalized at 14:00, with Alessandro Segafredo converting a power play opportunity to make it 1-1.
Italy came out with increased intensity in the second period, taking the lead at 22:00 through a goal by Luca Zanatta. The visitors gained control, and Hungary struggled to respond, largely confined to their own zone. The second line, led by Csanád Erdély, showed the most attacking potential, creating some disruption in front of the Italian net. Despite Italy dominating possession (18-5 in shots on goal during this period), Hungary had a golden opportunity. At 30:00, a quick Hungarian counter-attack after a poor Italian change saw two Hungarian players break free, but they couldn’t get a shot off as Mattyasovszky Gergely passed to Bálint Molnár (1–2).
Hungary regrouped during the intermission, and the beginning of the final period saw a more balanced game. Italy earned a power play at 45:00, which Hungary successfully killed off, led by Bálizs Bence. The Hungarian goalkeeper was outstanding, making five consecutive saves in a 20-second span, including two spectacular stops. As the minutes ticked down, the home team fought to regain control, with János Hári particularly impressive. Italy pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the final minutes, but Hungary’s defense held firm, protecting their narrow lead (1–2).
In the continuation of the home tournament, our best players will face France on Saturday and Poland in the closing match on Sunday.
Ice Hockey, Sárközy Tamás Memorial Tournament
December 12 (Friday):
- Hungary–Italy 1–2 (1–1, 0–1, 0–0)
- Poland–France 4–3 (2–1, 0–0, 1–2, 0–0, 1–0) – after shootout
December 13 (Saturday):
- Italy–Poland 15.00
- HUNGARY–France 19.00
December 14 (Sunday):
- France–Italy 12.30
- HUNGARY–Poland 16.30
(Cover image: Purger Tamás / MTI)
