Csaba Kovács comes from a real hockey family as his father played for UTE and the Hungarian national team and his brother Attila is a defenceman for Újpest. Kovács came up through the MAC youth system before going to Notre Dame Academy in Canada for high school. Kovács debuted in the national team during the 2002-2003 season, and starting with the 2004 World Championships he has represented Hungary in16 straight events. We caught up with Csaba in the middle of some buys Christmas shopping .
With MAC, UTE and DVTK in a three team race for the top spot in the standings how much pressure is there on the team not to drop points?
This is good motivation for everyone to play well and to play at a high level because any of the teams can capitalize on you if points are dropped. This is also great for the fans and the teams as every game counts.
MAC has strung together some wins after being in a bit of a rough patch how did you get out of this?
Yes we had some hard games but we kept on working hard and came out of it, our game against Debrecen the other day had a real playoff feeling. We are past the midway point of the season and this is the time when all the other teams in the league are starting to gel together as well and are sharp. As the regular season starts to come to a close there is already a playoff like atmosphere.
Personally how have you adjusted to life with you new club?
Naturally it to some time to getting used to all the new things around the club, however I feel great. Everything is coming together and the playoffs are right around the corner, which is when most of the hockey memories are made. I can’t wait for this also the Winter Classic will also be a great even for the hockey fans.
What has it been like to play against your brother Attila, a defenceman for UTE?
It has been a lot of fun going up against him, he is finally old enough to play in the MOL League and his team is also playing well. There is a bit of a rivalry for us now as they have won once against us and we have beaten them twice as well, which as been a great experience. The only people who might like this is our parents. :)
How many more opportunities do young Hungarian players have today than what you had when you left to go to Canada as a teenager?
First of all I would like to congratulate the U20 national team on winning the gold medal at the World Championships. Today’s young players have more people watching them and being aware of Hungarian hockey. When I went to Canada they asked me if I had ever played on a full size rink before. Today Hungarian hockey is more known and this young guys have more opportunities and options to go abroad for their hockey career. I hope that the next generation will accomplish even more than what we did, I’m cheering for them
