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daBenchwarmer · 02-19-2019, 08:02 PM

Inside the J
Hungarian star-in-the-making Sanyi Kocsis praises countryman Thomas Bathory
[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fawinninghabit.co...=850&h=560]

[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fawinninghabit.co...=850&h=560]

Sanyi Kocsis [Pictured] makes a decision with the puck during his brief SHL playoff stint last season.

When you think Hungary, hockey, and young talent, the majority will think of Hungarian sensation Sanyi Kocsis. The now 19-year old was one of two Hungarian defensemen selected in the S45 SHL Entry Draft (the other one being Jacob Geza). Overcoming adversity, a move to a completely different environment, and reported mental health issues off the ice, Sanyi Kocsis has easily risen to become one of the most household names in the SMJHL, and in the Minnesota Chiefs prospect system.

So it should come to a surprise for everyone, when Kocsis was asked who's the best Hungarian youngster, between him and Geza.

Kocsis's reply?

"Bathory."

Thomas Bathory, a young 17-year old defenseman eligible for the S47 SHL Entry Draft, is another Hungarian defenseman, hailing from the city of Nyírbátor. Much like Kocsis, Bathory followed a very similar career path, showing immense talent and patience with the puck as a child and playing overseas to hone and develop his skills before being scooped up by HV71 of all teams. The two had briefly "played" together in HV71's clockwork of a development system, and had trained together this past off-season.

When questioned on his answer, Kocsis was adamant about his decision.

"You guys haven't seen anything yet." Kocsis had said. "He's got bigger frame and a more accurate shot than Gezzy [Jacob Geza], and better vision plus defensive awareness than me. He'll just need to obvious adapt to tougher competition like both Gezzy and I had to, but he'll easily be one of the best players in the SMJHL come this time next year. Quote me on that."

While Bathory struggled in his brief stint with the Halifax Raiders as he was signed as a To-Be-Drafted Free Agent to help shore the Raiders' poor roster in S46, he did show flashes of brilliance with the puck and decision-making. As well, former-HV71 manager and current Director of Player Development Luka Sannstrom, praised Bathory's ability to make split second decisions and play a full 60 minutes consistently. The youngster was known back in Sweden for his ability to eat up minutes and be an efficient presence on both ends of the ice.

So what should we expect from Bathory? From what fellow Hungarian Kocsis says: someone who'll change the face of Hungarian hockey. Forever.

@vbottas17

vbottas17 · 02-19-2019, 08:26 PM

Thanks benches!

:hungary:

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