Release from 26.03.2026

Fehérvár: 34 Seconds from Season’s End – Now in the Semifinals

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It’s arguably the story of the season so far: On the final day of the regular season, Hydro Fehérvár AV19 was still on the brink of elimination. Only 34 seconds before the end of regulation, Anže Kuralt scored the equalizer in the derby against FTC-Telekom, securing the crucial point that sent Fehérvár into the pre-playoffs. Just 25 days later, the Hungarians have sensationally reached the semifinals – becoming the first team in league history to climb from tenth place after the regular season into the final four. For the first time ever, all four league nations are now represented in the semifinals.

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Fehérvár had a mixed regular season and had to fight until the last game to secure a spot in the pre-playoffs. In the decisive derby against FTC-Telekom, they needed at least a point to avoid being overtaken by the local rival and league newcomer for eleventh place – which would have ended their season prematurely.

The match was dramatic: In the 58th minute, the visitors went up 2-1, seemingly sealing Fehérvár’s fate. But 34 seconds before the final buzzer, Anže Kuralt struck again to level the score. With that crucial point, Fehérvár finished tenth and advanced to the pre-playoffs.

There, the underdogs faced the Vienna Capitals. The first game in Vienna ended in a heavy 1-5 loss, but the home-strong Hungarians responded with a 7-3 victory in front of their own fans, forcing a decisive third game. In that game, they showed nerves of steel: a shorthanded goal by Trevor Cheek in the sixth minute ultimately made the difference, securing Fehérvár’s sixth consecutive quarterfinal appearance.

In the subsequent playoff pick, regular-season winner Graz chose not to face Fehérvár, leaving EC-KAC to select the Hungarians. What followed was a series that will be remembered for a long time – beginning with a shock as Jordan Murray collapsed on the ice during Game one, forcing the match to be abandoned.

A few days later, the series resumed. It started with four consecutive home wins, then Fehérvár achieved an away victory in Klagenfurt (4-3), securing two match pucks. They converted the very first one, and just 25 days after almost being eliminated, Fehérvár had booked their spot in the semifinals.

Now, the Moser Medical Graz99ers await. Fehérvár enters the series once again as clear underdogs – but after this incredible journey, it’s clear this team is capable of anything. Game one in Graz will be broadcast live on Sporteurope.tv with Hungarian commentary.