Photos: Cas.sk
Mario Fehervary (right), father of Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary, and Leo Gudas (Left), father of Capitals defenseman Radko Gudas, recently sat for interviews with the Slovakian websites, cas.sk and nhl.sv. In the interviews, the fathers discussed the current playoffs and the future of Martin Fehervary.
Mario Fehervary (age 48) and Leo Gudas (age 55), had never met until they sat for coffee during a recent Capitals playoff game. It turns out their son’s would be playing side-by-side on the same defensive pairing. This was the first time in the playoffs and the second time during the 2019-20 season that the two players were on the same defensive pair.
The two men are proud of their NHL playing sons and rightfully so, even though the Caps had fallen behind in their first round series with the New York Islanders. [At time of publication, the Capitals had fallen behind three games to none and were just one loss away from elimination.]
Fehervery: “It’s a pity that they didn’t win this game in overtime, but it’s still not the end, and there is hope that they will turn it around. They have a strong team, so anything is possible.” At that point, Mario admitted not liking Gudas’ father when he played for Sparta. (Laughing)
Mario Fehervery had been aware of Leo Gudas during his playing career with Sparta [TJ Sparta ČKD Praha in the Czech League] but didn’t like him, as the elder Fehervery was a fan of Slovan.
Fehervery: “I am glad that we finally met in person and I’m grateful to him for his son, Radko, who helped my Martin a lot when he began playing in Washington.”
Gudas: Former legendary Czech defenseman, Leo Gudas, who has also served as coach, praised young Fehervary, “Martin is a young and skilled hockey player. I saw him play in a national jersey at the 2019 World Championships and I saw him during my visit to Washington. He has a great future.”
Fehervery: I won’t miss a single game, even if they play late at night. Sometimes I open a beer and watch the game on TV.”
Gudas: “I’ll have a beer too, but only one so that I don’t fall asleep (laughs).”
Martin Fehérváry has the opportunity to become a full time player on the Capitals team next season. Since the contracts of both Radko Gudas and Brenden Dillon end after this season, they become unrestricted free agents and their departures are very possible. (Gudas has been rumored to be in contact with Toronto). Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler also has an expiring contract and he will be a restricted free agent.
Fehérváry’s chances of earning a full time role on the Capitals team are also increased by the current financial situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Since teams have more limited budgets, the salary cap will not increase for the next three years, and this improves the chances of younger, cheaper players.
Further Reading
Czech Coach Gudas Praises Fehérváry
Fathers of Gudas and Fehervery Have Coffee
Siegenthaler, Kempny Benched; Fehervary, Gudas In; Boyd Out, Pinho In; Backstrom Out: Line Changes For Game 3
Martin Fehervary Solid In Capitals Postseason Debut
Marty Party: Capitals’ Martin Fehervary Makes Playoff Debut in Final Round-Robin Game Against Bruins
By Diane Doyle
