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Polish hockey players seek asylum

By FERRY WIMMER

VIENNA, Austria -- Three members of the Polish ice hockey team sought political asylum Monday, saying they wanted to flee Poland's martial law regime for better lives in the West.

'We decided to defect because we wanted to get away from the military regime and its martial law in our home country,' said Andrezej Malysiak, 25, one of the three.

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The two others who defected after the world ice hockey championships ended Saturday were identified as Boguslav Maj, 21, and Justin Denusiak, 21. Poland 's national team won a bronze medal in the competition.

All three said they are seeking contracts with ice hockey teams in the West.

Malysiak, regarded as the best forward of the Polish team, said he wants to play in West Germany since he has an uncle who lives near Hamburg.

'I made quite good money in Poland since I was among the best players of our country,' Malysiak said. 'But it was not enough because prices have gone up by 300 percent since January.

'Besides, we see more chances for our career in the West than in our country that offers no chances to the youth.'

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Malysiak said he and his collegues are seeking contracts with ice hockey clubs in either Austria or West Germany.

Walter Wasservogel, secretary of the International Ice Hockey Federation, warned that any player leaving his home country would have to wait 18 months before he could play abroad.

But Austrian hockey officials said the Polish Ice Hockey Federation might be willing to release the escapees from any obligation and approve their signing with foreign clubs if Poland gets compensation from the West in the way of ice hockey equipment.

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