HGC are the Euro Hockey League champions for 2010-2011 Season having defeated Spain's Club de Campo 1-0 in an absorbing final in Wassenaar.
The tournament hosts netted their winning goal with just ten minutes of the match remaining, with Timmo Kranstauber beating Club de Campo keeper Xavi Trenchs from the penalty spot.
At the final whistle the capacity crowd went into delirium, with blue tickertape pouring onto the field in celebration of their achievement.
HGC captain Rob Short was handed the Alain Danet Trophy by European Hockey Federation President Martin Gotheridge and Jons Hensel, the Chairman of the Euro Hockey League board. The magnificent Short was named the Euro Hockey League's Most Valuable Player, and receiving a cheque for 5000 Euros from EHL Presenting Sponsor ABN AMRO.
'It has been a really tough season for us, so this is just elation and disbelief,ÔÇØ said HGC's Australian international defender Brent Dancer. ÔÇ£It is an unreal feeling.'
When asked about the contribution of his defensive partner and EHL Most Valuable Player Rob Short, Dancer commented: ÔÇ£He is standing the test of time, the old man with the grey hair. He is proving a lot of people wrong, and I would love him on my team any day of the week. He is hard as nails and doesn't give anything up. He is fantastic.'
Canadian international Short was also understandably thrilled with winning the Euro Hockey League. 'Ive been here (in The Netherlands) for 13 years and I haven't won anything, so it is a great feeling', said short, who holds the record number of international appearances for Canada alongside HGC team-mate Ken Pereira. ÔÇ£I'm so glad we could win it here. What a moment for the club after what has been a tough year for us. It is a great year now!'
On winning the EHL MVP award, the ever-modest Short played down his contribution. ÔÇ£It is of course an honour but my team supports me and listens to me even though I am sometimes tough on them. I am a proud captain and proud of my team.ÔÇØ
Earlier in the day, the women of Den Bosch claimed their 12th European title in succession with a 4-1 triumph over Leicester of England. Dutch penalty corner star Maartje Paumen scored twice with Sabine Mol also grabbing a brace. The Euro Hockey League third place match saw Reading HC (ENG) defeat Oranje Zwart (NED) thanks to a wonderful volley from team captain Rhys Joyce. Oranje Zwart and legendary Netherlands defender Jeroen Delmee's last ever game may have ended in defeat, but the 38-year-old was given a wonderful send off from the crowd and his team-mates.
More information and video highlights from all of Sunday's games can be found at www.ehlhockey.tv .
