This Friday (25 March), one of the highlights of the European hockey calendar will get underway in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam’s historic Wagener Stadium playing host to Euro Hockey League’s (EHL) ever-entertaining KO16 weekender.
The four-day event, often referred to as the 'jewel in the crown' of the European Hockey Federation’s showpiece men’s club competition, features 16 teams from eight countries all vying for the four available tickets to EHL’s FINAL4 competition, which will take place at Barcelona’s Pau Negre Stadium in May.
EHL KO16 is an electrifying weekend of knockout action where every match is treated like a cup final. This is the 'win or go home' phase of the competition, keeping everyone edge of their seat from the first minute to the last.
Over the past nine years, the EHL has deservedly earned a reputation as being one of the most important hockey competitions in the world. As well as featuring many of the finest players on the planet, the competition has also been at the forefront of Hockey’s willingness to embrace change.
As well as exceptional broadcast coverage, the EHL has been an important testing ground for some of the sport’s most significant rule changes, the most notable being the 'self-pass', which has made the game even faster and more dynamic than ever.
The fan experience has always been a crucially important factor, with outstanding online coverage, live streaming and a commitment to making the time spent within the stadium as satisfying and entertaining as possible.
For instance, at this weekend’s event in Amsterdam, the public will have access to free and unlimited wifi within the stadium, giving fans to the ability to share videos, pictures and tweets with friends in any way they choose.
With its innovation and increased levels of professionalism, the Euro Hockey League is very much in line with FIH’s Hockey Revolution Strategy creating a powerful image for hockey as the sport aims to become a global game that inspires the next generation.
The upcoming KO16 event in Amsterdam will be extra special this year, as it features a trio who were recently honoured in FIH’s Hockey Stars of 2015. FIH Player of the Year Robert van der Horst (Netherlands) will be in action for Dutch giants and reigning champions Oranje Zwart, while FIH Goalkeeper of the Year David Harte (Ireland) will be a key player for another Dutch side, SV Kampong. FIH Umpire of the Year Nathan Stagno will also be taking to the field, ahead of his appearances at the FIH Champions Trophy in London and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games later this year.
In terms of the matches, there are many highlights on the agenda. On Friday, a meeting between two of Germany’s biggest clubs takes centre stage, with Rot Weiss Köln taking on Moritz Fürste’s UHC Hamburg, the EHL’s most decorated side with three titles to their name.
There is also a potentially fascinating clash between Belgium’s KHC Dragons and Atlètic Terrassa of Spain, with the former being bolstered by the return of Red Lions star Thomas Briels and the latter having added to their ranks with Spanish internationals Roc Oliva and Pol Garcia-Cascon back at the club.
Saturday’s highlights include an all-Spanish meeting between Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and near neighbours Club Egara, which has the potential to be an absolute thriller.
Host club Amsterdam H&BC will also be in action, taking on Wimbledon of England, while Robert van der Horst’s Oranje Zwart take on Belgium’s Royal Leopold, a side that includes two former Oranje Zwart players in Spain star Gabriel Dabanch and Belgium international Elliot van Strydonck.
The KO8 quarter-final phase will be played on Sunday and Monday, with the surviving teams aiming to seal their place at the Final Four event in Barcelona.
You can keep track all the action from this weekend’s Euro Hockey League KO16 event in Amsterdam via the EHL’s website and digital channels on the links below.
Website: www.ehlhockey.tv
Live streaming: www.youtube.com/user/fihockey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuroHockeyLeague/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EHLHockeyTV
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ehlhockeytv/
Hashtags: #EHL #EHLKO16
Note: Although the EHL website will also be live streaming every single match to a global audience, access will depend some on existing broadcast rights agreements within your territory. More information will be available on the Euro Hockey League website.
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Photo: EHL / Frank Uijlenbroek
