Following the completion of the superb Round 1 events in Barcelona (ESP) and Lille (FRA), the Euro Hockey League (EHL) and the European Hockey Federation (EHF) are delighted to announce Oranje Zwart MHC as the host club of a truly unique KO16-Final Four double event at Easter 2014.
Between Wednesday 16th and Monday 21st April 2014, the Eindhoven-based club will welcome 16 of Europe’s finest teams to their venue for a stunning six day knock-out tournament which will eventually lead to the crowning of the new European champions.
It is the first time in EHL history that the KO16 and Final Four events have merged, a decision which was taken to aid player preparations for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 which takes place in The Hague later in the year.
The joint event promises to be a magical and memorable week in the history of the world’s greatest club competition, where some of the finest players on the planet will be giving it their all to win the much-coveted Alain Danet Trophy.
"We are proud that Oranje Zwart and Eindhoven have been chosen to host the EHLKO16- Final Four", said Oranje Zwart President Simon van den Boomen. ‘Eindhoven and the EHL both have always stood for innovation and I am convinced Oranje Zwart will host a memorable event in this tradition."
"Oranje Zwart and Eindhoven have proven to be strong partners for hockey in the past. Simon and his team at Oranje Zwart are fully capable of hosting this inspiring tournament", said Jons Hensel, President of the EHL. "I look forward to taking this event to the next level."
Oranje Zwart are one of 16 qualifiers that will compete in this spectacular event, with compatriots H.C. Rotterdam and Kampong also ensuring that there will be a strong Dutch contingent.
They will be joined by Reading HC(ENG), Rot-Weiss Köln (GER), Waterloo Ducks (BEL), Uhlenhorst Mülheim (GER), Harvestehuder THC (GER),Beeston HC (ENG), Real Club de Polo de Barcelona (ESP), Surbiton HC (ENG), Club de Campo de Madrid (ESP), KHC Dragons (BEL), WKS Grunwald Poznan (POL),RC Bruxelles (BEL) and St Germain HC (FRA).
All 16 clubs secured their place at KO16 thanks to top two finishes in their respective pools during October’s Round 1 tournaments in Barcelona and Lille.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in February, with full details being released by the Euro Hockey League as soon as they are available. For those of you who cannot make it in person, the Euro Hockey League website will be live streaming all of the action to a global audience, ensuring that you will not miss a thing.
Source Material: Euro Hockey League Media Release.
