Zach Wallace says he wants to add more success for HC Bloemendaal after one of world hockey’s top stars signed with the Dutch club ahead of next season.
Wallace, 23, has been playing for HGC in the Dutch Hoofdklasse and despite the 2023/24 season coming in Olympic year, the Briton will remain on the continent as Bloemendaal, coached by Rick Mathijssen, set for a rebuild and attempt a fourth Euro Hockey League title in a row.
Wallace joins Wigert Schut, who has signed from HDM, with several top Bloemendaal players retiring at the end of the season. They include Tim Swaen, Roel Bovendeert and Glenn Schuurman.
German great Florian Fuchs, 31, was expected to retire this season, but added a fourth title with his Dutch club as Bloemendaal became the first side to win three EHL titles in a row last month.
“Bloemendaal has a long tradition of success,” said Wallace, sitting alongside a large portrait of club great Teun de Nooijer in the club’s boardroom.
“I would like to be part of that. Bloemendaal is such a great team. Look at the famous names that came before me.’
‘It is a team with an enormous winning mentality. That sounds great to me and I can learn from it.
Michiel Hilders, of Bloemendaal’s Tophockey committee, added: “Zach is currently one of the most spectacular players in the Dutch league and we are happy to welcome him to Bloemendaal. It is very nice that he wants to commit himself to our club for a longer period of time.
“Of course as a hockey player, but also as a person I’m sure he will fit in very well with the group.”
