Friday, February 7, 2025

Top contenders for the European Hockey League Championship

The Euro Hockey League is the premier competition in club field hockey and has just gone into its 18th season under the guidance of the European Hockey Federation. Play began in early October 2024 and is due to finish when the Final 8 takes place over Easter 2025.

As the top league in European club field hockey, this is a tournament that fans of the sport follow avidly. This is not a surprise when you think of the drama, action and goals that games deliver.

With the second round of games now complete and the Final 8 confirmed, attention now turns to which of these eight are in with a decent chance of success. But who are the top contenders to take the championship in 2024/25? 

What do the bookmakers say?

Even if you don’t usually bet on hockey, looking at what the bookmakers think can help when deciding who might be serious contenders for the crown. 

Dutch sides are traditionally strong in field hockey, and especially in this tournament. This leaves last season’s runners-up, Kampong, riding high in current betting markets, alongside the UK’s Old Georgians. 

Leopold from Belgium have shown good form in 24/25’s edition, though, and could be in with a shout to take the title. Rotterdam and Bloemendaal have also impressed in the qualifying rounds for the Final 8 this year and are being tipped by many.

If you do like betting on hockey and plan to back one side to win the championship this season, just remember to pick a sportsbook with a generous welcome offer. Check out askgamblers.com/sports-betting/bonuses/welcome for more details on the best sites to choose from.

Top contenders for Euro Hockey League title 24/25

As shown above, some of the sides in 2024/25’s Final 8 seem to have more chance of taking the championship than others. Read on for a full rundown on each team and why they seem primed for glory:

Kampong

Based in Utrecht, Kampong are a real powerhouse of European field hockey and could well take the title this season. They almost did it last year but just lost out to Pinoké in the final by the narrowest of margins. This should leave them extra motivated to go one better this time around, and champing at the bit to avenge their previous loss. 

Qualifying to go straight in at the quarterfinal stage should give them an edge on the four sides that didn’t, and shows they have a talented squad. Experienced goalkeeper David Harte’s self-assurance will be key to keeping other teams at bay, as will the leadership of tough tackler Lars Balk. The attacking prowess of Terrance Pieters will also be central to any hopes they have of victory. 

Old Georgians 

This well-known UK side also qualified to enter this season’s European Hockey League at the quarterfinal stages and are fancied by many to do well. A very good performance in last year’s tournament will leave them full of confidence and shows they have what it takes to mix it with Europe’s best teams.

The side have also been in awesome form in the UK’s Men’s Premier League and often blow teams way with their offensive firepower. Although the Euro Hockey League will present a sterner test, they have some top players to rely on. 

Sam Ward and Alan Forsyth are the two forwards that other teams will be most wary of facing. The recent signing of Phil Roper should also be a massive boost for their chances. 

Rotterdam

Rotterdam have made it to the Final 8 in 24/25 via qualifying and showed excellent form along the way. A 9-0 first-round victory over Plzeň-Litice was followed by a thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Hamburger Polo Club in the second round. This not only showed their class and character but also their ability to perform in high-pressure games.

Jeroen Hertzberger remains their most dangerous player and is already one of the top scorers so far in this year’s event. His goals will be crucial if Rotterdam are to carry on their form and seriously try for the championship. 

Bloemendaal 

A 2-1 first-round win over Spanish side Real Club de Polo was followed by a 3-0 romp over Mannheimer HC to flag this team as potential winners. As multiple championship holders, they can never be counted out and look on course for another strong showing in 24/25. 

Dennis Warmerdam looks like a key forward player for them and netted two goals against Mannheimer. His prowess in front of goal will be needed against the best sides, as will the creativity of young English starlet Zach Wallace.

Leopold

When it comes to Belgium’s Leopold, it’s all about scoring machine Tom Boon. He has already been in fine form in the opening stages of the tournament in 2024/25 and could well fire them to glory. Their 4-0 win over Lille in the second round this season also showed the depth of talent they have to call on. 

Arthur Verdussen, for example, is an experienced leader who makes them a tough opponent to face, while Max Plennevaux has enough tricks in his locker to trouble anyone. The side will also be keen to avenge a quarterfinal exit in last year’s competition and this should see them fired up to do well. Leopold have shown already what a strong attacking force they are and this should provide a warning to anyone who faces them.

Europ Hockey League 24/25: who will win?

The Euro Hockey League is always a hotly contested affair and 2024/25’s edition looks set to be no exception. Now the initial round of games has given way to Easter 2025’s Final 8, fans will soon see which team comes out on top. Those we have looked at above certainly have what it takes to clinch the championship and taste glory. Although it’s hard to say for sure who might eventually win, you should not be surprised to see one of the sides mentioned here take home the crown. 

Hockey Factory Shop

spot_img

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

Special 2025 EuroHockey awaits for Mönchengladbach’s 50th anniversary

Germany is gearing up to host the 2025 EuroHockey Championships, an...

Hockey India League: Tamil Nadu Dragons ‘robbed’ after semi-final backstick controversy

Tamil Nadu Dragons’ goalkeeper David Harte poured scorn on Hockey India...

Hockey India League diary: adopting dogs, PC woes and Aussie U-turns

The Hockey Paper has been on the ground in Rourkela bringing...

‘I value my life too much not to wear a face mask at PCs’

Rourkela -- Tom Sorsby scored a crucial goal to keep his...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img