Another 'foreign/import' goalkeeper to have played from overseas in the Belgian leagues is none other than the great Kyle Pontifex. Pontifex went across to play in their national league in the midst of the London Olympic campaign build up for the chance to gain exposure to a different style of hockey and test himself against some of the world's best players (don't forget how good Tom Boon is!), whilst the demands of amateur hockey in his homeland putting stresses on career and personal life (yes, athletes have that 'thing' too!). Can't remember which team it is and will have to have a root around Youtube to find clips of him in action, but this link gives a little more playing info on the man himself...!
Showing posts with label Belgian hockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belgian hockey. Show all posts
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Sunday, 6 April 2014
Dierrickx getting replaced at Leuven?
With a few goalkeeping changes occuring in Belgian's top league, with Vanasch off to Holland and others retiring, it seems worth commenting on the change at KHC Leuven. Laurent Dierickx has been there a while since joining from Waterloo Ducks (I think!) but it looks as if he has been phased out of first team action. Looks like he's been replaced by a young goalie with a good enough technical base and the reactions to boot but might need a bit of work to develop to peak properly. You can see him in action in the clip below:
Given how much I'm lacking on info, might need to do a little research!!
Given how much I'm lacking on info, might need to do a little research!!
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Leroy another retiree at the end of the season
Manu Leroy will be joining the list of retiring goalkeepers at the end of the Belgian season, with the final games for the Euro Hockey League playoff places being his last ever with his club KHC Dragons. Leroy who had a break out season with Waterloo Ducks, impressing in the European tournament format, before making the squad list for the Belgian team for the London Olympic buildup and similar success with his new side Dragons in Europe. Given his ability in goal, as one of the few elite goalkeepers in Europe, and his crowd pleasing persona and charisma, he will surely be missed by goalkeeping critics/analysts and fans alike.
I for one am a big fan of his overall developed technical game and think he is one of the best around, proving himself at club level before drawing praise, the alternate way round rather than expected instant success from junior international involvement. And having been lucky enough to watch him play in person, when East Grinstead held the Euro Hockey League second qualifying round in 2012, it was a little shock news when I found out.
You can find out more about the news via EHL breaking the story here:
I for one am a big fan of his overall developed technical game and think he is one of the best around, proving himself at club level before drawing praise, the alternate way round rather than expected instant success from junior international involvement. And having been lucky enough to watch him play in person, when East Grinstead held the Euro Hockey League second qualifying round in 2012, it was a little shock news when I found out.
You can find out more about the news via EHL breaking the story here:
Leroy always had an 'air' about him and here he is roaming his area waiting to counter a through ball!
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Vanasch signs with Oranje Zwart
This is one I didn't see coming (although being more involved with the Dutch hockey scene would probably help!), but it's now old news that Vincent Vanasch has signed with Dutch club Oranje Zwart to play in the Hoofdklasse in September. Apparently Mark Jenniskens wants to take a step down from the level of commitments required to play at this standard of competitive hockey, which makes a lot of sense considering the age of a prime time goalkeeper coinciding with professional and career options a deciding point, and considering he has been pushed out of the international set-up by the quality of goalkeeping in Holland's depth charts. With Sam Van der Ven doing well for HGC post-Vogel's retirement, and Pirmin Blaak continuing to improve, there isn't much chance for Jenniskens to break into the squad against this kind of logjam. Another country perhaps, but not Holland right now!
The switch also means Waterloo Ducks will be looking for a new goalkeeper. Vanasch's international competition in Gucasoff and Leroy would be a solid choice, with both of them technically sound and able shot stoppers. Leopold's youngster Henet could be a great option with long term benefit given his age and unquestionable ability. Will have to try and find out who it is that Watdu will choose, but either way, will have a big impact on next season in spite of having such a strong and capable squad, as they push for league winning and Euro Hockey League status.
The switch also means Waterloo Ducks will be looking for a new goalkeeper. Vanasch's international competition in Gucasoff and Leroy would be a solid choice, with both of them technically sound and able shot stoppers. Leopold's youngster Henet could be a great option with long term benefit given his age and unquestionable ability. Will have to try and find out who it is that Watdu will choose, but either way, will have a big impact on next season in spite of having such a strong and capable squad, as they push for league winning and Euro Hockey League status.
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Gucasoff switches to Obo elbow pad
Not exactly another groundbreaking (or not as the case may be!) equipment sighting, but it's noticable that Belgian goalkeeper Gucasoff has changed up his arm padding again, moving to the current Obo elbow pad design.
Gucasoff has gone from a "Dutch" approach (with no arm padding at all for maximum movement at the arms possible for those reflex glove saves etc.) playing for Brucelles, as seen here:
And is now wearing the Obo elbow pad, again, still just on the right, with the left unpadded for more freedom getting across uninhibited by padding, as seems to be the most popular kit style in Belgium:
Gucasoff has gone from a "Dutch" approach (with no arm padding at all for maximum movement at the arms possible for those reflex glove saves etc.) playing for Brucelles, as seen here:
And played like this as he was involved in the international set-up in the build-up to the London Olympic games:
And then moved to an elbow pad on the right arm only, which he moved to in the
latter point of last season, wearing a Mazon elbow pad (which seem quite
popular in Belgium interestingly, though they're made by an Australian company!):
The Obo pad gives more padding at the inner and outer elbow, with more padding at the elbow joint, giving more substantial protection, which is important, from protecting against shots to these areas, which could be disastrous for the goalkeeper in question.
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Gucasoff switches to TK Plus LHP too?
Another goalkeeper that seems to have made the switch to the TK1 Plus left hand glove (based on the old vision glove and often refered to as the "soft" version like the Softs pads and kickers range), is Jeremy Gucasoff. Belgium's second choice, who has been playing in the Euro Hockey League of late, this weekend gone, was previously using the standard TK lhp. I think it is the Plus version, as currently used by Pirmin Blaak, as blogged about previously, otherwise it looks to be a Rags glove, as the noticeable target symbol is missing, as can be seen from playing footage. Interesting to know whether it is due to weight of glove or saving properties etc.
You can see Gucasoff in action in the clip below, with the equipment change, he is in the green jersey and white helmet:
You can see Gucasoff in action in the clip below, with the equipment change, he is in the green jersey and white helmet:
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Spain's Garcia Gascon playing for Daring
Pol Garcia-Gascon is an overseas player currently playing for Royal Daring Hockey Club in the Belgian elite league. The Spanish star, formerly of Athletic Terrassa, is potentially the only overseas goalkeeper in the league, although Kyle Pontifex has played in Belgium previous. It's his second season in the league (I think!), having played for them last season. He brings an extra dimension to the game with his style, offering a more difficult goalkeeper to read and beat than what his Belgian opponents are potentially normally used to.
You can see him in action below (in the blue jersey and Brabo pads and white helmet):
You can see him in action below (in the blue jersey and Brabo pads and white helmet):
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Waterloo Ducks' youngster Steyaert getting the starts
Not sure if Vanasch is injured or something, especially with the Euro Hockey League round over Easter coming up shortly, but it looks like Waterloo Ducks' second choice goalkeeper, Steyaert, their youngster, is currently getting the starts in the Belgian national league. Kit wise, he uses mostly Brabo foam; pads, kickers and lhp, with a TK rhp and Obo mask notably. Seems to have had a run of games so need to find out what's happening with Vanasch, who has started to show his abilities in the elite of the world stages, including Olympic action and the recent Champions Trophy not so long ago last year.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Gucasoff at Racing
Watching some highlights of the Belgian hockey league, I realised that Gucasoff is actually at Racing. Small, trivial detail, but I don't like to be wrong! And with hockey having less coverage than other sports, it's more glaringly obvious! So, they you have it! Playing well enough to be chosen as the reserve internationally but Vanasch is looking like he will be hard to beat out for the top spot, really developing as a short corner specialist and commanding his D well right now.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Gucasoff Belgium's second choice
After a bit of research, it turns out Jeremey Gucasoff is Belgium's second choice at the Champions Trophy, having moved up via the junior system. Makes an interesting choice as I thought Manu Leroy (who is pretty good, well according to me!) was in contention after recent training matches with the international set-up before the Olympics. Not sure which club Gucasoff is, but assume it is at Brussels, with him getting experience at the Euro Hockey league two years ago.
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