League Champions Kelburne face Europe’s finest in EHL

National League Division 1 Champions Bromac Kelburne travel to Barcelona for Round 1 of the European Hockey League (EHL) this week, with progress to the last 16 of the continent’s top club competition the target for Scotland’s representatives.

Standing in their way of a place in the next round are Austrian side SV Arminen and Spanish outfit Athletic Terressa, who they face in Pool D.

Matches at this level are no easy win, but captain Johnny Christie believes a place in the last 16 is achievable if his side plays to their full ability, “We may have lost Mark Fulton in goal but we have gained top Australian keeper Ben Rennie who has been great”, said Christie. “We have also brought in top goal scorer and ex-international Dougie Simpson and Spanish talent Jordi Rovira.”

“It will be tough but we are stronger than last year and we believe we can get to the last 16. We have a great mix of youth and experience in the side, from old guys like me at 31 who have competed in many European competitions to young Jack McKenzie at 18, this being his first experience of EHL hockey.”

SV Arminen are the Scottish champions’ first clash on Friday. Many of the Austrian side are current international players and recently competed in the FIH World League 1 competition. The Austrians made their EHL debut last season but inexperience should not be considered a prerequisite to underestimating their potential. The outcome of this match will be critical to the Paisley side’s ambitions.

Following a rest day, Spanish side Athletic Terrassa are their opponents on Sunday. The Spanish side’s best result is reaching the last 8 in 2011/12 and with a team full of experienced international players this will be tough test.

Bromac Kelburne

Bromac Kelburne Squad List

Ben Rennie

Andrew Wilkie

Mark Ralph

Michael Nicol

Craig Morton

Adam Bain

Jordi Rovira

Michael Bremner

Iain Scholefield

Chris Nelson

Michael Christie

Lee Morton

Douglas Simpson

Jonathan Christie (c)

Jack McKenzie

Ross McIntyre

 

Friday 10th October

SA Arminen v Bromac Kelburne

Start time 11.30am (BST)

 

Sunday 12th October

Athletic Terrassa v Bromac Kelburne

Start time 11.00am (BST)

 

Live streaming of both matches is available on the EHL website here

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