Preview: Kelburne in Euro Hockey League Rd1

Kelburne v Grange 3

Bromac Kelburne play in the opening pool round of this season`s Euro Hockey League in Banbridge this weekend, with the Scottish champions facing Russian side Dinamo Kazan on Friday and then Atletica Terrassa from Spain on Sunday. Only one side progresses to the knock-out stages, which will make it a very competitive weekend of hockey.

“It will take an amazing effort over the weekend to qualify for the next level,” said Gordon Shepherd, Kelburne`s coach. “We have a team that is capable of scoring and playing attacking hockey but we must defend well to have a chance.”

Shepherd added, “We have video of both Kazan and Terrassa as both have been regulars in the EuroLeague, but that just shows they are playing at a high level year-in, year-out.”

Kelburne finished their build-up with a four goal victory over Western Wildcats last weekend with new recruits Nick Finlayson (New Zealand), Ryan Holding (Australia) and Jonus Nommensen (Germany) showing up well.

Shepherd has added Adam Bain, Johnny Christie, Josh Cairns and Rory Kerr to last weekend`s squad, but there is no place for 15-year-old Finn Halliday – he is too young for the EuroLeague but travels with the squad for experience.

Kelburne is looking to reach the KO16 for the first time since 2013 and are playing in the Euro Hockey League for an eighth season.


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