With a bronze medal, the lads from Rotterdam mentioned goodbye to their EHL journey on Monday. The gained comfort ultimate towards Kampong (2-0) felt like rather more than a battle for the rostrum. It was a loaded duel stuffed with emotion, performed with a mission. ‘In opposition to Kampong it was about displaying character. We had mentioned to one another that we wished to offer Jeroen one thing again.’
Jeroen, that’s after all Jeroen Hertzberger. The 39-year-old assault chief will say goodbye to Rotterdam after this season and performed his final matches ever within the European prime competitors up to now few days.
Simply because the German Florian Fuchs, with six EHL titles, is affectionately referred to as Mister EHL , you may also stick that honorary title on the identify of Hertzberger. Because the first version of the Euro Hockey League in 2007-2008, nobody has been as correct as he’s. The at all times scoring striker was already on the prime of the highest scorers record earlier than this Easter weekend with 47 targets. In opposition to Previous Georgians (twice) and Gantoise (as soon as) he reached the long-lasting milestone of fifty targets.
‘That Jeroen is saying goodbye to the best European podium makes me, but in addition the group, emotional’, Rotterdam captain Thijs van Dam responded afterwards. ‘Whenever you see what was launched after the 2-0 towards Kampong, the tears of Hertz, the enjoyment of everybody… That’s what makes sport so stunning. And that’s what we do it for. That we have been capable of present the correct character in that duel, that’s what I’m happy with.’
Thijs van Dam Receives Congratulations from Jeroen Hertzberger After His Aim In opposition to Kampong. Guus Jansen on the Proper. Photograph: Bart Scheulderman
At breakfast at 1 / 4 previous six
It was not really easy for the Rotterdam gamers – together with Hertzberger – to complete the EHL properly. The elimination towards Gantoise on Saturday after shoot-outs had left a deep wound. A brand new dent within the bold plans that have been broken shortly earlier than by frequent lack of factors within the Hoofdklasse, making the play-offs virtually unattainable.
‘It has clearly not been the season we had in thoughts’, says Van Dam. ‘We should take a look at that very critically later. However after I take a look at Monday morning… We’re taking part in a match at 1 / 4 previous 9 within the morning that we truly don’t need to play. We have been already having breakfast within the resort at 1 / 4 previous six, along with the boys from Kampong. Then I’m happy with how we offered ourselves. We got here right here to win that match and that requires a sure behaviour and look. We mentioned to one another that we wished to offer Jeroen one thing again for every thing he has given this membership lately. That we succeeded, we are able to get pleasure from that for some time. Though we should look within the mirror very quickly.’
Emotional weeks
The principle participant himself fought again tears within the ultimate part of the match. Within the catacombs of the Den Bosch stadium, he spoke with a lump in his throat. ‘It has been an emotional few weeks because the announcement of my departure from the membership’, says the EHL prime scorer of all time. ‘I’ve been capable of keep robust as a result of I’ve centered on hockey. Quite a few guys mentioned they wished to play this match for me. I don’t want all that, however I believe it’s good. It’s a credit score to these guys that they’re conscious of my final EHL match. I actually admire that.’
Hertzberger fights again tears within the circle after the battle for bronze with Kampong. Photograph: Bart Scheulderman.
Hertzberger virtually didn’t even get to play the EHL Finals in Den Bosch. A hamstring harm saved him out of the league match towards Pinoké, the primary main league match he ever needed to miss as a consequence of an harm. ‘It’s a miracle that I used to be capable of play three matches in 4 days. I labored actually laborious for 13 days with our physio to get match. He patched me up for this match, the old style manner. I’m grateful to him for that.’
The magic of the EHL
With one and a half hamstrings, Hertzberger managed to attain 3 times and supply an help in three video games, however he was nonetheless not completely glad together with his personal contribution. ‘Statistically, it was an excellent weekend, however in the long run I might have preferred to have introduced extra to the ball,’ he says. ‘Sadly, that didn’t work out, additionally due to the adjusted substitution schedule. I performed so much lower than common. Too dangerous, however that’s the best way it’s.’
Jeroen Hertzberger and Thijs van Dam With The Bronze EHL Medal After the Win Over Kampong (2-0). Photograph: Bart Scheulderman
When requested what he’ll miss in regards to the EHL, he lets his gaze wander over the sphere and the stands on the Oosterplas. ‘All the things is just a bit bit completely different. The referees are completely different, the cameras are in a special place, it’s just a bit bit completely different from what you’re used to from the Premier League. There’s only a magical environment round that match. There are weird matches, many comebacks, a conflict of cultures and taking part in types. I believe that’s nice. The curiosity within the match, the big fan bases, the acquainted voices of commentators Nick Irvine and Simon Mason… It was nice to be a part of the EHL for therefore lengthy. After which I didn’t even play for Rotterdam for ten seasons.’
by Hockey.nl
