#SafeReturn – when only 6 players can travel…

As hockey players, fans, umpires, parents return to the hockey fields all over Europe, we are taking some time to take a snapshot of what’s happening around Europe and who are the drivers to make hockey happen in a safe environment for players, club members and fans. #SafeReturn

This story came up over the last few days and reflects the reality of some clubs around Europe, what do we do when a team can’t travel with a full team, for whatever reason! How do we all cope with unusual circumstances?

This tale from Denmark when only 6 players could travel from Gentofte’s men’s first division team, what did their opposition do? Well, Sørbymagle Hockey Klub demonstrated one of the most perfect acts of fair play in how they reacted.

* “6 players travelled to Sørbymagle Hockey Klub to represent Gentofte’s men’s first division team. Sørby showed from the beginning excellent sportsmanship and had agreed to play six aside. Throughout the game, Sørby continued their sportsmanship. When goalie Christian most gracefully made a fantastic save using his crouch and needed to recover for 5-6 minutes. During this time Sørby took long corners instead of the two penalty corners they rightfully had been awarded and also took a player out until Christian was thankfully recovered. So we all played 5 aside. However, without substitutes, the 6 players had a rough match ahead of them. Sørby took the lead, but a few minutes later Gentofte successfully converted a penalty corner beautifully in the top corner and tied the game. That was the closest GHK came to getting points. Despite a very disciplined team effort by GHK, Sørbymagle could take the win with a 10 goal margin 17-7.

When that is said, quite a few positive experiences are worth mentioning.

1. Most importantly the players had great fun and enjoyed being together on the pitch. They fought vividly with smiles and laughs while cheering each other on. Especially Kim and Yogesh showed leadership when they could tell some of their younger teammates needed a dash on the shoulder or a piece of friendly advice.

2. Three of five penalty corners were converted.

3. Not completely justified in the final score, the team made many fine combinations that easily could have resulted in even more goals than the seven scored. Team youngster, 13-year-old Rune was voted man of the match after having scored his first senior goal and having made his opponents dizzy with his pirouette style dribblings. The other goals were scored by the second and third youngest, Alexander and Esben, who netted three times each.”

Thanks to both teams for allowing us to share with the hockey family in Europe, how hockey was played, in spite of their not being a full team! A #safereturn to hockey being perfectly demonstrated in Denmark and a fun day out for all!

*an extract from the Facebook page of Gentofte HK

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