Gantoise eager for more success after EHL Women’s bronze

Gantoise’s Fee Van den Abeele says her side’s willingness to learn has helped them overcome a change in personnel as they look forward to the second phase of the Belgian league season and the EHL.

The women’s team from Ghent saw some experience leave or retire last summer but with 34 points after 12 matches (eleven wins and one loss), their first-round results were practically perfect.

“Despite the changes – the average age in midfield has dropped considerably – we’re still a team with a lot of quality,” the 18-year-old Van den Abeele told the Carlsberg 0.0 league website.

“Some girls have taken on different roles, and more is expected of the youngsters now than last year.

“Stephanie Vanden Borre has obviously brought in a very important player. She’s a huge asset. Our defence is rock solid, and that gives us a lot of confidence. It’s something we can always rely on.”

She adds: “We’ve managed not to lose a single match so far, and honestly, I didn’t expect that at the start of the season. We played a few matches, like at home against Leuven and away at Léopold, where I immediately felt the engine kicking in.

“In those moments, the connections are strong and the ball moves from stick to stick at lightning speed. That’s when it’s truly enjoyable to be part of this team.”

They begin the second half of the season against Waterloo Ducks on Sunday while the EHL comes in early April where they will look to push on further from their 2025 bronze medal.

“We have to be sharp and focused from the start. Last year, we proved in the EHL that Belgian hockey is on par with other European countries and I believe we can achieve something great again soon.

“After the EHL, the focus shifts to the playoffs. Last year’s loss in the final only gave us extra motivation.”

According to Van den Abeele, the team is very eager to learn: “The excellent coaching by our staff plays a major role in that,” she says.

“We play a dynamic game, and that sometimes makes it difficult for other teams to defend us. That’s a strength, but at the same time, it can also be a pitfall if we don’t use it wisely enough. It’s important to know when to take liberties and when simplicity is the best option.”

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