The Belgian men's hockey squad has shown incredible form recently. Throughout the 2020/21 Men’s FIH Pro League, they've maintained a scoring average of three goals per game, with defender Alexander Hendrickx leading the charts with 10 goals.
Belgium’s men’s hockey team in recent years has been in stellar form on the field. They have averaged so far three goals a game in the 2020/21 Men’s FIH Pro League. Alexander Hendrickx, primarily a defender is the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals this season.
Their scoring threat is widespread, providing great support to an attacking core featuring Tanguy Cosyns, captain Thomas Briels, Cedric Charlier, and Florent Van Aubel. At the moment, Belgium likely boasts the most formidable offense in men's hockey.
Following a three-month break over the New Year, the 2020/21 Men’s FIH Pro League has returned, and association leaders believe this kicks off a monumental year for the team.
Currently ranked number one in the world, the Red Lions are aiming for a gold medal to improve upon their second-place finish in 2019. They've just wrapped up a productive training stint in Gran Canaria and feel they are in peak condition to face any opponent.
Their capacity for clinical finishing was on full display at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they racked up 29 goals, including a crushing 12-0 victory over the hosts, Brazil, during the group phase.
Although the squad is integrating fresh talent like William Ghislain and 20-year-old Thibeau Stockbroekx, their greatest advantage heading into the season is their deep well of experience.
The roster is seasoned, with ten players having earned over 200 caps. For instance, Sebastien Dockier hit the 200-game mark during a 3-2 victory in Spain on February 5th, while the legendary John-John Dohmen celebrated his 400th international appearance during that same set of matches.
These figures are staggering, showing that while this isn't a 'young' team, the players still have plenty of competitive years left. Their recent trajectory has been stellar, becoming world champions in 2018 and claiming the European title a year later.
Red Lions have become first-time world champions in 2018 and a year later, European champions.
Looking at these statistics, it's clear that Belgium is currently fielding a 'golden generation' of hockey talent.
Despite their incredible scoring record, vast international experience, and previous trophies, Olympic gold remains the one prize that has slipped through the Red Lions' fingers. With key figures like Dohmen and Briels now 33, the window of opportunity to make history is wide open.