With dazzling stickwork, unmatched flair and an instinct for the extraordinary, Stefan Blöcher thrilled fans and tormented defences throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Today, one of the great creative forces receives his due as a EuroHockey Hall of Fame inductee.

Blöcher played 259 international matches for West Germany, scoring 129 goals and was the lynchpin for West Germany, winning EuroHockey Championship as a teenager in 1978.

He added three Euro indoor titles over the next 13 years as well as winning silver medals at the Los Angeles and Seoul Olympics, albeit missing the final of the latter due a severe concussion.

Blöcher also picked up a 1982 World Cup silver and was a three-time Champions Trophy victor.

His artistry and control made him a nightmare for defenders and a joy for fans — a showman who always played with purpose. Indeed, this was revered the world over with some Asian commentators labelling him the “white Pakistani” on account of his skill-set.

He was duly recognised as the 1987 World Player of the Year.

Today, we welcome him into the EuroHockey Hall of Fame, where his name joins the legends he once played alongside — and those he inspired.

Welcome, Stefan Blöcher — the wizard with the stick, and a true European icon.

Stefan Blöcher (Germany)

259 caps (including 46 indoors)

129 goals

Major trophies (7)

EuroHockey Championship 1978

EuroHockey Indoor Championship 1980, 1984, 1991

Champions Trophy 1986, 1987, 1988

** Stefan Blöcher is the fourth person inducted into the EuroHockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, joining Fanny Rinne, Ties Kruize and Mijntje Donners. All four will be formally inducted during August’s EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach.