Few names in European hockey evoke as much reverence as Ties Kruize — the Dutch maestro whose devastating corner striking helped shape a golden era for the Netherlands.

Born into hockey royalty — his father Roepie was also an international star — Ties spent his entire domestic career with Klein Zwitserland who dominated Dutch hockey in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With them, he captured eight consecutive Hoofdklasse titles along with EuroHockey Club Champions Cup victories in 1979 and 1981.

But it was his performances in orange that etched his name into international folklore.

In a career spanning a decade, Kruize earned 203, scoring 165 goals, a clinical weapon that redefined the role of the set piece in modern hockey.

He was a cornerstone of the Dutch team that won EuroHockey Championship gold in 1983 and the World Cup in 1973 where he scored the decisive goal in the final. In 1981 and 1982, he was part of the back-to-back Champions Trophy winning sides.

He also represented the Netherlands at the Olympic Games in 1972 Munich, 1976 Montreal and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and returned for a final major tournament at the 1986 World Cup, where he captained a new-look side in London.

Beyond the medals, Kruize’s impact lies in how he transformed the sport. His set-piece mastery set the benchmark for every specialist who followed. He was named World Hockey Player of the Year in 1975 and remains one of the most technically gifted players.

And, for good measure, he won Superstars in both 1977 and 1979, a European-wide televised all-round sports competition featuring elite athletes from all around the continent.

Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Ties Kruize — the king of the corner, and a true European hockey icon.

Ties Kruize (Netherlands)

203 caps

165 goals

Major team trophies (4)

Champions Trophy 1981, 1982

World Cup 1973

EuroHockey championships 1983