The stage is set in Lisburn for the EuroHockey Club Trophy I, where seven top-tier clubs from across Europe will battle it out over Easter weekend. With places in the 2025/26 Euro Hockey League hanging in the balance, two pools of teams will contest the group stages before the pool winners meet in a winner-takes-all clash for top honors and precious EHL ranking points.
Here’s a look at the contenders:
Pool A
Lisnagarvey HC (IRL) – The Hosts and Defending Champions
Lisnagarvey return to the Trophy I as reigning champions, having lifted the title in Lousada last year. Now, on home soil, they aim to defend their crown in front of a passionate Lisburn crowd.
Packed with Irish internationals, including the dynamic Nelson brothers—Matthew, Ben and Daniel – Peter McKibbin; the squad boasts Olympic pedigree and plenty of European experience.
Club stalwarts like captain Andy Williamson and goalkeeper James Milliken (also a solicitor by day and rock band frontman by night) highlight the club’s blend of professionalism and personality.
Head coach Erroll Lutton praised his side’s resilience through a congested domestic schedule:
“Every player has had an impact and I am confident we can perform well in front of a home crowd.”
With a family atmosphere and deep-rooted connections to the club, Garvey enters the tournament in strong domestic form, currently leading the EY Hockey League and through to the Irish Senior Cup final.
Cardiff & Met (WAL) – Wales’ Top Side Ready to Represent
Longtime leaders of Welsh hockey, Cardiff & Met return to European competition with a strong and balanced squad. With senior Welsh internationals like Owain Dolan Gray—fresh off earning his 150th cap and adjusting to life as a new dad—and emerging U21 talents, they bring a depth of experience and energy.
Head coach Walid Abdo sees this tournament as the perfect capstone to a strong campaign:
“It will be a great end to our season, showcasing our team on a European level.”
Currently ninth in the English Premier League and confirmed to stay up for a third season, Cardiff & Met have used tough domestic fixtures to gear up for their Trophy I challenge.
Grange (SCO) – Consistent European Campaigners from Scotland
A familiar face on the European stage, Grange brings a wealth of experience and a solid domestic campaign into the Trophy I. With Scotland internationals like David Nairn, Jamie Green, and Jacob Tweedie in their ranks, they offer a gritty, well-drilled unit.
Despite minimal preparation specific to this tournament, their recent league form is strong, and they’re still in contention for Scottish league honors, currently sitting third ahead of the play-offs.
SK Slavia Prague (CZE) – Czech Giants with a Youthful Edge
One of the most storied clubs in Czech hockey, Slavia Prague, enters the Trophy I with a young but ambitious squad. Captain Dubina, midfield maestro Babický, and rising stars like 16-year-old Toms and 20-year-old Plachý reflect a team combining potential with top-level experience.
After two straight national finals lost on penalties, Slavia are hungry for silverware and have warmed up with intense friendlies against the likes of SV Arminen and Grunwald Poznań. With several players already seasoned in EHL and Trophy events, they won’t be fazed by the spotlight.
Pool B
ASD Tevere EUR Hockey (ITA) – Italian Leaders on the Rise
Tevere EUR arrive in Lisburn as leaders of Italy’s top division and recent winners of the Italian Super Cup. Spearheaded by national team captain Leonardo Palumbo and coach-player Mirko Chionna, the Roman club is eyeing a deep run at this year’s Trophy I.
Their current domestic form is impeccable, sitting atop the elite league, and their squad features a core of national team regulars, including Felix Dionisi Vici and Francesco Guiggi. With a mix of tactical discipline and high individual skill, Tevere could be a dark horse in the competition.
CAM 92 (FRA) – Champions Indoors and Out
One of France’s most historic clubs, CAM 92, is in superb form heading into this tournament. After claiming their first national indoor title since 2009 and riding a 13-game winning streak in the outdoor championship, they look primed to contend.
The return of the Clément brothers—Timothée and Mathis—has added star power, with Timothée having featured in the Olympic Games. The squad includes six current French internationals and five youth national team players, underlining the club’s commitment to development and high performance.
Head coach Aymeric Bergamo is embracing the challenge:
“Each match is a final. Our team is young but talented. We are going to give our all on the pitch to live up to our ambitions.”
OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa (UKR) – Ukrainian Powerhouse Seeks Breakthrough
With 22 Ukrainian titles to their name and two previous Trophy I silver medals, OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa is a club with a deep history and a hunger for European success. Led by key figures Mykhailo Yasinskii and Volodymyr Kaplinskyi, they have dominated domestically this season.
Their preparation may have been focused solely on the Ukrainian championship, but their pedigree and past performances at this level mean they can’t be underestimated.
What’s at Stake
The format sees the winners of each pool face off to determine joint 1st place and, critically, to secure EHL ranking points. With the prestige of representing their nation in the continent’s top-tier competition on the line, the EuroHockey Trophy I promises high-quality action and passionate play.
Whether it’s the host heroes Lisnagarvey, the resurgent French champions CAM 92, or one of the other ambitious sides, Lisburn is set for a thrilling showcase of Europe’s finest club hockey just beneath the EHL top tier.
Follow the scores here
