EuroHockey Club Challenge I Women 2026 (Brzeziny, Poland)
HAHK Mladost and Penarth celebrated women’s EuroHockey Club Challenge I glory following two extremely tight final battles in Brzeziny.
For Mladost, they were the first to prevail as Lucija Čepo’s 15th minute goal was all that separated them and Ukraine’s IFK SumDPU as they won a nail-biting encounter 1-0.
They had earlier let a penalty stroke chance slip while they also won six corners as they shaded the encounter
The side was overjoyed by the result with captain Martina Petretić saying: “This journey brought us a huge amount of experience, as we had never played at this level before.
“From game to game, we improved and grew stronger as a team. We have several experienced players, but also many young girls who brought great energy and a fresh style of play to the team.
“We are extremely happy to have won the EHCI, and it feels like the perfect way to round off all the hard work we have put in throughout the year.”
From the younger players in the side, they added: “We are honoured to be part of such an amazing team. The older girls have given us incredible support, and we have learned so much from their experience and guidance.
“This is our first EHCI victory, and it has been an unforgettable experience for all of us. We are very proud of what we achieved together, and we believe this is only the beginning.”
The final words went to Hrvoje Abramović: “As a coach, I’m proud of the way we competed against such strong and high-quality clubs throughout the tournament. We showed character, discipline, and togetherness in every game, and that’s something that gives me great satisfaction.
“I’m especially proud of the players for the way they fought on the court and never backed down, regardless of the opponent. Their commitment, energy, and team spirit were outstanding from start to finish.
“What makes this result even more special is the fact that we came to the tournament with seven junior players, who integrated into the team exceptionally well. They showed maturity, confidence, and real quality, and experiences like this are invaluable for their development.
“This tournament was an important step forward for our team and a strong sign that the club has a very bright future ahead.”
In the second final, Penarth left it all the way to the 60th minute when Harriette Wicock scored the vital goal against the hosts KS Hokej Start Brzeziny in a thrilling 3-2 battle.
It rocked back and forward throughout with captain Magdalena Pabiniak breaking the deadlock for the hosts with Amy Burton equalising for Penarth before half-time.
Carys Gordon put the Welsh team in front early in the second half only for Zuzanna Drożdż to send the game into final quarter locked at 2-2.
There, Penarth eventually made the crucial breakthrough from their ninth penalty corner to win the day and the promotion for Wales.
Captain Lottie Bates was delighted with this stunning end to a memorable season: “This fantastic win tops a monumental season for Penarth Ladies 1s winning 30 games out of 30 across the West Premier league, Welsh Cup and now EuroHockey Challenge I.
“We feel honoured to have represented Wales so well in this tournament as we are such a small nation but a nation with huge passion. We are so proud of the entire squad and everyone who has supported us along the way.
“The squad have juggled work, training and family life and have put in a huge amount of effort and dedication to earn these accolades. None of this could have been possible without our coach, Carys Gordon – she has been instrumental to our success.
“It has been great to mix with players from other nations throughout this tournament. It was a huge challenge to play the home nation in the final and a privilege to have played in front of an excitable home crowd. We hope the final was entertaining for them!
“We are incredible thankful to our main sponsors – Admiral, Penarth Dental Healthcare and Charles Stanley. Many thanks to the tournament organisers, officials and umpires.”
In the early matches to determine the fifth and seventh place finishers, Orient Lyngby concluded their upbeat weekend with a 2-1 win over HC Luxembourg.
Ana Pacheco put the Danes in front in the first quarter; Natalia Garcia equalised for Luxembourg in Q2 but a 59th minute penalty corner from Bente van Vlijmen won the day for Orient.
Gibraltar’s Europa produced a superb performance to be the other fifth place finisher as they won 5-0 against Copenhagen HC. They led almost from start to finish with Alexandra Casciaro putting them one up in the sixth minute.
Further goals followed from Anna de Torres and Reighann Mascarenhas-Olivero before half-time and Kate Gourley fired in two more in the second half.
Player of the tournament: Bente van Vlijmen (Orient Lyngby)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Anna Gabara (KS Hokej Start Brzeziny)
Top goalscorer: Amy Burton (Penarth)
Final rankings
1= HAHK Mladost (CRO)
1= Penarth (WAL)
3= IFK SumDPU (UKR)
3= KS Hokej Start Brzeziny (POL)
5= Orient Lyngby (DEN)
5= Europa (GIB)
7= HC Luxembourg (LUX)
7= Copenhagen HC (DEN)
