EHL: New-look Orée face early season test from Léo – EHL

The new-look Orée face a big early season challenge on Friday evening as they take on Royal Léopold on day two of the men’s Carlsberg 0.0 league.

It follows their breakthrough season last year when they took third place to qualify for the EHL but, since then, much has changed with a new pitch laid down and sweeping changes to their panel.

They got off to a good start last weekend with a 3-0 win over Namur with goals from Lucio Mendez Pin, Loris Grandchamp and newcomer Victor Saint-Martin from a corner. But the Léo battle is likely to be a clearer indicator of where they stand.

“We are starting a new cycle,” said coach Facu Callioni to the official league website. “We are coming off several very successful seasons. Two years ago, we won the cup. Last year, we secured a spot in the EHL. We are competing with the future Belgian champions.

“We still want to be competitive but this year, the situation is quite different. The squad has changed enormously.”

Of those changes, Vincent Vanasch has joined Léopold. In defense, Dorian Thiéry, Lautaro Domene, and Hugo Labouchère will leave a big void.

In midfield, Luca Masso and Philippe Simar have also left while Martin Ferreiro will remain in Argentina for personal reasons.

“I’m losing nine players, including six or seven starters,” summarises Facu Callioni. “We’ve lost quality players and leaders. These guys were present during matches, but also in the locker room.”

As for the rebuild, Pierre De Gratie already has considerable experience in the Division d’Honneur in goal.

“Obviously, we’re not going to ask him to replace Vanasch. We’re giving him time to settle in. In defense, we have Matias Andreotti, an Argentinian who played in the World Cup.

“We also have striker Finn Ward, who played in the World Cup with New Zealand. We’ve brought in Malachi Buschl, another New Zealander who was at the Paris Olympics. He’s a defender and midfielder. Victor Saint-Martin has joined us, and his drag-flicks will be important for us.”

They have also added with four young Belgian players: Larry Fauchey, Raoul Thibaut de Maisières, Edouard Cambier and Guerlain Hawaux while Max Branicki was a late returnee after playing with Waterloo Ducks last season.

 “The mix is ​​interesting: Belgians, young players, and internationals,” Callioni continued.

“Everything needs to be rebuilt, and that takes time. I’m being honest. We’ve lost a lot of quality, leadership, experience, and team cohesion. Those who remain may have to change positions.

“We need to start from scratch and build our communication. Our ambition remains the same. We want to become competitive again as quickly as possible.”

Photo: Pauline Schumacker