A string of players who shone in last season’s EHL or will light up this year’s competition have been named on the FIH Stars shortlists for 2022.
Den Bosch’s Frédérique Matla is up for the women’s player of the year award having completed the perfect set of titles. She went on a goal rush to help the Netherlands win the Pro League and World Cup in addition to Hoofdklasse laurels with her club along with and EHL silver medal.
AH&BC Amsterdam’s Felice Albers is also on the list and she was among her club’s star turns in their EHL glory at Easter. Junior FC’s Gigi Oliva took EHL bronze.
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Matla’s club mate Josine Koning is in the final five for the women’s goalkeeper of the year. SCHC’s Pien Dicke – who is likely to make her EHL debut next Easter – is vying for the Rising Star of the Year.
On the men’s side, Thierry Brinkman had a perfect year, winning the Pro League as well as the EHL and the Hoofdklasse crown to earn his place on the shortlist.
Germany’s Niklas Wellen was instrumental in Pinoké’s first ever run to the Dutch championship final and qualification for the EHL. He has since moved back to his home country and Crefelder HTC but there will be FIH Star nominee in the Pinoké line-up with Miles Bukkens on the men’s Rising Star shortlist.
He is on there with Atlètic Terrassa’s penalty corner gun Pau Cunill and France’s Timothée Clément who will play in the EHL this season with Gantoise.
The final shortlist was established by an expert group composed of players, former players, coaches and officials selected by each of their Continental Federations.
Fans and players can cast their vote here. The voting process will remain open till 30 September at midnight CEST, with the winners for all categories being announced in early October 2022.