Gantoise’s men confirmed they will return to the EHL next season as they got the result they needed to top the Belgian league table.

Going into the final series, there was a mathematical chance they could be overhauled by Royal Léopold but they stormed to a 5-2 win over Herakles to seal the deal.

They did trail to an early Amaury Keusters goal butdouble from Romain Duvekot and Alexander Hendrickx saw them turn things around to lead 4-1 with five minutes to go.

A late exchange of goals – with Duvekot completing his hat trick – put them out of sight.

Léo, meanwhile, were not able to fulfil their half of the bargain as they fell to a 4-3 home loss to Orée, a result which saw them end six points back in the final standings.

Gantoise will next face Waterloo Ducks in the playoff semi-finals after they eased to a 10-1 win against Namur.

Braxgata, meanwhile, will play Léo in the playoff semi-finals after the former beat Racing Club de Bruxelles 3-2 to end in third place.