On Saturday, March 19, the Antwerp Phantoms elite team played its last league game of the season in Division 1. Its opponent was Beaufort Knights. In principle, this match no longer mattered because the Antwerp team seized the national title on March 10. While away in Leuven, the ‘Sinjoren’ defeated the home team Chiefs 4-9. Despite having one game left to play, Phantoms had already won the title. After a whirlwind season with only 2 narrow defeats, the Phantoms led the standings with 34 points. Olympia Heist-o/d-Berg trailed as runner-up with 26 points and 2 games left to play. The 6 points to be earned (3 per win) were therefore not enough for Olympia to take the leading position. By also winning the last match, Phantoms widened the gap even more.
That last home game at Phantoms’ new ice venue Sportoase Groot Schijn on March 19, however, had an interesting fact: opponent Beaufort Knights from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg recently also became national champion in its own country. That last game therefore resulted in a true clash between the two national champions, which was eventually won by Antwerp Phantoms with 9-5 on the scoreboard. Relive the match via the Livestream.
However, the hockey season is not over yet for Antwerp Phantoms. After the national championship title, the team also remains in the running to win the inaugural Cup of Flanders. The final round will be played on April 2 (Kortrijk) and April 3 (Antwerp). Again, Phantoms is in the lead with only 1 defeat.
“The championship title is already a nice reward for our players, members and volunteers,” said club president Jan Pasmans. “Certainly, after a difficult period facing lots of challenges like the closure of the old ice rink, the temporary ice rink, the COVID lockdowns. A great way to celebrate our 50th anniversary!” The last title of the elite team dates back to 2015.
Cup and medals were presented by Elke Brydenbach, Alderman of Sport for District Deurne, and Marc Verlinden, RBIHF Vice-President.