HOCKEY NEWS - The Crusaders Men’s hockey team have been crowned the 2026 Eden Senior Men’s Hockey League champions after edging out the defending champions, York Blues, in a thrilling 4-3 final.
The Crusaders made a flying start to the season, convincingly defeating their opponents in the opening two rounds.
Following a short school holiday break, they faced their toughest test of the pool stages when they came up against the 2025 champions, York Blues.
York showed why they were the reigning champions, handing Crusaders a convincing 7-2 defeat.
The loss, however, did little to derail the Crusaders’ campaign. They bounced back strongly, winning four of their remaining five pool matches. Their only other defeat came against Old Oaks from Knysna.
At the end of the pool stages, York Blues finished top of the standings, with Crusaders in second place, Kwaggas Hockey Club third and Old Oaks fourth.
The results set up two exciting semi-finals.
York Blues booked their place in the final with an emphatic 8-2 victory over Old Oaks in the first semi-final.
In the second semi-final, Crusaders faced newcomers Kwaggas Hockey Club and produced a commanding performance, running out 7-1 winners to secure their place in the title decider.
A final to remember
The final proved to be a hard-fought battle from the opening whistle, with both sides determined to claim the championship.
Crusaders opened the scoring early through captain John “Trigger” Spilhaus. Drag-flick specialist Josh van den Berg then doubled their advantage to make it 2-0.
York Blues, however, refused to surrender their title without a fight. Sean Slater and Travis Ackerman found the back of the net to bring York level, with the teams going into half-time locked at 2-2.
The second half produced even more drama. Spilhaus once again stepped up when his team needed him most, producing a moment of individual brilliance to score a superb field goal and restore Crusaders’ lead at 3-2. Crusaders then extended their advantage when Chris Painting converted a penalty-corner drag flick to put his side 4-2 ahead.
York continued to press and were rewarded when Stefan Schoeman pulled another goal back, reducing the deficit to 4-3.
With time running out, Crusaders held their nerve and defended their lead until the final whistle.
The championship is a fitting reward for the players, coaching staff and supporters who contributed to the team’s success throughout the season.
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