Zach Wallace Looking Forward to EHL at Surbiton
By Surbiton HC
Zach is back! We caught up with former SHC junior & first team star Zach Wallace ahead of his return to Sugden Road with Dutch powerhouse Bloemendaal for the EHL KO16 this October…
It’s been a busy 2024… what are your aims for the new season with club and country?
From a club point of view, the goal is to get Bloemendaal back on top again. We just missed out last year, but have had a few changes to the group over summer and I can really feel the hunger in the team to win.
Internationally, the year following the Olympics is a strange one as the schedule is a bit less intense. Of course we were gutted by the outcome in Paris but we know we’re on the right path as a team and this year will be about continuing that journey and looking for success with England in the 2025 Euros.
How many EHLs have you played in and any personal highlights?
I think this will be my fourth or fifth EHL. It is always an incredible experience and the players love the atmosphere brought by the crowds. Unfortunately, a couple of the experiences have been cut short by Covid and some buzzer issues during a shootout, so hopefully this one can be more memorable!
How did you react when you heard the EHL KO16 will take place at Sugden Road?
I was buzzing! Surbiton is where I grew up playing so to have the chance to come back and play in front of family and friends, and catch up with lots of people is something I can’t wait for.
Any Bloemendaal players local fans should look out for in October?
I like to think we’re a pretty exciting team to watch! Floris Wortelboer is an incredible player down our right side, very quick and skilful. Casper van der Veen is a young forward who I feel is going to have a big year for us…I’ve never seen someone hit the ball so hard! Also, I will put myself in there too as someone to watch - I always hope to bring some excitement to the crowds with how I play.
If you weren’t playing, why would you be buying a ticket for EHL?
The EHL is the pinnacle of club hockey and some of the best teams and players in the world will be playing. It always promises a lot of chances and goals, so for anyone wanting to see exciting, high quality sport, it will be well worth it!