In the weekend of 27 and 28 December 2025, the Seidenstadt Junior U13 tournament took place in Krefeld, Germany. With a delegation from several Dutch teams, 15 field players and 2 goalies of Dutch Flyers competed this weekend. Apart from the Dutch Flyers, 5 German teams participated in the tournament. Hosts KEV (Krefeld); AEG (Augsburg); Füssen (Allgäu); ETC (Crimmitschau) and Löwen (Frankfurt). The level of the German teams is high. 

The Dutch Flyers knew in advance that it would be tough. Apart from the difference in level, the Dutch are the only occasional team. This group has trained together once and has not yet played a single game together in this context. That did not detract from the effort!

The tournament
The format was based on points to be earned per period. Each game was divided into two 20-minute periods. Win per period is 2 points, two period wins is an extra point and in case of a tie, shootouts. With no overtime or foul time, so Dutch Flyers had to prove themselves in a short time and give everything.

Without letting themselves be impressed, they started the first match against Augsburg, the champions of the previous edition, with flair. This opening game on Saturday against AEG was lost 14-0. Our goalies Joey (Dordrecht Lions) and Maeve (Hijs Hokij) kept quite a few pucks out of their goal, but the continuous shots at goal was clearly a case of supremacy for them.
The second game against Füssen the players already came into their game a bit better. First period lost 4-0 and the in the second the forwards managed to find the net and ended in 5-3).
The final Saturday match against KEV - the eventual tournament winner - was lost 9-4. All players came into their game better, the defence hampered chances for the opposition and the goalies stood their ground. 
Two more games were scheduled on Sunday. You noticed that the group was forming better as a team. On the ice, but certainly also off it. The night before, the ministicks and indoor goals came out at the hotel for the evening training ;-). Beforehand, we did have a quick pizza together. The next day, during breakfast, you noticed that a stronger group feeling had already developed. Later on, on the track, it was clear that this also had sporting benefits!
The first period against ETC was won 1-0. The group cheered as if it was a tournament win. Defence with the same players as the day before kept their own goal clean thanks to good playing around and passing. Unfortunately, they lost the second period 0-1 again, so shootouts followed. It now mainly came down to the focus of both shooters and goalie. They managed to keep the first few pucks out of the net, but the refined feints of the Germans eventually led to a goal.
The closing game was exciting in the first period, for a while only trailing 1-0 and the equaliser led to 1-1. Both Forwards and Defence were extra on edge, but later in the second half the Löwen scored goal after goal.

The U13 players finished last with 2 points, but rightly proud of the play and effort shown. The planned goals were met: leaving the tournament without the 0; having fun in the game; making international connections and gaining experience.

Dutch Flyers
The Dutch Flyers bring together some of the most talented players from hockey clubs across the Netherlands. The hockey players share a passion for the sport, a good understanding of team play, a genuine desire to play at the highest level. Complemented by a strong will to win.
These players train together, alternating on the court of a different club each time. Matches are played during international tournaments. There they gain experience of competing next-level against foreign teams. Besides experience in the game, getting to know clubs, players and coaches is important. Here, the so-called Values of Principles apply. As soon as you participate on behalf of the Dutch Flyers, you conform to core values such as a sporting attitude towards the opponent, modesty when winning and discipline towards coaches and officials.

The players in Krefeld in no particular order:
Gelasio Kuru (Red Eagles Den Bosch), Christopher Wisman (Lions Dordrecht), Adrien Lapensee (Hijs Hokij Den Haag), Keanu Beijer (Yetis Breda), Given Eefting (Gijs Groningen), Joey van Noort (Lions Dordrecht), Alexander van de Velde Nunez (Kemphanen Eindhoven), Matti Hellwig (Dragons Utrecht), Lucas Dekkinga (Capitals Leeuwarden), Maeve Hilversum (Hijs Hokij Den Haag), Ruben Guenther (Tigers Amsterdam), Bo van Onselder (Lions Dordrecht), Jens van Sittert (Hijs Hokij Den Haag), Benjamin Wiegmans (Hijs Hokij Den Haag), Jayfano Booi (Capitals Leeuwarden), Darren Shkel (Tigers Amsterdam), Filip Sarkisian (Alcmaria Flames Alkmaar).

Coaches: Jasper Hellwig, Serdar Kuru, Wouter Eefting
Team manager: Steffie Wiegmans