EuroHockey Club Challenge II – Toruń 2026
Zurrieq Wolves HS proudly represent Malta in Poland
Zurrieq Wolves HS proudly represented Malta at the EuroHockey Club Challenge II 2026, held in Toruń, Poland, from 21–24 May 2026. Under the guidance of head coach Silvio Peralta, the club competed against some of Europe’s strongest clubs in a tournament that showcased determination, resilience and the continued growth of Maltese field hockey.
The Wolves travelled to Poland with a squad that blended experience and youth, with several players making their European debut. Stefano Schembri, Kieran Borg and Garry Bonnici started their first-ever European match, while Xylon Cassar, Kyron Carabott, Jayden Cutajar, Nicolai Runza and Thomas Attard also experienced European hockey for the very first time.
Despite being one of the youngest squads in the competition, Zurrieq Wolves produced memorable performances throughout the tournament, eventually finishing third overall and successfully securing Malta’s place in the EuroHockey Club Challenge II for next season.
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Matchday 1 – A remarkable comeback
21 May 2026
Zurrieq Wolves opened their European campaign with a thrilling 5–5 draw against Hungarian side Soroksári HC.
The Wolves made the perfect start when Garry Bonnici marked his European debut with a goal after just 10 minutes. Soroksári responded before the end of the opening quarter and gradually built a 5–2 advantage heading into the final quarter.
Rather than giving up, the Wolves produced one of the finest comebacks in the club’s European history. Christ Agius converted a penalty corner before Bonnici added his second goal of the afternoon to reduce the deficit to 5–4. With only three minutes remaining, Alessandro Amore squeezed home the equaliser to complete an unforgettable fightback and earn a deserved point.
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Matchday 2 – Another valuable point
22 May 2026
The second pool match saw Zurrieq Wolves face Lithuanian champions HC Šiauliai, with another disciplined performance earning a 1–1 draw.
Once again, Garry Bonnici found the net early, scoring in the seventh minute to register his third goal of the tournament. Throughout the match, the Wolves defended superbly while creating further opportunities through Alessandro Amore and Jayden Cutajar.
The Maltese side looked destined for victory before the Lithuanians equalised with just one minute remaining after capitalising on a loose ball following an excellent save by goalkeeper Thomas Attard, who was making his European debut.
After two matches, Zurrieq Wolves remained firmly in contention for a place in the classification matches.
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Matchday 3 – Booking a place in the Final
23 May 2026
Zurrieq Wolves faced Gibraltar’s Grammarians HC knowing qualification remained within reach.
Grammarians controlled much of the match and established a 2–0 lead during the second and third quarters. With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Wolves pushed everyone forward in search of the crucial goal that would keep them alive.
Five minutes from full time, Christ Agius delivered a superb pass into the circle where Garry Bonnici produced a composed finish to make it 2–1.
Although the Wolves lost the match, the goal proved decisive. Thanks to a superior field-goal difference over Soroksári HC, Zurrieq Wolves secured second place in Pool B and qualified for the tournament’s third-place final.
Bonnici’s strike also made him the tournament’s leading goalscorer at that stage with four goals.
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Third Place Play-Off
24 May 2026
The tournament concluded with Zurrieq Wolves facing tournament hosts and favourites HK Pomorzanin Toruń.
The Polish side demonstrated their quality and experience to record a 12–2 victory, but the Wolves continued fighting until the final whistle. Garry Bonnici scored his fifth goal of the tournament while Jayden Cutajar also found the net to complete the Maltese scoring.
For the first three quarters, Thomas Attard stood between the posts and produced a number of important saves to keep the Wolves fighting. In the final quarter, Aaron Spiteri took over in goal and also delivered a determined performance, making several key saves against relentless pressure from the hosts. Both goalkeepers put in outstanding performances throughout the match and deserve great credit for their courage, resilience and commitment against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
Although the final result was disappointing, finishing third overall was a significant achievement for the club. More importantly, Zurrieq Wolves successfully retained Malta’s place in the EuroHockey Club Challenge II, with Poland and Gibraltar earning promotion to Challenge I, while Sweden and Lithuania were relegated to Challenge III.
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A tournament to remember
Beyond the results, Toruń 2026 represented another important chapter in the history of Zurrieq Wolves HS.
Several young players experienced European hockey for the first time, the team demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit throughout the tournament, and the club once again proudly represented Malta on the European stage.
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Thank You
As our journey at the EuroHockey Club Challenge II – Toruń 2026 comes to an end, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this incredible experience possible.
First and foremost, thank you to our players. Every one of you wore the orange jersey with pride and represented Zurrieq Wolves HS and Malta with passion, determination and commitment. Your hard work, sacrifices and team spirit throughout the tournament were an inspiration. Whether it was your first European appearance or you were bringing valuable experience to the squad, every player played an important role in this memorable campaign. We are incredibly proud of what you achieved together.
A special thank you also goes to our coaching staff, led by Silvio Peralta, together with the team management and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the squad was prepared both on and off the pitch.
To our supporters, families and everyone who followed our journey from Malta and abroad, thank you for your constant encouragement, messages and belief in the team. Your support gave us extra motivation every time we stepped onto the pitch.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and partners. Your continued support allows our club to compete at the highest level and proudly represent Malta on the European stage. We are truly grateful for your trust and commitment to Zurrieq Wolves HS.
Finally, a special thank you to Alex Anthoine, Luke Brincat and Benjamin Johnston for joining our squad during this unforgettable tournament. Your professionalism, commitment and friendship made you part of the Wolves family from day one.
This tournament may be over, but the memories, friendships and experiences will remain with us forever.
Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf. 🧡🐺
