A winning finale to the season — and a moment to honor those who shaped it
Black Sheep closed their 2025–2026 league campaign in style with a convincing 4–1 victory over the Icehawks Eindhoven. The win not only capped off their final game of the season but also secured their definitive second-place finish in Poule Zuid — a well‑earned achievement reflecting months of commitment, teamwork, and steady growth.
A Packed House for an Early Game
Despite the unusually early start time, the stands were buzzing. Family members, friends, and supporters filled the rink, creating a lively and warm atmosphere that added an extra layer of energy to the game. Their presence made this final match even more enjoyable, and the team extends a heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who came out to cheer.
A Strong Opening Frame
The home team struck first. At 11:26 in the opening period, Rogier Venema found the net with an even‑strength goal, assisted by Remco Ooijen and Bob van Alen. Black Sheep carried their 1–0 lead confidently into the first intermission, setting the tone for the afternoon.
Icehawks Respond, Momentum Shifts
The second period brought more physicality and several penalties. Icehawks Eindhoven capitalized on a power play at 22:05, with Niels Willemse tying the game 1–1 off an assist from Patrik Čurla. A goalie change followed for Black Sheep, with Charissa Weiss stepping in for Martijn Arts at 29:51.
Despite the equalizer, Black Sheep remained composed, preparing for a decisive final push.
Dominance in the Third Period
The final period showcased Black Sheep at their best. At 53:22, the power play unit delivered: Remco Boot scored with assists from Sander Spil and Davy Vos, restoring the lead at 2–1.
From there, the spotlight returned to Venema.
At 59:02, he extended the lead to 3–1 with his second goal of the night, assisted by Bob van Alen and Martijn Sandijck. Just 36 seconds later, he completed his hat-trick with an unassisted even‑strength goal — a perfect ending to his final game as a Black Sheep player.
A Moment of Appreciation and Farewell
This last league game carried special significance. After the final whistle, the team and supporters honored Rogier Venema, who played his final match for Black Sheep. His hat-trick performance was a storybook farewell to a valued teammate.
In addition, heartfelt thanks were extended to the official scoring and timekeeping team. Their dedication and behind‑the‑scenes work throughout the season ensured every game ran smoothly — a contribution deeply appreciated by players, staff, and fans.
One of our goalies, Richard Weiss (father of Charissa Weiss), together with his granddaughter. The next generation of the Black Sheep family!
Looking Ahead: From Winter Season to Summer Training
With the winter season now coming to an end, Black Sheep will soon transition into their summer training program. Over the coming months — leading into May and June — the foundations for the 2026–2027 competition season will be laid.
More updates will follow soon. Stay tuned and keep following us!
Sportsmanship and Congratulations
Black Sheep also extend their warm congratulations to the Gladiators, who secured first place in Poule South. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Super Sunday final and a strong, successful season ahead in the Second Division.
A Season Concluded With Pride
A strong win, a heartfelt farewell, and a well‑earned second-place finish — Black Sheep closed their season exactly as they hoped: united, energized, and ready for what comes next.
Unfortunately, no photos were taken by Black Sheep during the game. If any spectators captured pictures and would like to share them with the team, they can be sent to remco@blacksheeponice.nl
In their final away game of the 2025–2026 season, Black Sheep travelled to Nijmegen to take on the Saints — a team known for their stubborn, hard‑working style of play. The Black Sheep squad ultimately came away with a 7–5 victory, but the Saints made sure it was anything but a comfortable afternoon. They fought for every puck, challenged every play, and sold their skin dearly from the opening faceoff to the final buzzer.
Saints started the game brightly, striking early through Maurice Moesman and Christiaan Holewijn to take a 2–0 lead. Black Sheep, however, responded with grit and determination, capitalizing on defensive gaps and power‑play opportunities to level the score at 2–2 before the first intermission.
The second period continued at a high tempo. Goals from Bob van Alen and Ralph Weijters kept Black Sheep narrowly ahead, but the Saints refused to let the game slip away.
Freek Jansen provided the equalizer by putting the 3–3 on the scoreboard five minutes before the end of the second period. Their relentless pressure kept the score close, and Black Sheep held a slim 4–3 advantage heading into the final period.
The third period became a true test of resilience. The Saints equalized early to make it 4–4, but Black Sheep answered through Ralph Weijters, who delivered two crucial goals — including a shorthanded strike — to swing the momentum back in their favor. Dion Sandig added another to extend the lead to 7–4. Although the Saints managed a late goal, Black Sheep held firm to secure the 7–5 win.
Despite the victory, the match showcased the toughness of the Nijmegen side, who pushed Black Sheep to stay sharp throughout all three periods.
Hats off to the Saints. Despite the slightly disrupted start, the rest of the game went very smoothly. We hope to face them again next season!”
This game marked the final away fixture of the season for Black Sheep. Only one game remains: the last league game on 22 February, where Black Sheep will face the Ice Hawks from Eindhoven. The team will be eager to close out the season strongly on home ice.
You can find all photos from the game on the gallery page of our website. Take a look and relive the action on the ice.
IJNL Decision on the Unplayed Game vs. Smoke Eaters Geleen
In addition to Sunday’s win, IJNL has now issued a formal decision regarding the unplayed match against Smoke Eaters Geleen on January 4. Since the Smoke Eaters did not appear on the scheduled game day, the federation has ruled the match a regulation loss for Geleen. As a result, Black Sheep is awarded a 5–0 victory.
It is, however, an inflated result, as Black Sheep would of course have preferred to play the game on the ice.
This result will be added to the official standings once processed, further strengthening Black Sheep’s position in the league table.
Last Sunday, Black Sheep welcomed the Red Eagles from ’s‑Hertogenbosch to the Sportboulevard for what promised to be a high‑intensity clash in the Third Division South. With Black Sheep sitting firmly in second place and the Red Eagles positioned seventh, both teams stepped onto the ice with something to prove.
From the opening face‑off, the game had all the ingredients of a tight and physical encounter. Black Sheep struggled to find their rhythm in the early minutes, allowing the Red Eagles to apply pressure and test the home team’s defense. But as the game progressed, the momentum began to shift. Smart passing, disciplined positioning, and a growing sense of urgency helped Black Sheep claw their way back into the game.
Once the team settled in, the energy in the rink changed. The plays became sharper, and Black Sheep started to take control of the tempo. Goals followed at crucial moments, each one lifting the team and pushing them further ahead. Despite the Red Eagles’ determination to stay in the game, Black Sheep’s resilience and teamwork proved decisive.
After three intense periods, the scoreboard told the story:
Black Sheep 6 – Red Eagles 4.
A well‑earned victory, built on perseverance after a difficult start. The win strengthens Black Sheep’s position near the top of the standings and showcases the team’s ability to adapt, fight back, and finish strong — qualities that will be essential as the season continues.
You can find all photos from the game on the gallery page of our website. Take a look and relive the action on the ice.
Date: Saturday 8 March 2025
Location: IJssportcentrum Eindhoven
Result: 4-4
Date: Sunday 9 February 2025
Location: Sportboulevard Dordrecht
Result: 5-3
Last Wednesday marked the final training session of the winter season, bringing the 24-25 season for Black Sheep to an official close. This not only signifies the end of a season but also a moment for reflection and gratitude. From next week, the summer training sessions will commence every Tuesday evening from 20:00 to 21:00, heralding a new chapter.
The past season was truly fantastic for both the competitive players and the training members. The competitive players participated in the Third Division South and finished in a well-deserved third place out of the eight participating teams. This was our first season back in the third division after a year of absence and participation in the fourth division. Although there were initial doubts about whether this step was wise, it has more than proven itself, resulting in an outstanding season. The players’ performances were phenomenal, and the team grew with every match.
The chemistry within the player group has grown remarkably, and with a few new additions, there is nothing but praise for how these players have grown, both in team spirit and in their hockey skills. From developing individual talents to forging a cohesive and collaborative group, it was a season full of personal and collective triumphs. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as every growth comes with challenges, but all in all, there is a lot of potential in this group.
Special thanks go out to the coaching staff. The people who ensure calm on the bench, keep the water bottles filled, and place the pucks on the ice during warm-ups. The unsung heroes of the team who make sure the players only have to focus on the game. Hats off to them for always being there!
Black Sheep is now taking a well-deserved break to enjoy the upcoming spring and summer. This period of fewer obligations will also be used to prepare for the new winter season and the new competition round. We will use this time to reflect on our achievements, refine our strategies, and come back stronger.
We would also like to thank all the volunteers, supporters, and everyone who has supported us wholeheartedly over the past season. Without you, none of this would have been possible. We also thank the people behind the players, who accept that their partners were regularly elsewhere. Your patience and understanding have contributed to our successes.
We hope to receive as much warmth and support as we did last season, and we will do our utmost to earn this support once again.
The upcoming season is also a special one for Black Sheep. October 10, 2010, marks the official founding date of Black Sheep, which means that the upcoming season will celebrate our 15th anniversary. Time flies! More about this in the upcoming news item.
See you next season, or perhaps even sooner! We look forward to the summer training sessions and the next chapter in Black Sheep’s journey.

Just four games left and the competition season wraps up! After ten intense rounds, the Black Sheep proudly sit in 3rd place in the third division South. Not too shabby for a team that was originally slated to start a division lower!
Things are looking up—winning just makes the sun shine brighter, doesn’t it? But hold your horses, we’re not quite there yet. The OG’s from Utrecht are having a shocker of a season, and it would take a miracle for them to offload that red lantern to another team.
The real drama is who’s going to end up in the relegation danger zone alongside OG’s. The teams are packed close together, with just 3 to 5 points separating them. Depending on the games played, there are still 6 to 10 points up for grabs. The Ice Hawks and Capitals are out of this dogfight, as they’re expected to battle it out for the top spots and move up to the 2nd division next season.
Kicking back and thinking we’re safe would be premature. Every game counts, and every win is crucial for all teams involved. We need to keep pushing to secure our spot in this division for the 25-26 season.
We definitely brought our A-game last weekend, clinching an exciting home win against the Capitals. It was a nail-biter, but we weren’t the sheep led to slaughter this time. You can catch all the action from that game below.
This weekend, we get a breather before hosting the Geleen team the following weekend. The Smoke Eaters are climbing the ranks fast, and we’ll need to bring our best to halt their advance and keep our edge.
Mark your calendar—February 9 at 20:45, Sportboulevard in Dordrecht. Be there in the stands, or catch the live stream. Keep an eye on this website or our socials for more details. Let’s go, Black Sheep!

As we reach the halfway point of the 24-25 season, the Black Sheep have completed seven matches and are gearing up for the second half of the season starting in January. This season, we have exceeded our own expectations and performed exceptionally well. Despite a slow start in the match against the Den Haag Bullets, we have managed to recover splendidly. With four consecutive wins and one rather unnecessary draw, we have maintained the third position in the South Division for several weeks in a row. The victory in the away match against the Smoke Eaters Geleen was particularly delightful for the team. Last season (23-24), the Smoke Eaters denied us promotion to the Third Division by winning the promotion/relegation match on their home turf. However, IJNL has since revised the competition format, replacing the promotion/relegation matches with direct promotions for the top two teams of each division and direct relegations for the bottom two.
Of course, we are not there yet! We still have seven matches to go. What we have proven to ourselves is that we belong in this division. The next match is scheduled for January 12, a home game against the Saints from Nijmegen. Last season, they played in the Second Division. They also had a slow start this season but have recently picked up momentum with two wins and two draws in a row. The Black Sheep will need to step up to keep the points in Dordrecht. The match will start at 20:45 at the Sportboulevard in Dordrecht.
For now, we have two weeks to rest and enjoy the holidays and the New Year. A huge thank you to all the people who selflessly dedicate their time and effort to Black Sheep. We cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it is to have you with us!
We wish everyone wonderful festive days and a fantastic start to 2025. May it be a beautiful, healthy, and sporty year!
This season marks Black Sheep’s return to the third division after a year-long absence. The initial matches were challenging, with the team displaying a lot of effort but also making numerous unnecessary mistakes and experiencing frequent puck losses—a frustrating way to lose. However, the most recent match ended in a victory, highlighting that the team is learning from past errors and gradually improving.
Throughout the early part of the season, Black Sheep faced difficulties in finding its rhythm. Despite the high level of commitment and determination on the ice, the mistakes and puck turnovers were costly. Each game, however, provided valuable learning opportunities, and the team diligently worked to correct its errors. This process of learning and adaptation has started to bear fruit, as evidenced by the recent win.
Training sessions have been strategically designed to mimic game situations, with a focus on high intensity and commitment. This approach aims to ensure that the team can quickly adapt to the demands of the short and fast-paced season. The victory in the last match has instilled hope and confidence in the team, suggesting that we are on the right track.
Looking ahead, the next match is scheduled for this coming weekend—a home game against the Icehawks from Eindhoven. The team is rigorously preparing for this crucial game, aiming to build on the momentum from the recent victory.
This season has also seen some changes in the team roster. Several new members have joined, and two former members have rejoined, bringing fresh energy and dynamics to the team. Unfortunately, one member has left. Additionally, some roles on the ice and in the bench have been adjusted to create more clarity and oversight. These changes are expected to enhance the team’s performance and cohesion.
Furthermore, a live stream was available for last Saturday’s game, allowing fans to watch the action from afar. This live stream can be viewed below!
As we continue the season, our focus remains on improving our performance and building on the positive momentum. The lessons learned from the early challenges and the confidence gained from the recent success have positioned Black Sheep to take on the remainder of the season with determination and grit. The journey is just beginning, and there is much to look forward to.
Let’s keep pushing forward, Black Sheep! The best is yet to come.
As the sun sets on the old, a new dawn emerges for our team. With anticipation in the air, we gather to welcome the start of a fresh season, brimming with possibilities and triumphs.
Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, we proudly introduce our new players – the catalysts of transformation, ready to leave their mark on the field.
Davy van Turenhout and Rogier Venema have joined Black Sheep to fight for promotion to the third division. The division from which Black Sheep was relegated last season.
In this captivating chapter of our team’s journey, we witness the birth of new heroes and the forging of new alliances. They bring with them a hunger for glory, a relentless spirit, and a burning desire to claim victory in each battle fought.
Naturally, all members from last season have remained loyal to this season’s team. A close-knit collective. Feel free to take a look at our players page to get to know these players better.
But it’s not just the players who have undergone a transformation. Our iconic jerseys have also evolved, serving as a visual representation of our renewed determination. Donning these colors, they become a symbol of unity, pride, and unwavering loyalty.
Each pass, each goal, and each victory becomes a testament to the collective strength that binds us together. We are more than just a team – we are a force, unstoppable in our pursuit for promotion and maybe overall championship of the 4th division this season.
So, join us as we embark on this new chapter, filled with exhilarating moments and unforgettable memories. Let the new season begin, and may our journey be nothing short of extraordinary.
Stay tuned for more updates as we conquer the field, leaving our mark on the beautiful game we all cherish.
The first competition match is scheduled for next Sunday, October 8. At 4 p.m. the Black Sheep will play against M@DS from Den Bosch on the Sportboulevard in Dordrecht.
Black Sheep wishes Richard, Christine, Stephanie, Charissa and the rest of the family and friends a lot of strength with this loss.
Safe Journey Grandma Weiss!