European ice hockey comes to Hull as Trojan Hull Seahawks welcome Tilburg Trappers
Trojan Hull Seahawks forward, Alex Kent takes a shot at goal
FOUNDED in 1939, the Tilburg Trappers are a professional ice hockey club based in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
The Tilburg Trappers will first travel to West Yorkshire to face the Leeds Knights in the opening Euro Yorkshire Cup fixture on Friday the 4th of September. They will then head to Hull where they will take on the Seahawks the following day in what is expected to be an exciting pre-season opener.
The highly anticipated clash will see one of the Netherlands’ most successful ice hockey clubs cross the North Sea to face the Seahawks on Saturday 5th September, giving sports fans across Hull and East Yorkshire a rare opportunity to experience international ice hockey on home ice.
The Dutch team last played at the Hull Ice Arena in 2010, when they faced the Hull Stingrays. The current Trojan Hull Seahawks Owner and Head Coach Matty Davies was on the ice that night, making their return a notable occasion for both teams.
Matty Davies, Owner and Head Coach of the Trojan Hull Seahawks, said:
“We’re really excited for Tilburg to come to Hull. They were last here in 2010, which is actually a game I played in, and it went well for us back then.”
“This will be a real test for us and a great warm-up for the season ahead. Our lads will definitely be tested, Tilburg play at a high level, so it’s a great opportunity for us.”
For the Seahawks, however, this fixture represents more than just a pre-season match, it’s a chance for local sports fans to experience international ice hockey on home ice, a rare opportunity for both fans and players alike.
The fast-paced, physical nature of ice hockey creates an exciting atmosphere in the arena. For supporters, match nights are more than just sport, they are a fun and memorable experience ideal for fun-filled family day out, ice hockey fans or not.
While the visit from the Tilburg Trappers will bring European opposition to the Hull Ice Arena, the 2026 – 2027 season will also see the Seahawks come up against its two Yorkshire rivals, the Leeds Knights, the reigning NIHL Play-off champions and the current NIHL League Cup Champions, the Sheffield Steeldogs.
The Seahawks are set to face off against the two teams across 12 fixtures throughout the upcoming season, providing fans with the chance to witness some local rivalry that will make for an exciting season of live ice hockey.
The Trojan Hull Seahawks face Tilburg Trappers at Hull Ice Arena on Saturday 5th September, with face-off at 5.30pm.
With European opposition returning to the city for the first time in 16 years, supporters are encouraged to secure their seats and be part of a special night of ice hockey in Hull.
Tickets are available HERE
