Netherlands

Learn how to play hockey in
Netherlands

Play hockey in one of Europe's most international and progressive countries, where English is everywhere and bike culture rules.

The Dutch are direct, practical, and tolerant, with excellent infrastructure and a strong expat community that makes it easy to settle in. From Amsterdam's canals to smaller historic cities like Utrecht and Leiden, you'll find a unique culture that balances tradition with innovation.

The hockey scene is good, and the transition for North Americans is about as smooth as it gets.

Ex-pat Friendliness:

Very High
The Dutch speak excellent English. The large international community and English-friendly environment make the Netherlands one of the easiest countries for import players to navigate.

Cost of Living:

Moderate to High End
The cost of living is a bit higher in the direct city centers, but in many regions of the Netherlands, cost of living is moderate. Quality organizations will cover most expenses so players don't see these costs as much from housing, utilities, transportation, etc in-season.

Weather/Climate:

Coastal Maritime
Maritime with mild wet winters (35-45°F/2-7°C) and cool summers (64-72°F/18-22°C). Rain is frequent year-round and snow is rare but possible a couple times per year depending on where you're located.

Proximity of Travel:

Central Hub

Belgium, Germany, France, and the UK are in close proximity.

The Netherlands central location makes all of Western Europe easily accessible.

Hockey Culture:

Up and Coming

Winter sports wise, the Netherlands is most well-known for speed skating. The Dutch have a solid and well-organized hockey scene, though not at the level of the European hockey powerhouses overall.

The infrastructure is good, and the international atmosphere makes it easy for foreign players to fit in.

Leagues

The main two leagues in Netherlands at the senior level are the CEHL which comprises clubs from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Underneath this league, you have whats called Eredivisie (Netherlands2).

Then you have youth tiers as well under this.

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