Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 (UNI): Vedanta Kalinga Lancers confirmed their place in the playoffs of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 with a commanding 6-1 victory over SG Pipers at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
The table toppers extended their winning streak to five matches and continue to sit at the top of the standings with 14 points from five games. Cooper Burns (8’, 23’) and Alexander Hendrickx (39’, 56’) scored twice each for the Lancers, while Craig Marais (10’) and Angad Singh (54’) added a goal apiece.
Reflecting on the result and the team’s progress in the competition, Belgian drag flicker Alexander Hendrickx said, “It was a strong team performance and another important step for us. The morale in the group is really good, but we are also keeping our feet on the ground. We know results can change quickly in this league, so the focus is on continuing to improve and looking at the bigger picture.”
Hendrickx, who has now scored seven goals in five matches, also spoke about the importance of penalty corners and the collective effort behind his conversions.
“Penalty corners are always a crucial part of modern hockey and they often decide games,” he said.
“But it is never just about the drag flick. The team does a lot of work to earn those fouls in the circle and then everything has to come together. The injection, the stop, the execution and the follow up around the circle are all equally important. When all those pieces come together, it gives us a good chance to score.”
Cooper Burns, who scored twice in front of the home crowd, highlighted the importance of teamwork and execution in the attacking circle.
“It is always nice to get on the scoresheet, but the main focus for us was creating better field goal opportunities and doing the unselfish things,”
Burns said. “Both goals came from really good team moves and I just happened to be on the end of them. A lot of credit goes to the players around me for creating those chances.”
Burns also spoke about the atmosphere at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium and the team’s mindset as they continue their unbeaten run.
“There was no pressure playing at home, if anything it was a boost,” he said.
“The crowd was brilliant and got right behind us. We just wanted to play good hockey and put on a show for them. We know we are in a good position, but we do not take any wins lightly. Every team in this league is strong, so we take it one game at a time and keep pushing.”
On the defensive solidity that has underpinned the Lancers’ success this season, Hendrickx highlighted the collective effort across the pitch.
“The key to our composure is the energy we put in as a group,” he said.
“The forwards are working hard to track back, players are putting their bodies on the line and communication is constant so we can manage threats together. We are improving game by game, especially in defence, and having someone like Krishan Pathak behind us gives the whole team confidence.”
With qualification secured, Burns stressed that the focus remains firmly on maintaining standards through the remainder of the league phase.
“Every game is a must win for us,” he said.
“We want to finish as high as possible on the table going into the playoffs. We are in a good position now, but we know there is still a lot of work to do.”
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers will next face Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons in their upcoming Men’s Hero Hockey India League fixture.
