Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Lancers stay top of the table after dominant 6-1 win over SG Pipers; Burns and Hendrickx shine
Kalinga Lancers continued their impressive run in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 by securing a place in the playoffs with a commanding 6-1 victory over SG Pipers at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday. With this win, the Lancers extended their winning streak to five matches and remained at the top of the points table with 14 points from five games.
Cooper Burns and Belgian drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx were the standout performers, scoring two goals each. Burns struck early in the 8th and 23rd minutes, while Hendrickx found the net in the 39th and 56th minutes. Craig Marais (10th minute) and Angad Singh (54th minute) also added one goal each to complete a dominant performance by the home side.
After the match, Hendrickx said the team’s main focus remains on consistency. He stated that while the morale within the squad is very high, the players are staying grounded and concentrating on steady improvement. He added that results can change quickly in a competitive league like the HIL, making it important to look at the bigger picture and continue progressing as a unit.
Hendrickx, who now has seven goals in five matches, also highlighted the importance of penalty corners in modern hockey. He explained that successful conversions are the result of collective effort, involving winning fouls inside the circle and executing each step— from injection and stop to the final shot and follow-up— with precision.
Burns, who scored twice in front of the home crowd, emphasised teamwork and unselfish play. He said that while scoring goals is always satisfying, the team’s priority is creating quality field-goal opportunities. Both of his goals, he noted, came from well-worked team moves, with teammates playing a crucial role in setting up the chances.
Speaking about playing at home, Burns said there was no added pressure, only motivation. He praised the crowd for their support and said the team was determined to play attractive hockey and entertain the fans.
On the defensive side, Hendrickx credited the collective effort across the pitch. He highlighted the hard work of the forwards in tracking back, strong communication among players, and the confidence provided by goalkeeper Krishan Pathak at the back.
Despite sealing playoff qualification, Burns stressed that the Lancers will treat every remaining league match as crucial, with the aim of finishing as high as possible in the standings. Kalinga Lancers will next face Tamil Nadu Dragons in their upcoming Men’s HIL fixture.