As the EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship, Men - Lisbon 2017 approaches, it is time to get to know the main characters of the event taking place between 13th to 15th January.
Ben Göntgen, one of the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 EHF Umpires, kindly shared his thoughts about the incoming tournament, as well as his opinion about the hosting country, Portugal.

As one of the EuroHockey Lisbon 2017 EHF Umpires, what do you expect of this tournament?
I expect interesting and intense games in which every nation can beat anyone. In addition, I think that the young upcoming players want to show their best performance for their senior teams and will be very motivated to play their best hockey.

 Can you explain your role as a EHF Umpire for those who barely know about the structures of these big tournaments?
As a neutral umpire you are expected to help and support the new generation of umpires who are appointed by their nations. Also you are the extended arm of the umpire’s manager - Rob ten Cate. You can compare the role of a neutral umpire with one of the team captains in the 9th team of this tournament - the officials.

Have you ever visited Portugal or Lisbon?
Unfortunately, I did not. But I spoke with my Dad about Lisbon, who has visited the city for a couple of times. So I am really looking forward to be there.

What are you hoping to find?
First of all, I am hoping to meet nice people, to make new friends and to see old friends again. If I look back at all my international tournaments, I'm pretty sure that great people will turn this tournament into an unforgettable experience.
Unfortunately, this is an indoor tournament with only 3 days. And due to the game schedule there will be not much time to visit the city. So I will try to go out on Thursday, after arriving, to get an impression of the flair of Lisbon.
Last, but not least, I am looking forward to the Portuguese winter (even if it is only 4 days) because it will be much warmer than in Germany.