European Challenge Headlines Pre Season Schedule

Leeds Knights hockey is returning to The Castle, and we are delighted to announce our pre-season fixtures as preparations begin for the 2026/27 NIHL National League season.

This year’s pre-season campaign gets underway with an exciting new challenge as we welcome Dutch side Tilburg Trappers to Planet Ice Leeds on Friday 4^th September (7pm face-off).

The visit of the Trappers marks a unique occasion for the club with the Knights taking on European opposition for the first time in pre-season. Competing in Germany’s Oberliga - the country’s third tier of hockey – Tilburg have established themselves as one of the competition’s strongest teams despite being based in the Netherlands. Renowned for their fast-paced style of hockey, the Trappers will provide an excellent early test for Ryan Aldridge’s side.

Their roster features Dutch international players and four high-quality imports who add further depth and experience and will offer the Knights a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against quality European opposition before the competitive season begins.

Whilst this provides an exciting opportunity for the players to play against new players and gain valuable ice time ahead of the new campaign, it also promises to be a memorable occasion for supporters with the chance to watch an established European club in action at The Castle, whilst also getting a first look at the Knights roster for the 2026/27 season.

Head Coach Ryan Aldridge said: “It’s a great chance for the players, the club and the fans to play a team like the Tilburg Trappers. It’s an opportunity for the fans to see something different, the players to test themselves against a European team that has lots of Dutch national team players on its roster, and for the club to welcome, learn from and create relationships with teams outside the UK. Tilburg is a club rich in history playing many years in the Dutch League before making its move into the German Oberliga. We have to thank Matty (Davies) and Hull, and Gareth (Chalmers) and the Trappers for making this possible.”

Following the visit of the Trappers, the Knights’ preparations continue with three eagerly anticipated Yorkshire derby clashes.

The Knights will travel to face the Hull Seahawks on Sunday 6^th September (5:30pm face-off) before taking on the Sheffield Steeldogs in a double header that starts at The Castle on Friday 11^th September (face-off 7pm), before we travel to iceSheffield on Sunday 13^th September (face-off 4pm).

Both the Seahawks and Steeldogs enjoyed impressive 2025/26 campaigns and will provide stern opposition as the Knights continue to prepare for the season ahead. Pre-season Yorkshire derbies are always fiercely contested affairs with local pride on the line. The competitive intensity and rivalry is unmatched and will be the perfect preparation ahead of the NIHL National League season beginning.

This four-game schedule offers the Knights a balanced pre-season programme combining the challenge of European competition alongside the familiarity and intensity of local rivalries, giving the players chance to build chemistry and prepare for another exciting season in blue and yellow.

Tickets for our pre-season games at The Castle are on sale now. Secure your seat this month to ensure you’re seeing the Knights take on the Trappers and the Steeldogs in September, for the lowest price possible.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to The Castle, Knights fans.