A Single Triumph or The Start of Dominance: Can The Liège Bulldogs Repeat as Belgian Champions?
Photo by Loris Pavoni, taken on February 9, 2025, following the Liège Bulldogs’ Belgian Cup victory. Renowned for his electrifying sports and lifestyle photography, Loris Pavoni captures the intensity and passion of every moment, bringing Liège’s top teams vividly to life. Explore more of this Belgian photographer’s captivating work on Instagram @lorisphotographe
Written by Gina Anton
When the Liège Bulldogs edged out HYC Herentals 2–1 in February’s Belgian Cup final, the victory was more than just another trophy on their shelf. It was a statement to their fans—proof that Liège has the grit, depth, and resilience to overcome one of the strongest rivals in Belgian ice hockey. Yet, as sweet as the win was, it also sets the stage for an even more demanding challenge: becoming the repeating champions of Belgium.
The Bulldogs’ path through the Belgian Cup concluded with a tense and hard-fought final. Bryan Kolodziejczyk’s opener gave Liège early confidence, but Olegs Sislannikovs’ equalizer for Herentals in the second period served as a stark reminder of how small the margins are at this level. Levi Smeets’ third-period winner sealed the game, but the Bulldogs had to defend with discipline until the final horn. Each player on each team skated hard until the last second, not giving up until the very end.
That kind of hard-fought victory has lasting consequences. The Cup has elevated expectations inside the locker room and among fans. Supporters will no longer be satisfied with near misses in the league or cup; the Bulldogs have proven they can go all the way. With that proof comes pressure. Heading into the 2025-2026 season, the Bulldogs strengthened their roster with key additions, including Luke Stegmann, voted the NZIHL’s best defender after a 28-point season, and Anthony Gagnon, a former protégé of Patrick Roy who ranked among the ECHL’s top five scorers last season with 37 goals and 19 assists. These signings bolster the club’s bid to defend the Belgian Cup title. Nevertheless, the club's roster remains largely intact. They face the challenge of sustaining the same relentless effort on and off the ice that brought them success last season.
If Liège wants to lift the Cup again, their preseason preparation will be critical. The Bulldogs cannot afford to assume that February’s formula will automatically work again. Opponents will study their tactics, adjust their defensive schemes against their Kolodziejczyk, and prepare to counter their aggressive style.
During the preseason, the Bulldogs are focusing on several key areas of development. Conditioning remains a priority, ensuring players can maintain peak intensity throughout tight games. Special teams will also be a focus, as February’s final highlighted how minor penalties—such as those taken by Bryan Henry and Boet Van Gestel—can create scoring opportunities for opponents. Improving both the power play and penalty kill could prove decisive in close contests. Beyond tactics, building mental resilience is essential, as defending champions face heightened pressure and expectations heading into the new season.
Winning the Belgian Cup marked a turning point for the Bulldogs, confirming their place among Belgium’s elite. Yet this preseason will be crucial for building on that success. How the team approaches training, preparation, and refinement could determine whether the 2025 Cup becomes a single triumph or the beginning of a sustained era of dominance.
