German international Henrik Mertgens joins Oranje-Rood

Mertgens comes over from HTC Uhlenhorst, with whom he was active in the German Bundesliga. The easy-scoring striker has also worn the shirt of the German national team since the Paris Olympics and was recently active in the Pro League. He scored four goals in 14 international matches.

Mertgens, who grew up in Düsseldorf, has had a connection with Dutch hockey from a young age. 'As a child I was already introduced to Dutch hockey by following games of Oranje Zwart and later Oranje-Rood just across the border. I also attended the EHL here,' says Mertgens. 'That experience gave me the motivation to cross the border and become an even better hockey player. I believe in a strong culture and have the ambition to reach the play-offs with Oranje-Rood next year, with a national title and playing the EHL as a dream.'