Jelle Galema
Center Force 150
Name:
Jelle Galema
Club:
HC Den Bosch (NL)
Dutch National Hockey Team
Hockeystick on the picture:
Center Force 150
Why and when did you decide to become a hockey player?
I chose hockey because my parents always took me to the hockey field at a very young age. It was a natural progression.
Which qualities make you a good player?
My desire to always be better and always go for the maximum has brought me to where I am now.
What is your favorite exercise during your training?
I enjoy the small sided games during training, finishing the training with exciting fast paced games is lots of fun.
What is your favorite hockey stick and why?
My favorite stick is the Reece RX 130 SKILL. The balance between the power for hitting and the finesse for the technique is exactly right in this stick.
From which hockey player did you learn the most?
Jeroen Delmee and Robert van der Horst. From Jeroen, I've learned what it takes to be a top athlete, from your diet to your care, that was always top notch. From Robert, I still learn at every training. His technique is unprecedented.
Do you have any rituals before an important game and if so, what are they?
I do not have any rituals, they just make you crazy.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Dining with my girlfriend and watching football with friends.
What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?
The EHL finals, which we won with shoot-outs. We thought we had won and stormed to our goalkeeper to celebrate the title… until that clever German made an all or nothing video request. Five minutes later, the goal was rejected and we had to it all again, almost impossible, but we did it and won! Furthermore, the World Cup in The Hague was amazing, we came second but to play 7 games for 15,000 Dutch people was very special.
Do you have any ideas about your life after hockey?
To be a stable force in the national team.
Which hockey player do you admire and why is that?
I always have respect for people who try their best, everyday, to ultimately be the best. There are some people who inspire me in sports, like Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo and definitely Roger Federer.
What would be your best advice for young hockey players?
Fun is the foundation of everything!