He’s been dreaming of this all his life. Playing and coaching hockey in the Netherlands. Argentine-born Enzo Torossi, 34, has been here for eight years. He played in the big league and made his official debut as head coach of Hurley’s rookie league a few weeks ago.
Torossi – full name: Enzo Augusto Torossi Macchio – grew up in Cordoba: the second largest city in Argentina. The place where his love for the game began. Whether inside or outside the lines. Early on he also managed several youth teams in his native country.
Holland always turned to Torosi. In 2009 and 2010, he spent three months in his dream environment twice. he walked Inhalation training in Leusden and MOP, but were not allowed to stay longer for visa reasons.
Until 2013. “My grandparents were Italian,” says Torossi, who speaks fluent Dutch. In this way I obtained a European passport and was able to stay in the Netherlands longer. I played a season in the “Overgangsklasse” in Breda. It would have been great to stay here longer, but after that year I decided to return to Argentina to complete my studies in civil engineering there. I thought I could make a career at it.
Not an engineer after all
Things went differently. Torosi received a phone call from Bert Bonnick, Zwolle’s then coach. “Whether you would be willing to play with them in the ‘Overgangsklasse’? A tempting offer, but I had just found a job and was about to finish my studies. So I declined his offer. I only came there for a few weeks in November, during my vacation.
But his short stay in Zwolle left him wanting more. “I actually didn’t find civil engineering interesting at all. Playing hockey in Holland was what I wanted most in my heart. So I came back after the winter break. I’ve never left since.”
From player to coach
Torosi’s hockey life took off from there. He moved to Little Switzerland – which was still a transitional division – and began working as a coach. “After one season, we got promoted to the big league. Great of course. I lived with my teammates in The Hague. This is also where I built my social life. Through KNHB, I followed several training courses and became a local coach and then assistant coach of the Netherlands U-15 national team. A wonderful celebration.’
Enzo Torossi in the little Switzerland match. Photo: John Simmons
Three years ago, Torosi transitioned from his role as a player to that of Little Switzerland’s men’s assistant coach, alongside coach Omar Schlingmann. “With him I was given a lot of freedom to organize the training as I think is best. Omar is more of a people manager. In this way I was able to apply everything I had previously learned from my former coach Carlos Castaño. Very educational.
Outside the comfort zone
Last January, Torosi, a former corner kicker, informed KZ’s board of directors that he would resign as assistant coach after three seasons. I knew everyone in the club and I felt like a fish in water. I lived completely in my comfort zone. And that was the problem too. You are too young to be in your comfort zoneA friend said. I actually agreed with him on that.
After discussions with several Rookie League clubs, Torosi signed Hurley. “It’s a family club with the best sports. Of course it doesn’t have the same history as KZ, but I really enjoy being part of a different kind of club now. Men 1 has the ambition to play in the big league, but he He should no. As a coach, the pressure is not very high and you won’t lose your job immediately if things don’t go well, as the past has shown. This feels good and safe. Moreover, I like the Amsterdam mentality: big mouth, some arrogance, but in a fun way.
Torosi is now increasingly thriving in his new role. “I am now also busy with things other than training and rotation schedules. For example, maintaining communications with the board, sponsors, staff and physiotherapists. This is something new and gives training a different dimension.
Enzo Torossi as new head coach of Hurley Men’s Team 1. Photo: Hurley
No friction
Torosi has now received his baptism of fire. With a draw against SCHC (4-4) and a loss against Busch (2-3), there is still room for improvement in terms of results.
The coach isn’t worried about that. We have great players and Karel Klavier is one of the best assistants in the Netherlands. Having played at a high level, he knows what the top sport entails tactically, technically and mentally. I am convinced that this will take us far this season.
