Ligue Des Opens More Sport : Preview – Clermont saison 5 #2 

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We continue our previews, this time focusing on Pool B. With 12 teams competing, this pool is a vast battleground where only the best will stand out. For now, Lagny, Ermont, and the Vulcains are the ones leading the way.

With two stages already completed, Lagny is leading the pack ahead of Ermont and the Vulcains. In the « jungle » of Pool B, the team from Lagny has shown great control over the competition. They are a team that handles pressure well, as proven by their final victory in Montluçon against Nantes. By next year, Lagny could aim for a promotion to Pool A—an idea they considered before ultimately deciding to solidify their position in Pool B this season. While Lagny chases its first title, another club has the potential to claim a second crown.

As the 2023/2024 winners, Ermont is on track to repeat their performance. Currently in second place, they have what it takes to go for the top spot, thanks in particular to their very powerful style of play. Their results confirm their status as serious contenders, capable of competing with the best teams in the tournament.

Another serious contender has entered the mix: Nantes. Much like Lagny, the Nantes club considered joining the elite in Pool A, boosted by reinforcements from Pessac (who, as a reminder, withdrew from Clermont due to a lack of players). With the arrival of Jérémy Plaquin (from Pessac), Nantes now has a reinforced and very solid squad. In Clermont, there is no room for error: a poor performance would leave them too far behind the leaders before the Sarcelles deadline.

In a pool where the level is now comparable to a D1 Round 2, the situation is tricky for the Sirènes Argentées (the French Women’s Elite Team). While their collective play is strong, they lack the physical power to match the bigger builds in Pool B. Additionally, this year is a transition phase with the integration of new players, a recruitment strategy aimed at the 2027 Elite World Championships.

While the Sirènes rely on a tight-knit squad, it is a different story for Squale Team. A lack of cohesion and tensions during timeouts make it difficult to play effective hockey. The integration of young players like Nils Klein, Flavien Potard, and Iwan Bernard—while necessary—is making it hard to get immediate results for now.

As for Okéanos, the results are encouraging, including a great 5th place finish in Stage 2, which ended with a clear 4-0 victory against the Vulcains. Speaking of the Vulcains, they remain a team on the rise despite a slight underperformance in Montluçon. This was due to the absence of key young players like Jonas Garnier and Louis Steffen, who are currently with the national youth team for the 2026 World Championships and are playing for « La Relève Homme » in this competition.

Finally, we are left wanting more from the Alchimistes and Hyères, as we expected better results given their potential. On the other hand, Pessac 2 is having a very respectable run: for a reserve team, their results are far from bad and allow them to challenge higher-ranked formations.

The hierarchy in Pool B is far from set, and every stage brings its share of surprises. Just a few days before the action begins at the Coubertin pool, one question is on everyone’s mind: will Lagny manage to keep their lead, or will a new contender shake up the standings? We will start to find out on January 17 under the water in Clermont.

Lagny

Nantes

Ermont

Vulcains

Sirènes Argentées

Squale Team

Les Alchimistes

Okéanos

Pessac 2

Cahors

Hyères

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