LEEDS KNIGHTS got their pre-season campaign underway by coming off second-best against European visitors Tilburg Trappers - - but only just.

The Trappers, from the Netherlands but who ply their trade in the German third tier Oberliga Nord, were at The Castle on Friday night as part of a short two-game visit to Yorkshire which also saw them take on Hull Seahawks on Saturday night.

Knights’ head coach Ryan Aldridge has made minimal changes to his roster since closing out the 2025-26 campaign as NIHL National play-off winners.

Fans got to see new additions Canadian import forward Cullen McLean and former Manchester Storm defenceman Zack Sullivan in action for the first time in an absorbing encounter against the Trappers which saw the Dutch team run out 3-1 winners.

ON TARGET: Liam Peyton scored Leeds Knights' first goal of pre-season in Friday night's 3-1 defeat at home to Tilburg Trappers. Picture: Kev Bland/Knights Media.

placeholder image — ON TARGET: Liam Peyton scored Leeds Knights' first goal of pre-season in Friday night's 3-1 defeat at home to Tilburg Trappers. Picture: Kev Bland/Knights Media.

There was little to choose between the teams throughout the 60 minutes with chances at a premium at both ends.

It took until late in the second period before the deadlock was broken when Marco Cavalleri found a way past Sam Gospel at 37.01.

The visitors doubled their lead on the powerplay in the 47th minute, with Matt Bissonnette in the penalty box for a combined roughing and cross checking call.

Liam Peyton gave the Knights hope with a power play strike with just over five minutes remaining but, as the Knights pushed to restore parity, the Trappers were able to make the game safe with a goal from Phil Marinaccio at 58.11.

The Knights continued their pre-season campaign with a visit to Hull Seahawks on Sunday night.

They complete their warm-up routine with a double-header against Sheffield Steeldogs this coming weekend, the Knights on home ice first on Saturday (face-off 6.30pm) before heading to Ice Sheffield the following day (face-off 4pm).

Their regular season campaign starts ion Friday, September 18 with a home game against Hull (face-off 7pm).