BLUE TONGUES SIGN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER
- By Vincenzo Rugari

The Bartercard Gold Coast Blue Tongues have further strengthened their ice hockey roster for 2010, signing Canadian forward, Dallas Costanzo as their third import player.

Costanzo, currently impressing with the Romford Raiders in England, will join the Queensland side after earlier spells in Canada and the United States.

The 26-year-old grew up playing ice hockey in British Columbia, and played for the Vernon Vipers in the BCHL. After his junior days at Vernon, Dallas went on to play for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary and then the Central Hockey League in the USA for the Mississippi River Kings.

He then moved to Romford, and despite the team languishing in last place on the ladder, Costanzo is dominating his team’s scoring with 42 points in 42.

Costanzo said he has long harboured the dream of playing ice hockey in Australia, and was looking forward to making it a reality.

"I have had a lot of friends visit the Gold Coast and from the pictures I have seen and the stories they have told, it’s an experience I would love to have," he said.

"My girlfriend’s family is in Australia and her brother, Chris Quinn played for the Blue Tongues, and I have heard nothing but great things. I mean, playing the sport I love in one of the most beautiful parts in the world, I just couldn't say no."

Costanzo, a no-nonsense team player, believes his commitment to his teammates is the biggest strength of his game.

"The one aspect you can expect to see out of me is that I give 110% each and every game.  I love the game of hockey and you will never see anything less from me. I am an athlete that takes pride in making sure I do all the little things right so the team can win games. I am really looking forward to helping the team make the finals," he said.

Blue Tongues General Manager Dave Emblem said he was very excited to sign the team's third import.

“Dallas brings an all around game in both offense and defense that we are looking for to compliment the team‘s first two import signings and goal scorers, Mike McRae, and last year’s AIHL MVP and leading scorer, Brad Smulders,” he said.

“If we can see the same effort Dallas is putting in with a team that is struggling in the Premier League in England then we know he will relish the opportunity of winning games week to week with the Blue Tongues. The fans will love him.”