Coaches Report & Game Summary Vs Sydney Ice Dogs

THE DOG FIGHT TO THE PLAYOFFS BEGINS THIS WEEKEND!

The Bartercard Gold Coast Tongues face off against the 5th place Sydney Ice Dogs this Saturday 4.00 PM and Sunday at 3.30 PM at Iceland, Strathaird Road, Bundall. The games this weekend give us the opportunity to put some distance between us and the physical Ice Dogs, and to solidify our rightful place in the final four. It also marks the Blue Tongues last home game until the team is back for its last 4 home games of the season starting on the 1st August.

With a stretch of 8 road games coming up after this weekend it is important for the team to continue our good run of games at home where we have yet to register a loss in regulation play out of our first 6 games at home. This will be no easy task against a tough Ice Dogs team who will be fired up after two losses last weekend. These consecutive losses have dropped last years finalist out of the top four for the first time in years, and our boys can expect a spirited effort from our opposition. We have a great opportunity to bury the Dogs, and the boys have come to realize this year that through teamwork, hard work and discipline thay have been able to meet their challenges head on successfully this year.

This weeks roster sees #23 Ben Maher -Forward make his first start of the season for the Blue Tongues, Red's enthusiasm and size will be a good addition to the line-up.

#1 - Milan Novysedlak- Goalie will start again this weekend after strong showings in his first two starts this year against the Adelaide Adreneline

#30 - Mark Paulsen and Luke Fivash will respectively back up Milan Saturday and Sunday.

#27 - Ross Howell "C" Defense, Ross continues to play solid D and lead the team as a Captain should.

#21 - Chris Martin "A" Defense, Marty will be counted on to continue his solid play on D, while chipping in offensively when the the opportunity arises.

#44 - Don Burke Defense, Don plays his best hockey when he stays out of the box, the team needs Don on the ice.

#8 - Cam Trew Defense, Cam continues to play well when called upon.

#96 - Dave Upton "A" Forward, Davey has shown good leadership qualities with his actions on the ice and thrives when playing the Ice Dogs.

#5 - Ben Spillane Forward, Ben will see added ice time this weekend with injuries and suspensions, Ben has shown when given the chance he is up to the task.

#19 - Trevor Walsh Forward, Walshie will be at his best against the Ice Dogs.

#17 - Matt Stubbert Forward, Matt will miss this weekend with an undisclosed injury.

#10 - Jon Bale Forward, Jonnie is suspended Saturday and will be back in the line-up Sunday, Jonnie as voted by you the fans has impressed as the best local this year.

#16 - Jack Conner Forward, Jack is 50/50 to play this weekend with an undisclosed injury.

#14 - Tino Sandhu Forward, Tino returned to Finland on Tuesday and will be missed by the Tongues, we wish Tino all the best in his future endeavours.

#22 - Marco Bertossa Forward, Marco will see added ice time this weekend with the injuries and suspensions. Lke all the team, when given the chance Marco performs well.

#7 - Andre Selander Forward, Andre has shown he can play all aspects of the game, he will be counted on this weekend for his offensive scoring talents.

#9 - Brad Smulders Forward, Brad continues to impress not only offensively (League scoring leader) but on the defensive aspect of the game and when killing penalties.

The boys will need to come up with a solid team effort this weekend, while playing disciplined with good defensive hockey.

So come on out put on your blue and white jerseys, and cheer on your Blue Tongues to two important wins this weekend!

Kevin Sands