Coaches Report - Blue Tongues Vs Adelaide Adrenaline 6-7 June

GAMES OF THE YEAR AGAINST ADELAIDE ADRENALINE

The undefeated Adelaide Adrenaline are in town this Saturday and Sunday at 4.00PM, and 2nd Place on the ladder is calling the Blue Tongues if we win both games! Indeed the challenge will be great.

However, after having last weekend off, the boys got together for a team building session at the Broadbeach Cats QAFL game last Saturday, and the boys have truely come together both on and off the ice so far this season, which was evident at the training session last night with their enthusiasm to get through the work required.

Our opponents this weekend, the Adrenaline, have been more than impressive in their first 5 games. They have put up big numbers on offense and have the lowest goals against average in the AIHL. Our boys are ready for the chance to go up against another legitimate final 4 team. As a team we will respect Adelaide, however we will not be in awe. We understand the importance of playing against the top teams and competing to win every battle for the puck, to complete all our assignments and play sound basic two way disciplined hockey will get us the results on the day.

The roster this weekend will see another new face for his first game of the season, however, a face not unfamiliar to Blue Tongue fans, #29 Milan Novysedlak will be starting in goal on Saturday. Milan's National, International and AIHL prowess and experience will be a calming influence on the entire squad.

#30 - Luke Fivash - Goalie will back-up Milan on Saturday.

#17 - Ross Howell "C" Defense, will have added incentive this weekend as Ross played in Adelaide earlier in his AIHL career, Ross continues to play solid defense.

#21 - Chris Martin "A" Defense, Marty will be counted `on for his size and offensive touch this weekend.

#88 - Henrik Ivarsson Defense, Henrik continues to play well and needs to stay focused for the entire 45 minutes for the team to be successful this weekend.

#8 - Cam Trew Defense, Cam continues to contribute in all situations when given the opportunity.

#44 - Don Burke Defense, Don continues to play disciplined hockey this year which will be of utmost importance this weekend.

#96 - Dave Upton "A" Forward, Davey needs to continue to lead from the start of the game.

#17 - Matt Stubbert Forward, Matt contributed well in his first two games last weekend.

#19 - Trevor Walsh Forward, Trevor like Ross will have added incentive this weekend playing against his former team of 9 years, look for Walshie to continue his scoring exploits.

#16 - Jack Connor Forward, Jack played well last weekend at Centre and will be counted on for the same this weekend.

#22 - Marco Bertossa Forward, Marco continues to play solid two way hockey.

#5 - Ben Spillane Forward, Ben will be counted on for his size and hard nosed play this weekend.

#10 - Jon Bale Forward, Jonnie chipped in 4 assists last Sunday, he will be counted on to play solid defence up front and find the back of the net this weekend.

#7 - Andre Selander Forward, Andre's offence and hard nosed play will be on display this weekend.

#9 - Brad Smulders Forward, Brad the AIHL's leading scorer needs to continue his strong play for the team to be successful.

So come out and support your Blue Tongues this weekend in an opportunity to see 2 of the top 4 teams in the league go head to head in fast entertaining Ice Hockey.

Kevin Sands
Coach