Coaches Report - First Home Games Vs Newcastle 16-17 May

FINALLY, 2009 ICE HOCKEY HOME GAMES ARE HERE!

Come and see the 2009 edition of the Gold Coast Blue Tongues this Saturday and Sunday at Iceland at 4pm.

After starting the 2009 season on the road for our first 4 games, the boys are chomping at the bit to be playing at home this weekend against the Newcastle North Stars-2008 AIHL Champions.

During the first 4 games ( 1 win 3 losses) the boys have looked very capable of making the final 4. We have outshot the opposition in 3 of the first 4 games, and in the process have given up on average less than 25 shots per game, compared to giving up an average of 35 shots a game last year, while only out shooting the opposition on 3 occasions. So our team Defense has not been the issue, converting on our offensive opportunities has.

Last weekend in Newcastle we out shot the Newcastle in 5 out of the 6 periods of play and took the game to Newcastle for approximately 82 of the 90 minutes played, however, the name of the game is winning and putting points on the board something that Newcastle's winning ways have succeeded in that aspect. Another real positive to come out of last weekend was to see 2008's equal first "Fan of the Year" Craig "Bluey" Duncan and 10 family and friends in the stands in Newcastle last weekend, cheering on the Tongues.

This weekend's line-up sees  # 19 Trevor Walsh forward, play his first games for the Blue Tongues, Trevor's experience, intensity and winning ways will be a big plus for the team.

#30 - Luke Fivash - goalie, will get the start on Saturday, Luke played well last Saturday and will be counted on for a big game.

#1 - Mark Paulsen - goalie, Mark performed well in his first AIHL start last Sunday and will back-up Luke.

#27 - Ross Howell "C" - defense, Ross was solid last weekend and had numerous run-ins with the North Stars #6 which should continue this weekend.

#21 - Chris Martin "A" - defense, Marty was rock solid last weekend and chipped in the team's only goal last Saturday, Marty will sitout Saturday and play Sunday due to restriction on number of Import aloud to play.

44 - Don Burke defense, Don played disciplined hockey most of last weekend, this will be counted on again this weekend and with Don's fitness improving each game he will play more of a roll.

88 - Henrik Ivarsson - defense, Henrik is an offensive threat when on his game, Henrik will play Saturday and sitout Sunday for the same reason as Marty.

#8 - Cam Trew - defense, Cam performed well last weekend despite being under the weather with the flu.

#5 - Ben Spillane - defense/forward, Ben will see action on defense and forward over the weekend, he performed well when given the chance last weekend.

#7 - Andre Selander - defense/forward, Andre normally a forward will play defense this weekend with the absence of Marty and Henrik, Andres's hockey sense, hard hitting and intensity will see him perform well.

#96 - Dave Upton "A" - forward, Davey played well on Sunday, after being under the weather Saturday and will be counted on offensively this weekend.

#10 - Jon Bale forward, - Jonny is playing well defensively, however, needs to chip in on offense for the team to be successful.

#16 - Jack Connor - forward, Jack needs to lift his intensity to go along with his smooth skating.

#22 - Marco Bertossa - forward, Marco has done everything asked of him and scored the first goal last Sunday.

#14 - Tino Sandhu - forward, Tino registered 4 assists in his first AIHL game last Sunday, Tino needs to shoot more, especially at home.

#9 - Brad Smulders - forward, Brad brought the team within one goal last Sunday (3 Goals 2 Assists) and his will to win is a real asset to the team.

So come out on Saturday and Sunday to see fast discipline, hard hitting, intense and winning hockey from your 2009 Gold Coast Blue Tongues.

Kevin Sands