Coaches Report: Viral Blue Tongues Support

As part of the Blue Tongue family we are asking all of you to forward this article to your email list of work colleagues, friends and family to come to the opening game, and experience a live game of the best Australian Ice Hockey!!

WHO: Bartercard Gold Coast Blue Tongues VERSUS Canberra Knights
When: Saturday, 1 May at 4.00 PM
Where: Iceland , 15 Strathaird Road, Bundall (Near Sportys Warehouse)
Cost: Adults $10, Children $5, Family Pass $20
After Match Venue: Surfers Rowers - Great Meals & Drinks - Meet players and Fans - 150 Bundall Road (Opposite Gold Coast City Council)

COACH’S REPORT:

Well fans another Season is upon us, and it looks and feels as it will be the most successful in Blue Tongue’s history. General Manager Dave Emblem has assembled a great group of new imports in addition to the AIHL's returning MVP and Leading Scorer, Brad Smulders. Dave has also secured some fantastic local talent to go along with the already strong core of returning local Blue Tongues. After a rigorous screening process, we feel with have brought in a solid group of imports with a vast amount of Ice Hockey experience. In addition, we feel the character they bring to the table and their ability to fit into the Blue Tongue culture will be their biggest assets. Dave has dug far and wide both locally as well as interstate and internationally to unearth Aussies to compliment this years team.

This weekend at home we play the always tough and determined Canberra Knights. There is a slight twist to the venues over the weekend, playing the Knights Saturday at Bundall and Sunday at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, both games are at 4:00 pm. The game at Acacia Ridge, signifies a new era for the Blue Tongues marketing team and as a group they felt it important to play a couple of games at Acacia Ridge to show appreciation to the loyal area fans and always supportive Southern Stars Ice Hockey organization.

The previous week has numerous highs and just one low. Our final two import signings Adam Gebara and Mike McRae arrived last Saturday, Adam and Mike have acclimatized well to the Gold Coast. The team practiced very well on Tuesday night and are chomping at the bit for this weekend’s games. On the low note Brad Smulders continues to practice in Canada awaiting the approval of his sports visa. Obviously a player of Brad's calibre and credentials will be missed this weekend, however, the team is more than aware and capable to lead us to success this weekend.

Our opponents this weekend are off to a flying start, beating the Penrith Bears last weekend in their home opener. So we expect, as always, a tough game from the never say die Knights. The boys will need to be focused, play disciplined, be ready to play from the opening face off, and if when we win the little battles, take one shift, one period and one game a time we will be successful.

This weekend the line-up is as follows:

Between The Pipes:

#30 - Luke Fivash - Luke will get the start on Saturday, Luke as a former Knight played strong in meetings against them last year and will need to be on his game to shut down their offence
#1 - CJ Anderson - CJ will back up Luke on Saturday, CJ will be ready if called upon.

On Defence:

#4 - Adam Gebara “Import”-Adam's smooth skating and offensive prowess will hold him in good stead over the weekend
#5 - Ben Spillane - Big Ben or Tick Tock has looked good in pre season and his strong physical game will be on display this weekend
#7 - Vodly Dashko “Import”- Voldy is a solid two way D man, his size and strength will be a huge addition to the team
#27 - Ross Howell "C"- Ross returns for his second year as the Blue Tongue’s Captain, Ross's leadership continues to grow and will be needed to gel the team in our first weekend
#44 - Don Burke "A"- The AIHL's most experienced D man returns for another season, Don's experience, leadership and disciplined hockey are his strong suits.

Up Front:

#2 - Tom Letki, Tom joins the team from the Knights where he played the last 2 years, Tom will get the nod Saturday and will be ready when called upon.
#10 - Jon Bale- Jonny returns for his 6th season, Jonny has trained well and will be counted on at both ends of the ice.
#11 - Dan Pederson, Dan makes his debut for the Tongue’s, with an extensive in-line background, his good hands and offensive talent is a nice addition to the squad.
#12 - Alex Boyd- Alex has Rugby commitments on Saturday and will make his debut Sunday, Alex's old time hockey skills from the Manitoba Junior league, will be on show Sunday.
#13 - Mike McRae “Import”- Mike's offensive talents will be on display this weekend and he will be a fan favourite.
#16 - Jack Conner- Jack has trained well and the team is looking for Jack to return to his form of two years ago, when he ripped it up.
#22 - Marco Bertossa- Marco returns for his 3rd season with the Tongues, Marco continues to go from strength to strength and his fitness and hockey sense will hold him in good stead.
#55 - Zach Daunt- Youngster Zach, makes his debut for the Tongue’s, Zach's tenacity and smooth skating will be there for all to see this weekend.
#88 - Dallas Costanzo “Import” "A" Dallas will be wearing the "A" in Brad's absence, Dallas' solid two way hockey and leadership will be one of the keys to our success this weekend.
#23 - Ben Maher -"Red" will play on Sunday at Acacia Ridge, Red is in his 5th year and chomping at the bit to get going.

Not playing this weekend:

#1 - Mark Paulsen- Mark returns for his 2nd year with the Tongues, Mark is practicing well and will be ready if called upon.
#6 - Matt Johnson- Australian under 18 Representative Matt, has practiced well and just needs to get used to the speed of the Senior game prior to making his debut.
#8 - Cam Trew- Cam returns for his 3rd year with the Tongues, Cam has just returned from an overseas trip and needs a couple of more practices under his belt until he hits the ice at his familiar D position.
#9 - Brad Smulders- Brad says hello to all the fans and can't wait to get here and suit up.
#14 - Brad Young- Brad has to tie up work commitments in WA prior to joining the team
#19 - Pascal Gonthier, French Canadian Pascal is one of two players in line for the 6th import position, his hockey knowledge and sense of humour are a plus for the Tongues.
#21 - Mike Mineri, Mike is also in line for the 6th import spot, continues to practice well and his hard nosed style and shot are a welcome addition to the team.

So come on out this weekend to see some fast paced, hard hitting Ice Hockey

"Go the Tongues"

Kevin Sands
Head Coach