Imports lead Tongues in second inter-squad game

The Blue Tongues Squad took to the ice devoid of fog for their second intersquad game at Bundall on Sunday night. Split into two, the Yellow squad was dominated early by the Blue team, with Canadian import Brad Smulders opening the scoring a mere 39 seconds into the game. This was just the tip of the ice berg as the Blue team piled on 5 goals from 10 shots in 7 minutes and 28 seconds – three goals scored by imports Smulders, returning defenseman Chris Martin and new Swedish forward import Andre Selander.

In an effort to even out the teams, Jack Connor, Tino Sandhu and Andreas Albinson were quickly “traded” to the Yellow squad, in exchange for Paul Rayner, Jeff Anderson and Julie Freeland. The trade evened up the teams, with both Blue and Yellow only scoring 2 more goals each for the rest of the game. The Yellow squad just could not come back from the earlier assault on their goalie.

With each squad putting more than 30 shots on goal, the offensive power of the Blue Tongues looks promising this season. They are fitter, sharper and more willing to shoot the puck. The defensive core, while seemingly small in numbers, is strong on the ice. Imports Chris Martin and Henrik Ivansson, as well as our talented local defenseman Ross Howell were standouts in their play. And while the defense was strong, it was a sheer pleasure to watch Brad Smulders and Andre Selander at work. Graceful yet powerful skaters, both showed superior puck handling and effortless passing.

From the look of the team on the ice for the two intersquad games, they can only improve with time and the return of Australian Representative Dave Upton – which means a season of the Blue Tongues hockey that should not be missed!