Coaches Report - July 11

Blue Tongues Looking to Turn Sydney Ice Dogs Into Slush Puppies

The last time these two teams met in Sydney back in April for their ice hockey game, the Blue Tongues were on the receiving end of some very cheap shots. With two games this weekend, Saturday and Sunday at 3.30PM you can be rest assured the visiting team will know they are not playing the comforts of their home rink, and rather in the hard hitting confines of the "Lizard Pit" at Strathaird Road Bundall.

Coach, Kevin Sands has had his troops fired up at training this week, and will be looking for a hard hitting contest to soften up the Ice Dogs and make it easier for Gold Coasts's leading imports Gaetan Royer and Bryan Lachance along with local products Jon Bale, Davey Upton and Jack Connor to fire home the winning goals.

The Blue Tongues have been competitive all year, however are facing elimination of a playoff spot unless they start putting together a streak of winning games. This opportunity is ripe for the Blue Tongues given they have two home games this weekend, and two more home games next weekend against the Canberra Knights.

Club 500 Members & Sponsors, there are still some of you who haven't picked up your season passes and free merchandise pack at the gate. We really look forward to seeing you at a game this weekend, and if you are unable to make it we'd love to see you introduce new people to the games, and they can use your passes. All you have to do is have them quote your name at the gate and provided you have not picked up your passes they will be given your passes we are holding for you....be sure to get them back....so you can pass them on to someone else.

COACHES REPORT & LINE-UP

The boys will be fired up from this weekend on to finish the season strong and to play entertaining tough hockey for the Blue Tongue fans at home and those from all corners of the globe watching live on the internet www.slapshot.com.au

Goalies: #30 Simo Mustonen is set to return to his best this weekend. Back-ups #1 CJ Anderson (Saturday) Brenton Cooney (Sunday)

Defence: #17 “A” Ross Howell, met Ross’s Dad last Sunday in Melbourne and I can see where Ross gets his size and determination from. It was great to see the 3 Howell’s on the ice after the game Ross, Dad, Mark, brother (Back-up G for the Ice), getting photos and lapping up and enjoying family time, that’s what sports is all about. #4 Chris Kerr continues to be solid on D and is chipping in on the offence. 44 “A” Don Burke-serving a one game suspension on Saturday, will contribute strongly Sunday. #21 Chris Martin will see action on D Saturday and will move up forward Sunday when Don returns. #8 Cam Trew was very effective in keeping his game simple last weekend. #24 Rob Avey experience will show both Saturday and Sunday after missing the road trip last weekend. #5 Ben Spillane played D last Sunday and will see action there and upfront over the weekend.

Forwards: #22 “C” Gaetan Royer You ain’t seen nothin yet, Gates will be on fire and at his best this weekend. #7 Brian Lachance, ready for some hardnosed games this weekend. #16 Jack Conner, will be tougher on the puck this weekend. #88 Davey Upton his speed was missed last weekend and will be on display this weekend. #10 Jon Bale, broke out offensively last weekend, we'll expect the same this weekend. #20 Marco Bertossa, a points machine for the amount of ice time he gets, this Saturday and Sunday he will get the opportunity to play a regular shift. #11 Matt Lehotzky, speed, determination and team play will be missed Saturday (Work commitments), back in the line-up Sunday. #14 Kristian Sullivan size and speed will be on display. #15 Eric Sewell Young Eric will see action on the weekend. #23 Ben Maher, Clear the Track for Eddie (Red) Shack!

Injuries: #9 “C” Billy Crumm, Billy received great news on his lower body injury and will return to the Line-up August 9th along wth #19 Robert Orosz

By Dave Emblem / Kevin Sands July 11, 2008

Upcoming Games

DATE	HOME	AWAY	TIME
23 Aug	Blue Tongues	A's	3:30pm
24 Aug	Blue Tongues	A's	3:30pm

Season Schedule

Previous Games

Home teams on top row

Date	Teams	P1	P2	P3	F
17 August	Bears Blue Tongues	3 2	3 2	2 0	8 4
16 August	Knights Blue Tongues	3 1	2 2	4 3	9 6
10 August	Blue Tongues Ice	1 4	0 3	0 2	1 9
9 August	Blue Tongues Ice	2 0	1 2	3 2	6 4

Game Results

AIHL Standings

Current as of 19 August, 2008
	GP	Pts
The Bears (Sydney)	26	58
Melbourne Ice	28	54
Newcastle North Stars	27	50
Western Sydney Ice Dogs	26	48
Canberra Knights	27	34
Gold Coast Blue Tongues	26	27
Adelaide A's	26	26
Central Coast Rhinos	26	21

Full League Standings

Individual Leaders

Current as of 20 August, 2008
Goals:	Gaetan Royer	22
Assists:	Bryan Lachance	21
Points:	Gaetan Royer	34
PIMS:	Bryan Lachance	138
PPG:	Gaetan Royer	5
SHG:	Gaetan Royer	3

GAA	Simo Mustonen	4.67
SV%	Simo Mustonen	86.38

Player Statistics