Pre-Game Report: Bartercard Gold Coast Blue Tongues Vs Canberra

Fiveash Returns to Face Old Team!

Different location same challenge on the line as we travel to Canberra this weekend to face the Knights in 2 must win games. With positions 2nd to 4th all within one point and fifth place only 3 out of second success in these games is paramount. We have 8 games remaining with 4 on the road the next two weekends and then we finish the season with four games at home in August.

Our previous 4 games on the road have seen us lose 2 with a win and a loss in shoot outs. Positives out of these games is that we were in a position to win them all. The opportunities or challenges we faced and missed on is only coming away with 3 of 12 points after the fact. The boys know what we need to do against an always tough, albeit struggling Canberra team this year.

The bottom line is winning the games and putting points on the competition ladder. We realise to achieve this, we as a team will have to come prepared to play a full 45 minutes of hockey for both games, something that has let us down over the past two weekends. We know that our opponents this weekend will come ready to play and battle each shift, something that we need to do to be successful. We also need to stay out of the penalty box, our penalty minutes were up last weekend and although our penalty teams did a great job and did not allow a goal shorthanded, it took a lot out of the team and minimized the flow that we are usually able to build and take advantage of.

The team that will be required to play 45 minutes of passion, smart, and disciplined hockey each game this weekend is as follows:

Goal

#30 - Luke Fivash, Luke returns to Canberra to face his team of the previous two seasons and will get the start on Saturday. Luke is chomping at the bit to play well against his old team and fans.

#1 - CJ Anderson, CJ played well in both games last weekend and gave us every opportunity to win both games, will back up Luke.

Defence

#8 - Cam Trew, Cam continues to grow in confidence with the added ice time which will continue this weekend, Cam needs to keep his game simple to be successful.

#21 - Chris Martin "A", Marty logged massive ice time last weekend and will do so again this weekend, Marty needs to keep his emotions in check and stay out of the penalty box.

#88 - Henrik Ivarsson, Henrik was very good at both ends of the ice last weekend, he will see plenty of ice again this weekend to shine.

Forwards

#23 - Ben Maher, Red joins the team for the Canberra trip, he will need to be ready to go hard when called upon this weekend.

#10 - Jon Bale, Jonnie chipped in with a goal on Sunday, something the team requires, Jonnie needs to stay focussed for the whole game to be successful.

#22 - Marco Bertossa, "Stitch" continues to battle hard each and every shift. We will need Marco to play good defensive hockey this weekend.

#27 - Ross Howell "C", Ross will see action both on D and up front this weekend. Ross showed tremendous will, strength and determination last weekend and will be counted on for the same this weekend.

#96 - Dave Upton "A", Davey played well on Sunday and added an extra dimension to the team, his fast and furious brand of hockey will need to be on display this weekend.

#7 - Andre Selander, Andre showed tremendous discipline against a chippy Melbourne Ice team last weekend, the team needs a big weekend from Andre.

#9 - Brad Smulders, Brad was in on all the teams goals ( 3 Goals 4 Assists) last weekend and was instrumental on the the penalty team's success last weekend. As always Brad will be counted on heavily.

Suspended

#5 - Ben "Grizzly" Spillane, Defence, Ben received 2 game suspension for his second match penalty of the season last Sunday against Melbourne, Ben's hard nosed presence, stick up for his mates attitude is always welcome and will be missed.

Missing due to family commitments

#19 - Trevor Walsh, Forward
#44 - Don Burke, Defence

Missing due to work commitments

#16 - Jack Connor, Forward
#17 - Matt Stubbert, Forward

Missing due to injury

#1 - Milan Novysedlak, Goal

When we look back on the season, this weekend will be the key to our success, the team realises this, and as long as we continuously improve as we have done the last two road weekends and show passion, success will be sweet. It will not be easy, however, we as a group will be up for the challenge.

Cheers
Kevin Sands
Coach