Coach’s Report: Goannas visit Adelaide

Coach’s Report: Goannas visit Adelaide – Coach Tamra Jones

The Goannas opened their season at the Ice Arena in Adelaide this past weekend. In the 1st period of Game #1, Saturday evening, the team struggled to get a feel for the pace of the game and be comfortable with one another’s positioning on the ice. Contributing factors were that for 6 players, this was their first AWIHL game and for 3 more this was their second season in the league but first for the Goannas. Further, the loss of senior player Teresa Moriarty 3 minutes into the game due to injury proved significant. Our inexperience became evident with the Assassins climbing to a quick 4-0 lead. Performance improved in the 2nd period, holding the Assassins to 1 goal.

The 3rd period showed continued improvement as players became more comfortable on the ice at this level with their new teammates, some even adapting to new positions and systems. Kristy Bruske made some great saves between the pipes but an outstanding 6 goals from Andrea Steranko led the Assassins to an 8-0 victory. Game #2, Sunday morning was a closer competition as the Goannas’ players performed with more focus and confidence.

The 1st period was scoreless until the Assassins found the back of the net at 9.57. The Goannas created many more offensive chances in the 2nd period but were unable to finish. The battle continued in the 3rd period with Kristy Bruske making some amazing saves. But the Assassins pushed their lead to 2-0 at 12.07.

Rookie Meghan de Jong scored her 1st AWIHL goal at 3.44. Despite their hard work the Goannas were unable to capitalise on their opportunities late in the 3rd and lost 3-1. As the Coach of the Goannas Team I’m happy with the effort of the players. We grew as a team on and off the ice over the weekend, building confidence for the next series. Special mention to ‘Players of the Game’ stellar performances from Kelly Costa (Game #1) and Kristy Bruske (Game #2) as well as Ainslie Gardner, Amber Rodzik and Tess Reilly who had their debuts filling in as Defence.

Also, congratulations to our 6 Rookies to the AWIHL who played over the weekend – Meghan de Jong (Sunshine Coast), Nadine Losier (Gladstone), Natalee Wishewan (Canberra), Rachel Argall (Sydney), Tania Mutch (Gold Coast) and Tess Reilly (Coffs Harbour).