Blue Tongue Dave Upton Selected For Australian Hockey Squad

By Wendy Hansen, Blue Tongues Volunteer

GOLD COAST—Most people have their Christmas wish list filled with items such as a new X-Box, the latest DVD release or even replacement hockey equipment—well, if you're a player anyway.

On Gold Coast Blue Tongues forward Dave Upton's wish list, however, was a nod to wear the Green and Gold for Australia on the national team, the Mighty Roos. It's a goal he has been working towards since he started playing ice hockey.

Dave's dream came true this Christmas Eve, when he was told of his inclusion on the 2009 Mighty Roos squad that heads to Vilnius, Lithuania in April for the IIHF's 2009 World Division I, Group A Championship—a division they now compete in thanks to their win last year in Newcastle, Australia, at the 2008 IIHF World Championship Division II Group B last April.

"It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have made the men's team; something that young players would aspire to and it's like reaching the light at the end of the tunnel," Dave said, when he was asked about his inclusion on the team's roster.

"This is my first time on the men's national team. I have previously only played for the junior team as I had study commitments during the under 18 team's championship."

Dave, 19, isn't the only young member of the squad, either. Lliam Webster, 22, a forward on the Melbourne Ice and a member of the 2008 Championship Mighty Roos Squad, and Jarred Seymour, 19, who was drafted in the OHL in Canada, join Dave in the Green and Gold jersey. This year's team, however, is vastly different to the squad that won the IIHF World Championships last year.

"There are a lot of young players in the team this year who have worked hard for their position, so there is no doubt that the skill is there, but more importantly I think it will add a lot of speed to the team, which will be needed in Division 1," Dave affirms. "One way or another, young players should be brought into the men's team, and what a great opportunity for it."

Following in the footsteps of previous Queenslanders, Don Burke and Mike Gough, Dave is the only maroon on this year's squad, making it an extra special position for Dave to hold.

"As the lone Queenslander, it is something special," Dave remarked. "Since Don retired, he has been pushing for me to make the team and I have, so a big thanks goes to him and Kevin Sands as the coach of the Gold Coast Blue Tongues."

The thanks to Coach Sands is not without merit. Under his leadership, the Blue Tongues had commenced strength and conditioning training a month after the end of the 2008 season—something which will help Dave prepare for the upcoming competition in April.

"All players on the men's team were given a training program which incorporates cardio workouts, weight workouts and agility workouts. It is a full training schedule which will definitely prepare us for the Championship."

And it will no doubt have Dave in great shape for the commencement of the 2009 AIHL Season, when Dave will again be on the starting line up for the Gold Coast Blue Tongues.