Veteran Leader Joins Blue Tongues
by Wendy Hansen, 28 April 2009 | Beat Writer | Bluetongues Ice Hockey Club
Few players on the Blue Tongues roster can say they know first hand what it’s like to win the Goodall Cup – the third oldest prize in ice hockey around the world – but veteran forward Trevor Walsh, who recently signed with the Blue Tongues after his move to Brisbane with his family, can attest to what it takes to win the coveted trophy all too well.
“There is only one way to approach any game and that is to want to win. If you don’t want to win, then there is no sense playing a competitive sport. That’s what I love about the game of ice hockey – it attracts the most competitive people.” When asked what he can bring to the Blue Tongues line up this season, Walshie (as he’s affectionately known) replied, “It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks but I will give 100% every shift I play this season. I believe this year the Blue Tongues have a real chance to be successful and I am very happy to be a part of this team.”
And a part of any successful team is chemistry, on and off the ice.
“On ice chemistry being the most important of the two,” Walshie said. “Most teams have a lot of different personalities with many different off ice commitments which might prohibit a lot of interaction. It’s on the ice where the chemistry is most important.”
Walsh knows a thing or two about chemistry on the ice. In the last 9 seasons, he has scored 118 goals and 93 assists. “Every member of the team must be on the same page. No one player can think he is bigger than the team’s objective. It is not an easy thing to achieve, but when the chemistry is right, it usually has a successful outcome and is a really fun thing to be a part of. I have been fortunate to be a part of this type of situation a couple times while playing hockey.” And not just locally either, as Walshie has represented Australia numerous times as part of the Mighty Roos, Australia’s National Mens team.
A hard-hitting and intense forward, the ever humble Walsh imbedded himself into the hearts of the Adelaide Avalanche (and now Adelaide Adrenaline) fans. “Adelaide has a real healthy hockey following and I was very fortunate to play there for the last 9 years. The people of Adelaide were very good to me and my family.” And when asked what he thinks the Adelaide fans’ reaction will be to his return to the ice in an opposing sweater, Walsh answered, “I think that they understand that a hockey player wants to play at the most competitive level for as long as he can. I missed out on a year and a half of the AIHL due to things out my control in Adelaide. I just want to finish out my career with a championship. I believe I can do that here on the Gold Coast. I think Adelaide fans will respect that.”
We hope he can finish his career with another Championship too, with the Blue Tongues!
