Multiple sources close to the former New England Whalers team have informed Rush B Media that Swedish based High Coast Esports has acquired the North American roster. The team, consisting of Jonathan “djay” Dallal, Joshua “PwnAlone” Pigue, Ramal “Rampage” Silva, and Ben “ben1337” Smith, made names for themselves with a sixth place finish at IEM – New York Online: NA, where they made a playoff run but found themselves bested by Brazilian counterpart Team One.
Shortly thereafter, Brandon “bew” Roberts was signed by Yeah Gaming. Following bew’s departure, the team began to play with Brendan “Bwills” Williams. During his tenure with the squad, the Whalers fought their way to the finals of MDL Season 36, again being defeated by Team One. High Coast is not a new name to Counter-Strike, although this is their first North American squad. Their current roster, a Swedish lineup, consisting of Isak “kasi” Walhed, Emil “Hast” Hast, Nichlas “nICKE” Nordin Norgren, Adam “Zeect” Palmgren, and León “storm” Nordlander will not be cut from the organization, however. “Our Swedish team will stay in the organization as an “academy” team and be part of our grassroots project where we look for up and coming talents in Sweden,” a representative from High Coast told Rush B Media. “They’re competing mostly in regional tournaments such as the Swedish Eliteseries, etc.”
With this acquisition, High Coast joins Extra Salt as another new investor in an ongoing commitment to reviving North American Counter-Strike.
When asked for comment, a representative from High Coast told Rush B Media, “We’ve reached a contract for six months with an extension option for another six months. We’re extremely satisfied with the signing and we believe that 2021 will be a heck of a year. I believe the NA scene needs some organizations to come in and pick up these talented teams and let them show what they’re made of.”
With this signing, High Coast Esports will be:
High Coast Esports:
- Jonathan “djay” Dalall
- Joshua “PwnAlone” Pigue
- Ramal “Rampage” Silva
- Ben “ben1337” Smith
- Joshua “Muenster” Lima (Coach)
High Coast Academy:
- Isak “kasi” Walhed
- Emil “Hast” Hast
- Nichlas “nICKE” Nordin Norgren
- Adam “Zeect” Palmgren
- León “storm” Nordlander
