NEWCASTLE,U.K- Elite league Newcastle Vipers decided to make some roster changes earlier this season after a number of the clubs pre-season signings failed to produce the points and performances that were expected of them. Head-coach Rob Wilson decided to let Tyler Willis return to North America, Marek Ivan left the club though it remains unclear whether Ivan decided to end his stay in Elite league or whether he was given notice by the Vipers. Vipers moved to bring in two players with a wealth of Elite League experience with former Belfast Giant Ed Courtenay and former Viper, Giant and Coventry Blaze front man Jeff Hutchins both signing for the north east side . The headline grabbing signing was the capture of ex San Jose Shark and Belfast player coach Ed Courtenay, who had had great success in the British game with the Giants and Sheffield Steelers. Courtenay has posted great numbers during his time at Belfast and is proving that he is still one of the leagues best players despite his advancing years.
Courtenay has already put in a number of Man of the Match performances and has picked up 22 points from the 15 games he has iced in so far this term. Courtenay has netted seven goals, picking up 15 assists along the way creating many opportunities for his line mates. Jeff Hutchins has benefited from Courtenay’s play making ability as many of the former Coventry power forwards goals have come after good work from Vipers number 27. Hutchins who spent last year with the Vipers has come back a new player after brief spells with Bracknell Bees and Edinburgh Capitals this season.
Hutchins started the term in the EPL with the Bees however with the Bees struggling for form the club decided to cut Hutchins from their roster. He then headed to Edinburgh to provide cover for Doug Christiansen’s team as the Capitals had a number of injury problems, Hutchins posted good numbers in the Scottish capital picking up eight points in six games. Hutchins has left last seasons disappointing form well behind him in his second spell on Tyneside picking up 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) from the 20 games he has iced for Coach Wilson’s side. Hutchins is already third in the clubs scoring charts for the 2008-09 campaign and with the clubs leading point scorer only 11 points ahead of him it is very possible that Hutchins could well end up being the Vipers top point scorer this term despite missing over 20 games at the beginning of the season. Vipers offensive threat could further be boosted in the next few days as it is understood the club may well bring in a player to take Todd Griffith’s place in the roster after the popular winger decided to return to North America after a brief spell in the Elite League.
Contact the author at Chris.mckenzie@prohockeynews.com
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