NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers have not made the best start of the 2010/11 campaign as Danny Stewart’s side have only been able to record 1 victory so far this term. Vipers club captain Paul Sample believes that his side can go onto to have a successful season despite his teams indifferent early season form. Pro Hockey News caught up with Sample to find out his views on taking to the ice once again and how he saw his role on the team amongst other things.
On first meeting Paul, PHN asked the former Belfast Giant if his plan was always just to spend 1 year out of game of if he intended to retire following his spell in Northern Ireland.
“Once I retired in my mind my career was over. I came back to the north east started my business and had a little daughter. However as soon as I retired I missed it. I missed playing and I missed the team spirit”
Sample revealed that he could have became a Viper in the summer of 2009 as the gritty centre spoke to former Vipers coach Rob Wilson about linking up with Newcastle.
New Vipers captain (Photo N%27cle Vipers)
“Last year we talked about me coming back but it wasn’t really an option now a year down the line, I’ve got a bit more time and can give it 100%.” Taking on the role of club captain anywhere is never easy and Sample spoke about his views on being given that honour by the Vipers.
“I was surprised and honoured to be asked. It took around 2 seconds for me to accept. I’m proud to lead the side especially as Newcastle are my home town team. It couldn’t be better for me and hopefully I can do a good job, help the boys out as much as I can and do the business out on the ice.”
“When I was younger I was assistant captain a fair few times. I’m always fairly vocal in the dressing whether I’m captain or not so that wont change. I’ll be trying to help people out as much as possible, Ill do anything I can to help the team win.”
Paul has strong links to Whitley Bay and PHN was curious as to whether or not he had considered taking to the ice for the Warriors in the English National League and Northern League this term.
“I wouldn’t want to come back into the game and not give it 100%. A lot of my friends play for Whitley Bay and I might think about doing that in a few years time but for now I want to compete at the highest level possible”
Sample also revealed that he would welcome the chance to return to the Team GB set up if the opportunity came along.
“I want to compete at the highest level I can now that I’m back in hockey. I would never turn down the chance to play for my country”
Paul also revealed that he had the opportunity to play in continental Europe earlier in his career.
“I nearly signed in France a couple of times in my younger days but it didn’t come to fruition as there’s always family commitments. I nearly went for it but England is my home and I love it here. I wouldn’t go aboard now I’ve got other responsibilities and commitments these days.”
We asked Paul how he saw his role with the Vipers this season ?
Sample in his Giants days (Photo N%27cle Vipers)
“I’ve spent a lot of time killing penalties in the past and hopefully ill spend some time on the penalty kill this season its Danny’s decision at the end of the day though.”
Even though Vipers have not had the best start to the season. Sample is confident that his Newcastle side will start to pick up some positive results soon enough.
“ I think we’ll surprise a lot of people, we are a relatively untested team and that can be a really good thing for us. Everyone is keen and eager to prove themselves. I think we’ll go on to do well and shock a lot of teams.”
“Our home rink is like no other and we’ve got to use it to our advantage. Teams aren’t going to like coming here we play 50% of our games here and we’ve got to make the most of it. Make it miserable for visiting teams every time they come here, play our game and grind out the wins.”
Vipers look to be a tough team from the opening few weeks of the campaign. Is there one guy that the team looks to when the things out on the ice get physical?
“We have no out and out enforcer as such. We are looking to have a general toughness, the best thing about this team is that we will all work hard and stick up for each other.”
Pro Hockey News would like to thank the Vipers skipper for taking the time to speak to us.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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