NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Coach Danny Stewart has added Rob Wilson and Sam Zajac to the Vipers squad ahead of the 2010/11 campaign. Both players will be eager to prove that they can play at the highest level after icing in the ENL and EPL respectively in recent seasons.
Sam Zajac began his career with the Whitley Warriors however it soon became apparent that the diminutive defenceman would not remain at ENL level for too long and he moved to the Telford Tigers in the EPL for the 2008/9 term. Zajac enjoyed a reasonably successful season with the Tigers however with Telford dropping out of the ENL for the following campaign the blue liner decided to move on to the Basingstoke Bison to continue his hockey education. Zajac was able to log plenty of ice time for Steve Moria’s side as he posted 9 points in the regular season.
This will be Rob Wilson’s second spell with the Vipers as he was on a 2 way contract with Newcastle in the 2003/4 and 2004/5 campaigns. Wilson got few opportunities to impress in the appearances he made in the BNL in those 2 campaigns and the tough defender will no doubt get more of an opportunity to prove himself now that he has re-signed with the Vipers.
Wilson has a wealth of experience in the ENL and Northern League as he has played in both competitions during the last few seasons for the Whitley Warriors. Wilson is a gritty performer who is not afraid to stick up for his team mates and drop the gloves when necessary. However his style of play can cause him to pick up a lot of penalty minutes which he will have to try and curb otherwise his side will end up getting punished while he sits in the sin bin. This Rob Wilson is not to be confused with former player-coach Rob Wilson who is now coaching in Italy.
The double signing of Zajac and Wilson shows that Vipers are very aware of just how vital it is to bring young local talent into the club. Supporters will get fully behind the clubs two new defensive recruits when the 2010/11 season faces off as fans always like to see their club iceing local players at the highest possible level.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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