Vipers go third in Elite

NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers currently lie 3^rd in the Elite League standings with 20 points from their first 14 games of the 2009/10 season. Nottingham Panthers are top of the standings at present, though Corey Neilson’s side have played 4 games more then Vipers and only have a 2 point advantage at this moment in time. Also up there challenging are the Coventry Blaze, Cardiff Devils and Belfast Giants in the one of the most open title races of recent times.
Coach Wilson will be delighted with how his Vipers side have performed so far this term given that Newcastle are a low budget team compared to the majority of Elite League sides. Wilson has assembled a solid roster with limited finances and he has been able to attract some quality players to the north east this term. Players such as Jason Tejchma and Mike Berry have both been able to put up impressive points tally’s so far this campaign and if Vipers can maintain their impressive form once the sides home games are moved to Whitley Bay it is possible that Newcastle could be there or thereabouts at the end of the regular season.
Newcastle have also recruited well defensively as Mark Gouett gives the Vipers d a solid look to it while Jerramie Domish has shown himself to be one of the best all round blue liners in the British game at present.

Domish is able to contribute at both ends of the ice as he can drive forward and set up scoring chances for his team mates while he is also one of the side’s best d man when the opposition take the game to the Vipers.
Newcastle face a tough weekend as they face the Coventry Blaze at the Sky Dome on Saturday night before taking on the Belfast Giants at the Metro Radio Arena on Sunday evening. If Vipers can take at least 3 points from their weekend fixtures then they will be putting pressure on the Panthers at the top of the table.
Coventry Blaze have been one of the most impressive Elite League sides so far have seen this season and Paul Thompson’s team look to have a solid roster with a wealth of offensive talent in their organisation. The likes of Adam Calder, Dan Carlson and Greg Chambers are always going to guarantee plenty of goals as they are all experienced campaigners who have racked up plenty of points in the British game over the last few seasons.
In defence Blaze look just as strong as ex Viper Jonathan Weaver is one of the most talented offensive d men in the league while Jason Robinson adds some toughness and strength to Coventry’s blue line. Thompson’s side also look to have a solid netminder in Peter Hirsch who has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in his debut season in the UK. Hirsch has already shown himself to be more reliable than last years minder JF Perras who never really convinced the West Midlands fans that he was the guy who could backstop them to honours.
Some feel that Coventry Blaze are the best equipped of all the Elite League teams to go on to claim the title this year and if Vipers can keep pace with Paul Thompson’s organisation then Newcastle will have had a superb season on their limited resources, even if the Vipers cannot quite go onto claim the title.
Contact the author Chris.MacKenzie@prohockeynews.com