NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers will be hoping that they can continue their superb early season form as the side make the move from the Metro Radio Arena to Hillheads Ice Rink in Whitley Bay. Vipers struggled to adapt to the small ice surface at the Bay in the 3 Challenge Cup games that were played in Whitley earlier this season however it is hoped that once the players get used to playing in their new surroundings the Vipers can maintain their impressive home form.
The recent ‘Drive for 5’ promotion was a great success on Tyneside as Newcastle were able to boost the attendances at both of their final MRA weekend games. Over 4,000 attended the match against the Sheffield Steelers on the Sunday which has to be the biggest attendance ice hockey wise at the Arena in years. Promotional offers no doubt played a part in the large turnout against the Steelers however it is hoped that some of these new fans will return to see Newcastle at Whitley Bay over the remainder of the 2009/10 campaign. It appears that Vipers are letting children in for free with a paying adult for some of the games at Whitley which is a great move by the organisation as they look to establish and cement themselves in Elite League hockey both on and off the ice. If ice hockey fans in the north east don’t get behind the Newcastle Vipers over the next 6 months or so it is possible that there will be no top level hockey in the region next season which would be a great tragedy. Speaking on behalf of most north east hockey fans, I don’t want to see another great north east ice hockey side go out of business.
Vipers need all their fans to get behind them over the remainder of the campaign in what could well be a hugely successful season for the club on the ice. Rob Wilson has assembled a strong roster packed with hard working players who will give their all night in night out. There may be no true superstar like Andre Verner or Colin Shields in the squad these days but the likes of Mike Berry, Jason Tejchma and Jerramie Domish have all put in a number of superb displays already this term for the Vipers.
Hillheads Rink has not shown top level British hockey on a regular basis for a good number of years now but in recent weeks the Vipers have had a steady start in Whitley Bay.
Contact the author Chris.MacKenzie@Prohockeynews.com
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