NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers are the surprise leaders of the Elite league after the first 2 weekends of action. Coach Wilson’s side sit in pole position after picking up 5 points from their first 3 games of the 2009/10 campaign.
Vipers have recorded wins over both the Cardiff Devils and the Nottingham Panthers in regulation time and picked up a point against the Devils when Gerard Adams side overcame Newcastle on penalty shots. Last seasons Double winners the Sheffield Steelers have surprisingly only picked up 2 points from their first 3 games in Elite League action which will be a worry for Coach Dave Matsos after his sides superb form throughout the last year. It appears than no team will be able to dominate the Elite League this season which should mean that there are a lot of competitive games in the top division of British hockey.
Newcastle’s title credentials will be put to the test this coming weekend as Vipers travel to the NIC to take on big spending Nottingham Panthers on Saturday before facing the ever competitive Belfast Giants on home ice on Sunday evening. Panthers will be eager to set the record straight against Vipers as the majority of Nottingham’s big game players failed to show their true quality in last weekends match. It is not known whether Panthers power forward Kevin Bergin will be fit for this game however even if he is not Panthers have the highly talented Jonas Molin available to take Bergin’s slot on the roster.
Coach Wilson decided to go with a virtually new squad this season after a disappointing showing last term and many of his finds have shown superb form at the start of their careers on Tyneside. American Jason Tejchma has been particularly impressive as he netted 3 goals against Cardiff on the opening weekend of the season and played some nice hockey against the Panthers despite being switched between the sides forward lines.
Another newcomer who looks like he could be a success on British shores is Jerramie Domish who could well be one of the best offensive d men in the Elite League this season. Domish has only picked up 2 assists in his sides opening 3 games but his superb forward advances are sure to create his team mates numerous opportunities in front of goal in the coming games.
Many fans expected Vipers to be a mid table side this season in around 5th/6th position in the Elite League. However Newcastle’s encouraging start to the season has led to many hockey followers revising their expectations of Coach Wilson’s side this season and if Vipers can maintain their early season form a top 4 league finish and a successful cup campaign could well be achievable.
Contact chris.MacKenzie@prohockeynews.com
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