NEWCASTLE,U.K- Newcastle Vipers season now rests on the post season Play Offs after they were eliminated in the Knock Out Cup on Feb 26 by Tony Hand’s Manchester Phoenix. Vipers went down 6-5 in the second of two game series at Altrincham on Thursday evening however the real damage was done to Rob Wilson’s side in the first game at Whitley Bay when Phoenix ran out 4-1 winners. Phoenix netted a late goal in the first game that took the tie away from the north east based side as having to make up a three goal deficit away from home was always going to be a tough ask for a short benched and under strength Vipers. Head-coach Rob Wilson will now have to lift his side ahead of this weekend’s double header against the Cardiff Devils. Vipers travel to South Wales this Saturday (February 28) before taking on Voth and his team mates again 24 hours later at the Metro Radio Arena on Tyneside. Recent games against Gerard Adams side have been entertaining physical affairs and fans of both sides will be hoping that that recent trend continues this weekend. It is thought Devils may rest their starting netminder Peter Aubry for one or both of these games which could aid the Vipers bid to get back to winning ways. Ed Courtenay and Jeff Hutchins partnership is the key to whether or not Vipers will taste any success this season as if this pairing can hit form Vipers can give any Elite League side a run for their money in the quarter finals. However if either were ruled out through injury Vipers chances of progressing in the play offs would be severely weakened. Coach Wilson persuaded Courtenay to come out of retirement and it has been a delight to watch the ‘Eagle’ ice since his move to Newcastle. Courtenay still looks a class apart at times his vision and stick handling are generally way above most of the other Elite League players abilities. Courtenay had previously played with Hutchins in Belfast and their understanding on the ice has been a great asset in recent times. Rob Wilson has tried many of his forwards as the third man on Vipers first line alongside the ex Belfast pair. The remaining Elite League games this season can be used to see who best complements their skills. Rob Rankin has impressed in recent games and the gritty ex Hull Stingrays man could well earn the spot on the top line however Derek Campbell is another option open to the coach. However playing both Campbell and Courtenay on the same line does leave a lot of defensive responsibility on Hutchins and the clubs blue liners. It is hoped Newcastle Vipers can ice a full strength side in their play off campaign and if the side has a little luck along the way Vipers could well be heading to the NIC for the second year running.
Contact the author at Chris.mckenzie@prohockeynews.com
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