NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers secured their place in the semi finals of this years Challenge Cup competition thanks to a superb 3-2 victory over the Elite League pace setters Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland. Going into the game (which also counted towards the Elite League) Belfast topped the league standings while Newcastle sat in 10th place at the foot of the table.
Vipers went into the clash with a very poor record against Doug Christiansen’s Giants this term as Newcastle had already lost twice to Belfast in the north east (6-2 and 6-4). However Vipers Player/Coach Danny Stewart obviously had his players completely focused on progressing to the semi finals as Newcastle flew out of the blocks to grab a 2 goal lead by the 8th minute of the contest thanks to strikes from new recruit Mike Prpich and the ever impressive Jamie Carroll.
Vipers top scorer Jamie Carroll
The Giants got themselves back into the game in the 2nd period when former Toronto Marlie Mike Hoffman netted for the home side. Newcastle net minder Charlie Effinger was clearly in great form as he only concedes one goal in the middle stanza of action even though Belfast out shot the Vipers 16-2 in the middle period.
Effinger was beaten shortly into the 3rd when Jon Gleed fired the puck past the American goaltender. Newcastle showed just how much spirit they currently have in their locker room to fight back and take the lead one again when Jaro Rzeszutko fired home after 54 minutes.
In form netminder Charlie Effinger
Belfast were unable to find a way past Effinger in the final 5 minutes of action which meant that Danny Stewart and his depleted roster had somehow managed to travel across the Irish sea to the home of the Play Off Champions and current league leaders and come away with the victory which meant that the Tyneside outfit progressed into the semi finals of the prestigious Challenge Cup tournament.
Vipers picked up a total of 10 points from their 8 round robin games in Group A of the Challenge Cup to finish ahead of the Edinburgh Capitals, Braehead Clan and Dundee Stars. It is not yet known who Newcastle will take on in 2 legged semi final as not all fixtures in the other group have been completed as yet.
Player/Coach Danny Stewart
Newcastle will be facing a top side though as it will either be the in form Cardiff Devils or big spending Nottingham Panthers who Danny Stewart’s men have battle it out with for a spot in this years Challenge Cup final.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
Images courtesy of Paul Lynch Photography
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