NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers have signed American defenceman Nick Duff and it is thought that the hard hitting d man could even arrive in the UK in time to take part in Vipers 2 home games this coming weekend (20th/21st November). Newcastle have only had 3 genuine blue liners available of late so Duff’s arrival will be a huge boost to the Tyneside organisation.
Duff who hails from Novi, Michigan began his career with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL back in 2002. Nick iced just under 40 times for the Rangers before he switched to another OHL side the Brampton Battalion. He spent almost 3 seasons with Brampton, in his final year with there Duff was able to post 11 points and also pick up135 penalty minutes both statistics remain career highs for the combative d man.
Newcastle Coach Danny Stewart gave Pro Hockey News an insight into the player’s background and to why he had brought Duff into the club.
“He’s out of the University of British Columbia. He was in the East Coast League and he had played 3 or 4 games for Toledo but he then became available as Toledo had a couple of guy sent down to them from the NHL,” Stewart said in describing Duff.
“He’s going to bring us some competitiveness and some definite toughness. He’s about 6 foot and he’s got some decent size and he plays hard. I spoke to his old coach at UBC and apparently he’s a really good penalty killer and a very tough guy,” Stewart added.
Vipers general manager Jamie Longmuir added, “We don’t want to say for definite he’ll be in for this weekend but if he is in it’ll be a bonus.”
It also emerged from speaking with Stewart that Newcastle defenceman Kyle Sibley could well be out of action this weekend. Sibley picked up an injury in last weekend’s action and it would appear that the Vipers #22 will struggle to be fit for this weekend’s Drive-for-Five home double-header. However, with John Schwarz likely to return to action after a spell out of the side, Newcastle should be able to ice a solid defensive unit even if Duff does not arrive in time.
Newcastle begin their Drive-for-Five weekend with a clash against the Hull Stingrays on Saturday (20th November 7pm face off) before Vipers face the big spending Nottingham Panthers on Sunday evening (21st November 5.30pm face off). Children will be admitted free of charge this weekend providing they attend with a full playing adult.
Vipers have put a number of activities on for families who attend as there will be lots of competitions and games. Many appearances from club mascot Vinny the Viper and an autograph and meet the players session after the game. Supporters can also buy their favourite players limited edition Drive for 5 shirt and the club have invited fans to an after game party.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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