NEWCASTLE, UK – Charlie Effinger will be the Newcastle Vipers first choice goaltender for the 2010/11 campaign. Effinger was set to play AHL hockey next term until a deal fell through at the last minute which led to the 24 year old netminder re-evaluating his options and deciding that a move to the UK was the best opportunity for him at this point in his career.
Effinger seems to be highly regarded in North America from in his time in the ECHL and CHL. Charlie spent last season in the CHL icing for the Allen Americans and the Missouri Mavericks. The young net minder logged significant ice time at most sides and posted a impressive save percentage of over 91% at both teams.
Before moving to the CHL Effinger had a season in the ECHL starting the campaign with the Gwinnett Gladiators before a move to the Trenton Devils saw his ice time increase dramatically. Charlie played over 1000 minutes for the Devils and was able to record a save percentage of just above 90%.
Vipers’ latest signing also has a great deal of experience from his college days as he took to the ice in the colours of Miami University for four seasons while he was studying in Ohio.
It is hoped that Effinger can have the sort of impact that both Trevor Koening and Andrew Verner have had in recent seasons. Both Verner and Koening were new to the new UK when they linked up with the Vipers so it could just be possible that Newcastle coach Danny Stewart could have unearthed another superb goaltender who the north east hockey fans can take to their hearts.
It has been reported that Vipers could well be announcing another two import signings in the next few days and it is hoped that these new additions to the Newcastle roster will be quality acquisitions that get the fans excited ahead of the clubs first campaign under the stewardship of Danny Stewart.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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