NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers are almost certain to be eliminated at the group stage of the Challenge Cup after Rob Wilson’s side suffered 2 defeats against the Sheffield Steelers in the competition last weekend. Vipers can still mathematically progress if they beat the Belfast Giants on Sunday at Whitley Bay and a number of other results go their way though it has to be noted that the chances of Newcastle making it into the semi finals of this competition are extremely remote.
It is possible that Vipers could rest some key personnel when the Giants visit the North East, in a bid to give some of the clubs top players a break from their hectic schedule. Some of the young British players on the roster could see their ice time increase if there is nothing to play for by the time the game faces off on Sunday. It is plausible that young back up net minder Richie Lawson could start the game while the likes of Richie Thornton, Dean Holland, Ben Campbell and Jamie Tinsley could all benefit from more prominent roles on Newcastle’s top lines and specialist units.
Newcastle take on the Cardiff Devils in Elite League action on Saturday evening in Wales before they return to the north east for Sundays game. Coach Wilson be keen for Vipers to get back to winning ways as his side’s form has dipped in their last few games. Newcastle were in superb form at the beginning of the campaign and it is hoped that a return to league action will see the Tyneside outfit get back to the top of their game.
With a Challenge Cup exit on the cards and 20/20 hockeyfest over, Vipers have the League to concentrate all of their efforts on until the Play Offs in the post season. Newcastle were not expected to mount a title challenge this term but given the way the 09/10 term had began Rob Wilson’s side do have to be viewed as an outside bet for the Championship. Newcastle have struggle to make much of an impact in the Elite League in recent times and the last trophy that Vipers captured was the Play Offs back in 2005-6 illustrating that the Tyneside outfit have not been able to match Britain’s top sides of late.
It has to be noted though that this years Elite League appears to be wide open as all 8 teams are capable of taking points off each other on any given night. Reigning League and Play Off Champions the Sheffield Steelers have got off to a dismal start this term and it appears they have been unable to adapt to the loss of some key personnel (Lehmann and Munn). Big spending Nottingham Panthers seem to have the best squad on paper though even Corey Neilson’s side have struggled to put together a consistent run of form together at this early stage of the season.
Coventry Blaze are likely to be there or thereabouts at the top of the standings next April and it is Blaze who are one of the favourites to finish the season in top spot. Sky Dome coach Paul Thompson has a wealth of experience from his time with Solihull, Great Britain and Coventry and his side may well just have the edge over those other sides at the top of the Elite League.
Contact the author chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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