NEWCASTLE, UK – At the Vipers recent media day Pro Hockey News got the opportunity to speak to Canadian import Dan Speer who has linked up with Newcastle after recently finishing his studies at Lakehead University.
On first meeting Dan, PHN asked the young forward why he had chosen to play in the UK for Newcastle this season.
“Basically I was back and forth speaking to the team and I got a good impression from Danny (Stewart) on the phone. His plans for this year and the direction he wants to take this club attracted me to the organisation. What also drew me here was the friendliness and the overall concern and well being the club had for myself. I’m a 1st year pro so I have a lot questions about everything and with me being from Canada everything’s different and they have been totally awesome in helping me”
Before deciding on whether to move over to the UK, Speer seek advice from 2 friends of his who have recently played in Britain.
“I spoke to 2 very good friends of mine Michael Jacobsen who played for Belfast last season and Malcolm MacMillan who played with Paul Sample at Belfast to see what the Elite League was about. I also spoke to Sample too and he told me a little bit more about the league and life in the UK”
As Speer has not played outside of North America before we asked him how he was settling into life in the north east?
Speer in action for Lakehead
“I’ve been here since last Tuesday now and its been an adjustment having to sort bank accounts, cell phones and internet but everyone has done their best to make me feel real comfortable so its been pretty easy. I’m playing with a bunch of guys in the same sort of situation, character guys who can all be a big family I guess. Though one thing I’m struggling with is the accent but I’m sure I’ll get used to it though”
Speer is from Thunder Bay in the Province of Ontario in Canada so he is used to hockey being the main sport however the young forward was pleased to see the support his new side get from their loyal fan base.
“We had awesome fan support against Edinburgh, in the first exhibition game it was great and on the road the Viper fans almost outnumbered the home fans which was pretty awesome. Everyone seems to be really accepting of us being here.”
“Lots of fans attended the jersey launch last week as well at the stadium. I’m used to University hockey back home in front of 4,000 or so people so I’m not shocked by the level of support but I wasn’t sure what support over here would be like so it was good to see. At home I’m used to hockey being the number 1 sport as that’s how it is in Thunder Bay where I’m from”
Vipers achieved 2 victories over the Edinburgh Capitals in the Challenge games last weekend which was a superb start to the season for Newcastle. PHN asked Speer what he thought of the clubs initial games
“I felt awfully nervous at first however as the games progressed I got a lot more comfortable and given that we had only practised together twice it was encouraging. None of us had ever played on a line together before either. It felt good to get my first pro points on the board and great to get a win under our belts.”
“Edinburgh were a little short staffed though so it made things a little bit easier for us they’ve got some more guys to come in including an import goalie so games between the 2 sides later in the season will be a lot tighter”
Speer picked up a hatrick in Saturday’s home game and a batch of assists on the road the following day so we asked the young import if he saw himself as a playmaker or a goalscorer.
“Its Kind of funny I got 3 goals in the 1st game as I’m not a goalscorer, I like passing the puck. Sundays game is more my sort of game a lot of assists, I like play making I’m an offensive guy though I can play the game in my own end and be defensive when needed. However I like being up front and getting important goals and contributing to the team, I enjoy playing physical as well in certain cycles”
Vipers do not have the biggest roster in the Elite League and Speer believes this factor will see him play in a number of different roles on the team this year
“As for specialist teams so far I’m on the powerplay however anything Danny Stewart throws at me I’m more than willing to do. We have a short bench up front so guys are going to get put into every position and you’ve just got to be smart and do your best for the team.”
In his new Vipers jersey (Photo Newcastle Vipers)
“I don’t think we have a lot of pressure the team didn’t seem to do that well last year and we are going to take it one game at a time. We’ve got a younger team and if we are fired up anything can happen we aim to make some noise in this league this year”
“We are all here to win games and the effort we are going give put in will give us a big opportunity to achieve a great deal”
Vipers moved from the Newcastle Arena to a much smaller ice surface at Whitley Bay last season, Speer gave his views on playing at the compact tight rink at Hillheads.
“Its always difficult to adjust to new rink. On the first 2 skates I was oh man this is going to be a long year playing here with the ice and stuff but by the end of the game it was much better the puck wasn’t rolling as much and the only thing is it gets a little soft in here so you just have to bear with that and be patient with the puck. I’m sure the club with continue working at it and I’m sure everyone who works here will continue to improve the ice to make it a better place for us to play”
Speer will be hopeful that he continue to pick up the points this coming weekend as Newcastle open their Elite League campaign with an away game at Sheffield Steelers this Saturday before playing their first home league of the season against the same opposition on Sunday at Hillheads with face off set for 5.30pm.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.