/* NEWCASTLE,U.K- It appears Newcastle Vipers have completed their roster for the 2009-10 season as all the import roster slots have been filled, while no other British signings are expected before the start of the campaign. Coach Wilson has recruited many new players to his squad over the summer with few of last years Vipers remaining on Tyneside. Stay at home defenceman Mark Gouett will once again patrol the blue line at the Arena this term however little is known of any of the other import defenseman that Vipers have brought in over the summer Tyler Kindle who played in the ECHL for Stockton Thunder last season. Kindle looks set to be the sides offensive blueliner who has contributed points from defense throughout his career. Kindle nets a large proportion of his points on powerplays and it is hoped he can contribute to an improvement when Vipers have a man advantage. Young British defenceman Jez Lundin decided to move to Guildford Flames over the summer the talented defenseman is sure to get more ice time with Paul Dixon’s team and he will be hoping to step back up to the Elite League soon enough as a more rounded player. Replacing Lundin is Richie Thornton who spent last season with Billingham Bombers in the ENL North. Thornton proved he has still the quality to play top level hockey during a brief stint with Basingstoke Bison and a number of games for the Hull Stingrays. Offensively Vipers have re-signed two of their former players. Matus Petricko comes back to the north east of England after spells with Nottingham Panthers, Cardiff Devils and Kosice (in his home country) since he left the Vipers at the end of the 2005-06 season. Petricko averaged over a point a game during his season on Tyneside and remarkably helped the Vipers lift the Elite League Play Offs in their debut season in the top division. Also returning to Newcastle is Todd Griffith. Griffith started last season with the Vipers but returned to North America mid way through the campaign. Griffith was always an extremely popular figure amongst the fans given his all action style and he could well have to adopt a more physical approach this coming season given that the team seem a little light on enforcers. It appears Vipers will not have enough quality in their squad to challenge at the top of the League this season. Vipers could well finish in sixth place ahead of both Hull Stingrays and Edinburgh Capitals but quite a way behind the likes of Coventry Blaze, Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers come next April. Contact the author at Chris.mckenzie@prohockeynews.com
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