NEWCASTLE,U.K – Elite league Newcastle Vipers will be aiming to get back to winning ways this weekend after a recent dreadful run of form which has left them in seventh place in the league standings. Vipers were dealt another blow this week when it was revealed that import defenseman Burt Henderson will be out until February. Henderson was injured earlier this campaign but no replacement was signed as it was thought he would be back in action relatively quickly. Coach Rob Wilson has now decided to bring in extra defensive cover though many fans felt that an experienced blue liner should have been the clubs top priority when Henderson was first ruled out of action. The Vipers take on Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday (Dec 6) before welcoming the Nottingham Panthers to the Arena the following day. Vipers have a poor record against the Capitals this season but a victory against the Scottish side is essential if they are going to pull away from the bottom of the table. The Capitals are now only two points behind Vipers and if Doug Christiansen can inspire his side to a road victory in Newcastle, Vipers season will have imploded after a steady start to the campaign. Nottingham Panthers were able to defeat Vipers 6-3 on home ice last weekend and they will feel they have the beating of the Vipers as the Panthers have chalked up three victories against the Tyneside outfit this season already. Dan Tessier is once again racking up the points for the side from the lace city while David Clarke is top scorer with 17 goals so far this term. Vipers Coach Wilson will be hoping that new signings Ed Courtenay and Jeff Hutchins can continue there recent impressive form this weekend in both of the crucial home games. Courtenay has already shown some superb skill in his first few appearances in a Vipers shirt and if he can continue such form Vipers will surely soon be picking up a few victories. Wilson is short of options of the blue line with Henderson still out so Gouett and McAllsiter are likely to log a lot of ice time over the weekend with support coming from the player coach and young British prospect Jez Lundin. At least a two point haul is needed from the weekend or Vipers could well be dragged into the scrap for a Play Off spot in the coming months. Both the Capitals and Bison are now only two points behind the Vipers in the Elite League standings. Both sides have played three games more than Wilsons side though so a positive run of results could see Vipers pull away from the Capitals and Bison. Contact the author at Chris.mckenzie@prohockeynews.com
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