Vipers land Verner

NEWCASTLE,U.K-Elite league Newcastle Vipers summer recruitment continued this week (June 16) as veteran netminder Andrew Verner’s signing was secured for the forthcoming season.   Head Coach Rob Wilson is hoping that Vipers will be able to capitalise on the experience Verner has gained throughout his long career in both North America and in Europe by appointing him assistant coach for next season. Wilson has solely coached the Vipers over the last few years and input from such an established player as Verner must be a positive move for the Vipers.

  Verner has signed with the Tyneside club for the next two years after a lengthy spell in the European leagues playing in Austria, Germany, Sweden and Finland. Verner revealed he had been settled in Austria in the last few years but felt now was the right time for a move to a new country and for a new challenge. Verner has great pedigree, he was drafted in round two of the 1991 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers and also went on to represent Canada in the 90’s amassing over 100 appearances for his country.   Media and fans feel this signing is similar to the shock scoop Belfast Giants pulled off in 2006 when they tempted Theo Fleury to Great Britain for a season. Vipers fans will be hopeful that Verner can lead Vipers to success this season as Fleury did for the Giants as he inspired them to the Elite league title in his only season in the UK.   This signing has sent ripples through local media in the northeast of England and with another ‘big’ signing promised for this week Vipers profile in the North East is possibly at an all time high which has to be good for British hockey as a whole. Contact the author at Chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com