NEWCASTLE, UK – Newcastle Vipers need to pick up at least a couple of victories from their next three games if Rob Wilson’s side are to avoid finishing in the bottom two of the Elite League. Vipers face Hull Stingrays on Tyneside on Saturday before making the long trip to South Wales to take on the Cardiff Devils the following evening. Newcastle then travel to Humberside to take on the Stingrays next Wednesday in a punishing schedule that sees the Tyneside based team play 3 fixtures in a 5 day period.
Vipers have had the upper hand over the Stingrays in the north east this term and it is hoped that Coach Wilson’s side can get the better of Sylvain Cloutier’s team once again on Saturday evening. Newcastle’s long trip to Wales the next night looks a lot trickier and given the Devils impressive home form, Vipers will have to be at the top of their game if they are to come back from Cardiff Bay with a positive result.
Newcastle could be taking on the Hull Stingrays at just the wrong time as the Rays have picked up some impressive results of late since they gassed net minder Tommy Sandahl and brought Martins Raitums onto their roster. Raitums has quickly become a popular figure amongst the fans at the Hull Arena and if he can continue to backstop his side to more victories like the recent 2-1 triumph over the Coventry Blaze then he will become one of Hull’s top players of recent times.
It was only a few short months ago that the Vipers were being talked of as possible title contenders after a great start to the season at the Metro Radio Arena. Newcastle have since suffered both on and off the ice as the clubs financial problems have meant that Coach Wilson has struggled to adequately replace a number of players who have left the organisation. The move from the Metro Radio Arena to the compact Hilllheads Rink in Whitley Bay has also has a negative impact on the team as Newcastle seem to be suited a lot more by the open ice surface that the Arena provided.
Vipers lack of depth has given the clubs local youngsters a chance to show what they can do as the Brits on the roster are now all getting a little more ice time. Ben Campbell has been the most impressive of Newcastle’s young Brits this term and the speedy winger must be on the verge of a call up to the full GB squad given the form he has been in. Campbell has also regularly iced on the Vipers penalty kill and power play units which is valuable experience for any player making his way in the game.
Dean Holland, Jamie Tinsley and Nathan Salem have all also benefited from playing alongside top imports on the Vipers main offensive lines. Salem’s tally of 9 points so far this term is a very creditable return as it is the former Whitley Warriors first season at Elite level. Salem looks to have a bright future in the British game and it is hoped that Vipers can re-sign the youngster for the 2010/11 campaign.
Contact the author Chris.MacKenzie@Prohockeynews.com
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