Robinson ready to face former club on Sunday

Michel Robinson comes up against his former employers on Sunday, but the Mobilx Vipers netminder is focussed on helping his new side to League success over Nottingham.

Canadian Robinson moved to the Panthers mid-season last year after being cut by Edinburgh Capitals, and helped the Midlands club reach the Play Off Final.

Now after a successful opening weekend where the Vipers took three out of four points against Cardiff Devils, Robinson says his current team know what they have to do against Panthers.

"We had a very good opening weekend against Cardiff, perhaps we could or should have won both games, but Devils are one of the clubs challenging for a top four spot this year.  Now we have an idea of what is needed to compete in the League this year.

"Rob [coach Wilson] made a lot of changes this summer, particularly in defence.  As a goalie it's pleasing to have such quality players in front of me on game nights.

"The team is completely different here from last year, and where the previous Vipers struggled against the top teams, this year we're going to be in the game every night for 60 whole minutes.  We're getting stronger with every game, and now we have a full squad with Ryan Mahrle skating with us today."

Looking ahead to Sunday's encounter, the Vipers' only game of the weekend, Robinson said: "I know a lot of the guys in Nottingham who were there last year, and others from minor leagues in North America.

"They're a fast, skilfull team and we are going to have to be at our very best to match them.  But if we play as we did last weekend it'll be close and we won't be going 1&6 against Nottingham this year."

Sunday's Elite League encounter is at Metro Radio Arena and faces off at 5.30pm.  Advance ticket sales are available from the club offices in Shakespeare Street in Newcastle or by telephone on 0191 2610909.

Tickets can be purchased on the night but sales are strictly cash only.

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Listen to Michel Robinson's interview with UKHL's Patrick Smyth on the link below.