Hot on the heels of Matic Kralj’s signing, Newcastle Vipers head coach Rob Wilson has given VipersHockey.co.uk his outline of the remaining roster spots ahead of the 2009-10 Elite League season.
Wilson is in Canada working on the recruitment of the ‘all new’ Vipers squad, where four of the six imports signed are brand new to the UK.
“When I spoke to the Fan Forum at the Hilton Hotel I promised a fresh approach and a clean slate as far as the imports were concerned,” said Wilson.
“And the fans can see I have followed through on that, with only Mark Gouett and Todd Griffith coming back from last year, and the other guys being brand new to the League.
“With the four import spots left, the guys in the frame fit that bill too, so it truly is an all-new Vipers lineup.”
The four import spaces are 1 forward, 1 goalie and 2 defencemen. There is also likely to be another British defenceman added to the roster.
“I have an offer out with the forward and am waiting for a response,” continued Wilson.
“The two defencemen have been identified and we have had initial discussions, which are ongoing. I have also agreed to sign a British defenceman, and once the contract is signed details will be announced.”
Wilson has always said his most important signing is between the pipes, and last year’s netminding hero Andrew Verner is almost certain to move back to Europe.
“I would love nothing more than to have Verns in goal for me again next season, but he’s had offers from Europe which we can’t even come close to. As I said at the Forum, Andrew is in the point of his career where he needs to make as much as he can before he retires.”
The news that a new import forward has been offered a contract means that Jeff Hutchins and Andre Payette will not be returning next season.
“I spoke to Jeff and made an offer but he didn’t agree with the deal, so I moved on to my next target. He did a great job for me last year when he came back, and won over a lot of the fans. I wish him well in whatever he does next and thank him for his efforts in two spells as a player for me.
“Andre has been a huge part of the organisation for the last four years, and was a big part of our early success. He has worked hard on and off the ice for the club, and especially for the Vipers Foundation.
“So again, it’s a big thank you to Andre for his four years’ service to the Vipers cause, but but it’s right I feel now to move on to new things.
“There are still a couple of clubs I believe are interested in signing him, so we may still see him on the ice next season.”
WIlson’s new recruitment plan has seen the average age of the team come down, while the speed and skill has increased. The calibre of players available to the Head Coach is in no small part down to the involvement for a second season of Northumbria University.
“There’s no way I would be able to sign the likes of Tejchma, Berry and Marhle without having the University programme as part of our offer,” said Wilson.
“Another couple of the guys we’re talking to will be on the school programme too, and the same applies to them - ordinarily they would be out of our range if it were down to straight finance.
“Northumbria have been outstanding last year and so far this summer in helping the players get onto the courses they want to do.
“It’s been easier getting guys to sign up having the bonus of a Masters to help them after hockey, so I extend a big thank you to everyone at Northumbria.”
VipersHockey.co.uk will bring you all the news throughout the summer as the final pieces of the recruitment puzzle fall into place. Fans are also urged to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages, where news and sneak previews are posted.
