Kevin Pope previews the 09/10 season for the Vipers
In April Rob Wilson said that he was planning big changes to his squad after a poor season, and the new Vipers new roster shows that he has stuck to his word with only five players re-signed. Out have gone the older, less mobile and overly physical players, and in their place Wilson has brought in younger, quicker and hopefully more disciplined players to the Vipers outfit.
David Longstaff and Mark Gouett were the first two players signed to Wilson’s roster, and the experience of both players will be important. Longstaff has consistently been one of the Vipers top scorers and if he can continue his form from the GB tournament in April will prove to be a key asset in the Vipers squad. The other three returning players including young British players Ben Campbell and Dean Holland who continued to show potential last season. Forward Todd Griffith also returns to the Vipers after a short spell back in North America last season, and his direct and exciting style of play should be better suited to the Vipers this season.
Of the new signings, Wilson has looked to build from the back, and the Vipers defensive unit looks to be one of the strongest in the league. Jerramie Domish may have a questionable past off-ice, but four seasons at AHL level suggest he’ll be worth a risk, while Tyler Kindle also looks handy and seems to have played for most teams in the ECHL. Ryan Marhle and Gouett complete the experienced blue-line unit. Of the new forwards, Jason Tejchma stands out as the player to watch, but Matic Krajl could be the surprise package of the summer and hopefully he’ll add to the five goals he’s already scored against English opposition so far in his career. The big problem for the Vipers this season could be a lack of depth, and it could be a baptism of fire for youngsters Dean Holland, Nathan Salem and Jamie Tinsley if injuries strike as often as they have in the past couple of seasons.
The league as a whole looks a lot closer this season, with Edinburgh, Hull and Newcastle all improving, while the top teams seem to be cutting back slightly (with the exception of Nottingham). Sheffield will find it hard to regain their title with key losses including Lehman and Ashley Tait, and the loss of David Philips so late in the summer could leave Belfast slightly unbalanced once the season starts. If I had the money to bet I’d be backing Coventry, but it looks like it could be one of the closest seasons in years. If the Vipers can avoid injuries fifth place would be a great finish, but sixth ahead of Hull and Edinburgh will be the least expected on Tyneside. Don’t rule out a run in a cup though, Wilson’s teams are always up for the four games it takes to win the Playoffs!
- Coventry
- Belfast
- Sheffield
- Cardiff
- Nottingham
- Newcastle
- Edinburgh
- Hull
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