Promising star gets Romford chance

May 28 2007 By Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Vipers netminder Mark Lee has been sent on loan to the English Premier League to gain experience weeks after his first call-up to the Great Britain training squad, writes Stuart Rayner.

The Sunderland-born 19-year-old has long been regarded as having a bright future in the game but will have to impress between the pipes for Romford Raiders if he is to finally become the Vipers' first-choice shot-stopper.

A knee injury to Canadian Peter Aubry saw Lee play 23 times for the Newcastle club last season and although he greatly impressed with a save percentage of 91.3, coach Rob Wilson is not yet prepared to gamble on such an inexperienced player every week.

"This is a great opportunity for Mark to get more games under his belt and develop his game, something he is not able to do by sitting on the bench," argued the 38-year-old.

"We are all excited about Mark's potential and this is a great opportunity for all three parties. Mark will be allowed to develop, Romford get an excellent netminder and the Vipers can let one of our most promising players develop."

Statistically Lee was the Elite League's best British netminder last season and the ninth best overall, conceding 3.03 goals a game.

His reward was to be named in the provisional Great Britain squad for April's World Championship.

The deal includes a clause which could see Lee recalled if the Vipers' as-yet unsigned first-choice netminder is injured. Richard Lawson will step up from the Vipers reserves to become number two.

"Richard had an excellent season last year at English National League level and this will allow us to bring him on and prepare him for Elite level," added Wilson. "Richard is highly rated and I have no questions over his ability to play if needed."

The Lady Vipers lost their play-off final against Bracknell 2-1 last night. Kirsten Beattie scored the goal in a game which was mared by a nasty knee injury to fellow GB player and Vipers academy coach Heather McDermott.

She was taken to hospital. Vipers beat Slough Phantoms in Saturday's semi-final 3-2, with Teecorr Lewis scoring all three goals.