Wilson’s delighted with his new boys

Dec 26 2007 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ROB Wilson has paid tribute to the way defenceman Mark Gouett has seamlessly fitted into his new-look Vipers side.

The Newcastle-based team play back-to-back games against Manchester Phoenix today and tomorrow, the latter at home. And, although the Vipers have tried to go back to basics to end a dreadful run of form in recent weeks, they are still playing a more expansive game than in previous years under Wilson.

Gouett has been an important part of that, like fellow defenceman Ben Storey chipping in with some crucial points. In 35 games this season Gouett has scored six goals, while helping to create another nine.

Not all Wilson’s summer signings have paid dividends, with Czech defenceman Petr Kratky sacked after failing to adapt to life in the Elite League. But Gouett and netminder Ryan MacDonald have impressed in their first seasons on Tyneside. Gouett was brought to Newcastle Arena this summer more to provide added protection to MacDonald than to contribute at the opposite end of the ice. But the former London Racer has made an impressive start, demonstrating why Coventry Blaze were so eager to beat the Vipers to his signature.

“Mark is a solid defender but he’s got involved in our new style of play and he’s scored some big goals for us, which we weren’t expecting,” he said. If the 25-year-old Canadian has surprised Wilson, then compatriot MacDonald has lived up to his lofty expectations. Of those goalkeepers who have played ten or more Elite League games this season, MacDonald has the fourth-highest save percentage with 91.7.

With a stronger unit in front of him he would almost certainly have added to his four shut-outs this season but McDonald has at least resolved what was a problem position for the team last term. For the first time since the departure of Trevor Koenig in the summer of 2006, Wilson can now have full confidence in his goalie.

At a time in the season when so many departments of his side have mysteriously stopped functioning properly, coach Wilson at least knows he does not have to worry about the man between the pipes, who has made an important contribution on and off the ice.

“Ryan’s been just what I expected him to be,” he commented. “He’s the type of goaltender that gives you the chance to win every game. He doesn’t win you games but he gives you the chance to win them and that’s what you want from an import goalie.”

The Vipers go into the midweek double-header without Colin Shields (hand) and Jeff Hutchins (groin), and with Pavel Gomenyuk (groin) still some way short of full fitness. They will be looking to bounce back after consecutive defeats at the weekend, albeit that the latter came in over-time at home to Belfast Giants.