Rublivsky frozen out by Vipers

Jan 18 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

THE Vipers squad go their separate ways this morning to start a mid-season break but while most head for some winter sun, Ukrainian forward Sergiy Rublivsky is left to find another job.

The 28-year-old has become the third player sacked by the Elite League club this season to make way for another Cory Morgan return.

Like Kevin Keegan, the Canadian centreman is returning to Newcastle for a third spell after deciding to end his self-imposed exile from the sport.

Coach Rob Wilson believes Morgan’s return, coupled with the return to fitness of winger Jeff Hutchins and the imminent arrival of defenceman Burt Henderson have brought a feel-good factor to Newcastle Arena.

Red tape permitting, all three are expected to figure when the Vipers next take to the ice, in Basingstoke a week tomorrow.

Yesterday, The Vipers flew back from Belfast where they lost 3-1 to the Giants a day earlier, before departing on various weekends away.

“It’s really a mid-season break for them,” said Wilson. “They didn’t get one over Christmas so it’s a good time for it. A couple are going to France, some to Switzerland, others just to somewhere warmer. It’s a good time because it’s going to feel like a new start. That’s why I did it.

“I’m quite excited for them. Basically, what we’re doing next week is adding three new players with Morgan, Henderson and Jeff Hutchins, who’s back from injury.

“For any team to be able to put that quality of player into their side is good news. We’ve got Morgan to come into the centre, one of the best defencemen in the country (Henderson) and one of the best wingers (Hutchins).

“And the reason I played in Belfast on Wednesday was to allow Pascha (Gomenyuk) to rest ahead of the Coventry/Basingstoke weekend. We’re hoping he’ll be back to full fitness by then.”

Hutchins has not played since mid-December after surgery on his groin. Henderson joined the Vipers last week and, like Morgan, is waiting for a work permit.

Morgan has played on and off for the Vipers for the last three seasons. He left last year to train for a career in the fire service but has decided to return to the ice.

“We’re really happy,” said Wilson of the signing. “I’ve been looking for a centreman for the last couple of months who can battle with players like (Coventry Blaze captain Sylvain) Cloutier-type guys. He’s obviously a big signing for us.

“I will probably play him and David Longstaff together. They will work hard together and work the corners. He’s been trying to look at a career change with his fire service work but he called me a while ago and said he was too young to retire and was missing playing hockey.”

Petr Kratky and Aleksandr Shevchenko are the other players the Vipers have released this term.