Vipers take shot at testing youngsters

Jan 23 2008 by Paul Gilder, The Journal

ROB Wilson has urged Newcastle’s rising stars to use this evening’s Best of British challenge match to demonstrate their Elite League potential.

The Vipers travel to the East Midlands to take on Coventry Blaze tonight and, having called up eight English National League players, Wilson is approaching the fixture with one eye on the future.

The Newcastle boss has selected just three imports, with Todd Jackson, Andre Payette and the fit-again Jeff Hutchins preparing to lead an inexperienced side at the Skydome.

Having graduated from the club’s academy, Jez Lundin was named in the Great Britain squad for the first time this month. For those aiming to emulate the defenceman’s Elite League exploits, tonight’s match is a chance to showcase their talents.

“This match will give me the chance to have a look at the ENL players in action and to see if they are potential Elite players of the future,” said Wilson, who will field Calvin Khass, Marcus Hinkley, Martyn Davies, Daniel Pye, Jamie Cobley, Philip Atherton, Callum Pattison and James Udell alongside the club’s first-team regulars.

“Ben Campbell, Jez Lundin, Dean Holland, Richie Lawson and Nathan Taylor have stepped up in the past two seasons and there’s no reason why more of the ENL players can’t follow them. It’s a big part of why we are developing the academy, to have a system that goes from beginners right up to Elite League hockey.

“I’m looking forward to the game and I’m pleased with the squad I have. It will be an interesting night going up against the Blaze and their ENL guys.”

Newcastle return to regular Elite League action at Basingstoke on Saturday – a game that is expected to see Cory Morgan feature for the first time following his latest return to the club – with a return to the Skydome to take on the Blaze scheduled for the following evening.

This match will give me the chance to see if they are potential Elite players of the future