Payette prepared for a fight

Feb 9 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

BURT Henderson will make his Newcastle Vipers debut against Cardiff Devils this evening but it is his fellow Canadian Andre Payette who might cause sparks to fly on the ice at the Metro Radio Arena, writes LUKE EDWARDS.

Henderson, an experienced defenceman, has been signed by coach Rob Wilson to bolster the side’s chances of a successful play-off challenge following a spell playing in Japan and the 32-year-old cannot wait to get started.

He said: “I’ve been playing over in Japan and the crowds aren’t so great, so this will be a great experience to play in front of a couple of thousand people who are there to make noise.

“I am a defensive player but I also like to play an offensive game. My game is pretty solid and I don’t like to be flashy. I just like to do my job and keep the puck out of the net. I’m really pleased to be here.”

The Vipers take on Cardiff tonight before a clash with Nottingham Panthers tomorrow and Payette, who has taken Henderson under his wing since his move to Newcastle, could be at the centre of the action.

The Canadian tough guy has already had one run-in with Cardiff skipper Brad Voth this season and few would rule out a repeat on the ice this evening. But the hard work won’t stop there for Payette as he will also renew acquaintances with Nottingham’s Ryan Shymr on Sunday after the pair also clashed earlier in the season.

He said: “We’ve had run-ins with both teams. I don’t like either team that we are playing, but I just love playing against them. I will always do my best for the team and I’m really up for the slog this time around.

“It’s going to be a tough weekend that’s for sure. These are really big games and we need to win them both. We need to get ourselves back on track after the defeat last weekend (by Edinburgh Capitals) and wins this weekend would help us do that.

“Edinburgh played well but before that we’d won four from five so we know we are still on a decent run. The play-offs are going to be massive this year and we have to try and get the best draw possible.”