Vipers out to end Blaze's treble hope

Apr 4 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

THE Vipers are hoping to set up a repeat of the 2006 final and end Coventry Blaze’s treble hopes in the process.

Two years ago, the Newcastle side beat their then-fiercest rivals Sheffield Steelers to lift the trophy, a mantle tomorrow’s semi-finalists the Blaze have since taken on.

Coventry are the reigning Elite League and British Knockout Cup holders and will be firm favourites in the 1pm face-off. But two years ago, the Vipers knocked out champions Belfast Giants in the last four.

The winners of the early game will face the victors of the 5pm meeting between the Steelers and last year’s runners-up Cardiff Devils. Player-coach Rob Wilson is one of a number of former Steelers in the Vipers’ line-up and when his fellow co-owner Paddy O’Connor was in charge, there was a fair degree of banter between the clubs. That has calmed somewhat in recent years, though the South Yorkshire side have lost none of their cockiness.

The Steelers website poked great fun at the way Wilson fell for their April Fool’s joke that the legendary Tony Hand had been given special dispensation to appear for them in the play-offs. And a spoof public service announcement poked fun at rivals Nottingham Panthers’ failure to reach the Finals Weekend at their home rink. The final takes place at 3pm on Sunday.