Hutchins fears for future of game

Jan 24 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

IT might seem strange for one of the Elite League’s most productive point-scorers to say, but Jeff Hutchins believes the mantra about lies, damned lies and statistics applies to the Vipers.

The Canadian goes into this weekend’s home and away games against Hull Stingrays in top form. But the only figures concerning him are economic ones.

The global credit crunch forced Hutchins back into the arms of ice hockey, and he fears it could force him away again. Basingstoke Bison are in danger of not having a team next season, and the 30-year-old worries they might not be alone.

“At the start of the season, I tried a new career, but not because I didn’t want to come back here,” he said. “If there hadn’t been a credit crunch, I might not be playing now.

“I was doing a sales job for an events company. We put on conferences and seminars for blue-chip companies. I wasn’t fired or made redundant, but I could see what was coming and got out before it hit the fan.”

A groin injury prevented Hutchins showing his best form in 2007-08. He stayed in Newcastle last summer before his short-lived career move, returning in November after six games for Edinburgh Capitals.

“I love the city and my wife does, too,” he said. “Our daughter Gracie was born here. I’m going to stay again this summer, but as for what will happen after that, I don’t know.

“They assure me there’s going to be a team next year but other people are struggling, so will there be a league?

“I’m going to look for work in the summer and if I get some and there is a Vipers’ team, I want to see if I can work my time around it. I don’t want to give up on hockey yet.”

Vipers’ co-owner Rob Wilson believes Hutchins’ fears are unfounded, but 28 points in 20 games mean the forward is more confident on the ice. “For a guy trying to move to Europe, statistics are very important, but I don’t think Willy (Wilson) cares about points,” he argued.

“Certain guys, like Rob Rankin, aren’t having the greatest statistical season. But I can guarantee when Willy plans his team for next season, Rankin will be one of the first he turns to.”

The Vipers’ English National League side have two North One derbies this week, hosting Billingham Bombers today and travelling to Whitley Warriors tomorrow.

Whitley are at Kingston today, Billingham at Blackburn tomorrow.