Uncertain future for the Vipers

Mar 31 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ROB WILSON said on Sunday he wants to keep ice hockey in the North East “for the next 20 years”. Now the Vipers are asking their fans: Do you?

The credit crunch has claimed its first Elite League victim. Basingstoke Bison have dropped out of next season’s competition and others could follow. The Vipers may yet be one of them.

Adding to the uncertainty, Newcastle Arena is raising rents for 2009-10, with less ice time available, meaning more matches at the Vipers’ second home in Whitley Bay. So before committing to another season in the British sport’s top-flight, co-owner Wilson (pictured) and general manager Jaimie Longmuir want to be sure the supporters are behind them.

The Vipers’ season ended with Sunday’s play-off defeat to Coventry Blaze and now the eerie silence about their future has been broken.

“We didn’t want to worry anyone unnecessarily,” Longmuir explained. “There were a lot of unknowns. Before you can make a sound judgement you need all the facts. In the next seven days details should be released.

“I’m disappointed it’s taken so long but we’ll be looking to have a meeting with the fans in the next week to ten days to give them an awareness of what’s happening and a role.