Vipers sign college ace Jason Tejchma

May 20 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

THE man charged with guiding a young Vipers team through the Elite League was drawn to Newcastle by the prospect of furthering his own education. American Jason Tejchma is the first new import in a team coach Rob Wilson is set to be remodell along younger, British lines.

While the 26-year-old forward will be expected to pass on the knowledge accumulated over 154 games in America’s National
Collegiate Athletics Association League and the East Coast Hockey League, he has taken advantage of the Vipers’ links with Northumbria Universities to
sign up for a business masters degree.

Educational opportunities have been the Vipers’ recruitment trump card in recent years. Mark Gouett – to date the sole surviving import of last season’s squad – studied on the same course, as did Chris McAllister, Derek Campbell and Bern Storey.

“I’m really excited by the
opportunity coach Wilson has given me,” said Tejchma, due on Tyneside in late August for a pre-season training camp.

“I can’t wait to come over to Newcastle and get started with the Vipers. I’ve heard good things about the hockey over there, I know some players who have played over there already.

“The coach has explained the plans for rebuilding the team and it sounds like an exciting time to be coming over.

“The added bonus of being able to study for a masters degree alongside playing hockey was a big factor in deciding to join the Vipers.”

Tejchma is Wilson’s first signing since confirming that he would stay on as coach after a disappointing 2008-09. Wilson plans to reduce the average age of his squad and its number of imports while injecting more speed and skill.

Left-shooter Tejchma scored 96 points in four years at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, adding 48 goals and 71 assists in a two-year ECHL career which took in Fresno Falcons, Wheeling Nailers and Mississippi Sea Wolves.

“It’s great to have Jason signed up so early in the summer, and I couldn’t be happier that he’s coming to Newcastle,” said Wilson.

“Jason’s scored very well in his ECHL years, and outscored Mark Hurtubise when they played together at Mississippi. Hurtubise scored 100 points in the EIHL last year.”

Meanwhile, the club’s early-bird season ticket deadline has been extended until the end of May.