Sidelined skipper backing the Vipers

Mar 19 2010 by Neil Farrington, The Journal

INJURED skipper David Longstaff has backed the Newcastle Vipers to make an impact in the Elite League play-offs even without him.

Great Britain international and local legend Longstaff broke his jaw in two places during Sunday’s defeat at Hull, ruling him out of both this weekend’s regular season finale and the knock-out jamboree to come.

The 35-year-old’s absence will be keenly felt by a squad already low on numbers and confidence after a torrid second half of the season.

But Longstaff, while devastated to miss out, is convinced that the Vipers can spring a surprise and reach the play-offs’ final four weekend in Nottingham on April 3-4.

“I am bitterly disappointed to be missing the play-offs,” said Longstaff, who had only relatively recently returned from a two-month lay-off with knee ligament damage.

“It’s the highlight of the season and the final four weekend is something every player wants to play in.

“It’s been a very difficult season for me in terms of injuries and I was looking forward to helping the club in their play-off bid.”

But, reflecting on a regular season in which the highlights have been several against-all-odds victories over high-flying opposition, Longstaff is sure the Vipers can have a post-season impact.

“The guys are more than capable of causing an upset, and as we’ve seen on many occasions in the past in the play-offs, any team can win on the day,” he added.

“Despite not being able to ice I’ll be supporting the guys all the way.”

Meanwhile, Vipers fans will await with bated breath a Press conference scheduled for next Tuesday to discuss the club’s long-term future.

The one thing guaranteed to emerge is that the team will be playing Elite League hockey again next season, despite their financial worries this season.

THE Vipers round off their regular season against Nottingham Panthers at this Sunday’s “Rock the Rink” event at Whitley Bay Ice Rink (7.30pm face-off).

Tickets – priced £11 for adults, £7 for concessions, £5 for under-16s and £28 for a family (two adults and two under-16s) – can be bought at www.vipershockey.co. uk/shop, by calling 0191 261 0909, or from the club shop in Shakespeare Street, Newcastle.

NEIL FARRINGTON