Sting in the tale for Vipers, says Gouett

Mar 20 2010 by Neil Farrington, The Journal

MARK Gouett is backing the Newcastle Vipers to “turn the whole year around” with two play-off victories at the end of a torrid 60-plus game season, writes NEIL FARRINGTON.

While Rob Wilson’s men go out this weekend to try to avoid finishing bottom of the Elite League table, Gouett insists a gruelling year could yet become a good one, if only they can raise themselves for the play-offs.

The Vipers visit Belfast tonight and host Nottingham tomorrow needing a win in either game to ensure the wooden spoon goes to Hull Stingrays.

But while staying off rock-bottom seems a lowly ambition for a team once briefly tipped as title contenders, Gouett believes all will be forgotten and forgiven if the Vipers can then beat either Belfast or Nottingham in the play-offs first round to reach final-four weekend.

“It’s funny how one weekend can resurrect a whole season, but that’s certainly the case as we go into the play-offs,” said the Canadian defenceman.

“We’re not the only ones thinking that way: Hull have struggled for most of the season but will regard a play-off – probably against Coventry – as a great chance to get to the final four and make the season a success.

“It’s a great thing when you can win two games and get to a finals weekend. So to say everybody’s up for it here would be a big understatement.”

To get to the post-season spectacular in Nottingham, though, the Vipers would need to dispose of either of this weekend’s opponents. “We’d certainly like to put a marker down for the play-offs against the Giants and the Panthers this weekend,” added Gouett. “And we have no real preference as to which of them we face in the play-offs.

“From an organisational standpoint, in terms of travel for us and our fans, Nottingham would be the easier place to go to, but we have done just as well against them both this season.”

The Vipers must do without David Longstaff throughout what hockey is left to come this year, the talismanic skipper having broken his jaw at Hull last Sunday.

But Gouett reckons the rest of a small roster are up for the challenges ahead.

“The rest of us are all in good shape,” he said. “Sure, at this time of year, everyone is carrying bumps and bruises – every day off we have is valued right now! But now is the time to play through any problems. Adrenaline is a great painkiller!”

Vipers fans hopeful that the club can progress through the play-offs first round into final-four weekend can now buy tickets for the event in Nottingham on April 3 and 4.

Fans who have already pre-ordered tickets can pick them up when they attend the Vipers’ final Elite League game of the season – or “Rock the Rink” – against Nottingham tomorrow night.

People who have not pre-ordered can buy tickets at www.ents24.com/ web/venue/Nottingham/Nottingham-Arena-14925.html.

l TICKETS for “Rock the Rink” (7.30pm face-off) can be bought at www.vipershockey.co.uk/shop, on 0191 261 0909 or at the club shop on Shakespeare Street in Newcastle.