Blow to Newcastle Vipers as Matic Kralj moves on

Mar 23 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

TODAY is expect to signal the end of an era at Newcastle Vipers, but already the changes have started with Slovenian forward Matic Kralj announcing he is to leave for France.

A press conference has been called this morning to make what is billed as a major announcement from the club.

Speculation is rife it could be to mark the end of Rob Wilsons five-year coaching career on Tyneside.

Big changes are afoot for 2010-11, and top points-scorer Kralj will not be part of them.

With 29 goals and 41 assists in 55 games, the surprise package of a disappointing Vipers campaign has successful used the Elite League club as a stepping stone to greater things.

The 27-year-old has agreed to join Morzine-Avoriaz of the French Ligue Magnus for next term.

When we signed Matic we knew we were getting a good player, but he turned out to be a real surprise package, said Wilson (pictured below). He has been up there all season in terms of points and deserves this move to France.

We knew he was coming to Newcastle to help put himself in the shop window and in recent weeks we have been trying to help him out as he looks to progress on with his career.

We would all like to thank Matic for his efforts during the 2009-10 season and wish him all the best with Morzine.

Defenceman Mark Gouett was the only import player retained last summer and, after finishing one from bottom of this seasons Elite League, a similar turnover can be expected next term irrespective of who leads the side.

Their dismal league form has set up a two-legged play-off quarter-final with Belfast Giants, the side they lost 6-1 to on Saturday.

A shock victory will book their place at finals weekend this Easter, whereas an aggregate defeat will end their season.

The first leg takes place in Northern Ireland on Saturday, with the return at Whitley Bay Ice Rink the following day.

Tickets for the decisive leg are now on sale priced £11 for adults, £7 concessions, £5 Under-16s and £28 for a family of two adults and two Under-16s.