Vipers coach seeking historic victory
Oct 1 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
NEWCASTLE Vipers will make a small piece of Elite League history tonight when they are the first visitors to Braehead Clan.
But player-coach Danny Stewart is at pains to stress Bruce Richardson’s men will not be the only new boys at Braehead Arena.
Dean Holland returned to the club from Manchester Phoenix this week, but on the ice at least it is unrecognisable from the one he left last spring. Only youngster Jamie Tinsley remains.
Most of the summer signings are new to the Elite League, and many to the country. It is a point their new boss is keen to hammer home. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the venue and the city, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Stewart said of tonight’s game.
“It’s a team that seems to be in a similar position to ours. Although Newcastle Vipers have been around for a few years we’ve got a brand new team who are getting to know each other and the league.”
Stewart was hugely critical of his side, who have conceded 13 goals on each of their first two weekends. But at the same time the novice coach accepts his players will need time to gel.
“We would have liked to have had a bit of a better start but we’ve got a brand new team, the youngest in the league,” he said.
“It’s going to take some time. It’s a matter of being patient. It may take some more time. In a perfect world I would like to see everything come together tonight but we might have to be patient.
“I expected things to start off a little bit sloppy. We’ve got a lot of new guys, and they’re new to this city.
“I was unhappy with the commitment to defence this week. I can handle mistakes but what I can’t accept is a lack of discipline.”
The Clan won their first two games in the Elite League before Sunday’s 5-3 defeat in Cardiff, whereas the Vipers are one of three teams yet to register a point (Hull Stingrays do not play their first game until Sunday).
Tonight’s game faces off at 7.30pm. The return is at Hillheads on Sunday at 5.30pm.
