Former Viper expecting a tough test
Nov 6 2010 by Lee Ryder, The Journal
FORMER Newcastle Vipers favourite Derek Campbell is expecting a tough test when he comes face to face with his old team on Sunday night in the colours of Sheffield Steelers.
Vipers take on Cardiff Devils tonight at Whitley Bay Ice Rink (7pm) before a trip to the Sheffield Arena tomorrow (5pm) to take on Campbell and his fellow ex-Newcastle man Jerramie Domish.
Campbell was a crowd favourite during his two-year stint on Tyneside, but left during the Rob Wilson era.
Many expected Wilson’s replacement Danny Stewart to bid for Campbell’s services this summer with the pair team-mates at Coventry Blaze last term where they won title medals for the Skydome club under Paul Thompson.
But Campbell is prepared for what he describes as a “tough night”, he told the Journal: “Whatever team Danny is associated with, it will be a tough one and I’m not expecting an easy ride on Sunday night.
“He’ll have his team well organised that’s for sure. And we’ll have to be on the top of our game to combat that.
“That’s the message that I will be drilling through to the players before we go out if I need to. Myself and JD know that playing Newcastle is always tough but I think knowing Stewy he won’t be coming here to rollover.”
“They may have lost to Belfast Giants and Nottingham Panthers this week but they were both given a run for their money. And they’ll be determined to get back to winning ways once again.”
The coach was able to confirm that Jaroslaw Rzeszutko will play against Cardiff, exactly a month after breaking his wrist in Braehead.
"Jaro has had the cast off for a week or so and has been skating and stick handling, basically building up his strength. The doctors are happy and Jaro is happy, so he'll play. "
Saturday's visitors Cardiff won both match-ups so far, and the Devils have added ex-NHL talent to their roster in the shape of Craig Weller. Like Vipers, Cardiff are waiting for visa clearance before confirming Weller's debut.
Stewart will also make a late decision whether to play defenceman John Schwarz, who is still rated as 'day to day' following a leg injury against Belfast last Saturday.
:: TICKETS for the Vipers v Devils are available on 0191 4774100 or online at www.vipershockey.co.uk
