Danny Stewart calls on his Vipers to step it up
Dec 4 2010 by Steve Brown, The Journal
DANNY STEWART insists Newcastle Vipers’ next three games are the “biggest for the whole club”, and has called on his players to produce their best performances of the Elite League season if they are to turn their campaign around.
The Hillheads-based outfit have just had a 14-day lay-off from fixtures, during which time player-coach Stewart worked his squad hard.
They return to action – subject to the weather – at Dundee Stars tonight before hosting Coventry Blaze on Sunday (5.30pm) and Dundee again on Tuesday (7.30pm).
And with cup and league points at stake, Stewart remains positive despite his side’s lowly league position.
“We are focused on what we have to do this weekend on the ice,” said Stewart.
“Whatever is going on off the ice is out of our control, and we have worked hard this week in practice to ensure we are prepared to put in our best performances of the season.
“This weekend is the biggest for us as a team but possibly for the whole club as well.” The Dundee games are Challenge Cup encounters, with the Saturday game doubling for League points, and two wins can take the Vipers to within touching distance of a semi-final spot. “Despite our results, we’ve taken points from our cup games so are still in the hunt. Getting through to the semi-finals would be a great accomplishment,” Stewart said.
“Having success this weekend could also push us back into a playoff spot. I have to commend my guys for staying positive and staying committed through all that has happened this season and I would love for us to turn a corner this weekend.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers have expressed their regret that defenceman Nick Duff has opted against joining the club in favour of signing for ECHL outfit Toledo Walleye.
Duff began the season with Walleye but was cut from their roster after an AHL affiliate sent down players on two-way contracts. This week Toledo made a new approach which Duff accepted, and he signed for the Walleye on Tuesday.
A Vipers spokesman said: “Nick signed for us a couple of weeks ago but we were delaying on bringing him in because of the situation with the business side of the club.
“In the meantime Toldeo made Nick an offer which he wanted to accept and we understand his situation.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available in advance on 0191 477 4100 or online at vipershockey.co.uk/shop. Tuesday’s is a stand-alone Challenge Cup game, and not included on the season ticket. Tickets are available by telephone or online, with special rates for season-ticket holders.
