by Peter Adams
Vipers finished as runners-up to the all-conquering Bracknell Bees in both the British National League and the Winter Cup.
action in 2004
Rob Wilson’s squad failed to reach the later stages of the playoffs, but many fans will recall the season’s most dramatic moment as being their Cup semi-final against Fife Flyers.
David Longstaff and Hilton Ruggles gave the Vipers a 2-1 lead in the first leg in Kirkcaldy and the home leg ended in sudden death penalty shots with Doug Teskey’s save from Judd Medak, and Matt Beveridge’s ‘five-hole’ success against Scott Hay being decisive. Vipers duly reached their third successive Cup final but were throughly beaten by the Bees.
Like other teams in the UK, the Vipers amazingly captured the signing of a locked-out NHL defender, Chris McAllister, whose wages and accomodation were paid for by The Gate. The giant defenceman was a rock in Vipers defence and became a cult hero on Tyneside over night.
In February, the rumoured mystery businessman that had been looking to buy the Vipers made a move for the club. Paddy O’Connor, a former Durham Wasp and Sheffield Steeler bought the club from Darryl Illingworth, who had hit financial difficulties.
Vipers put a a brave fight against the Bees
O’Connor’s first major decision was to apply to take the club into the Elite League for season 2005-06. However, the Vipers still had the BNL playoffs to aim for. Yet more controversy surrounded the club when they were forced to play four out of five home games in Whitley Bay when the renamed Metro Radio Arena was unavailable. There were questions over the safety of the Whitley Bay rink.
The season ended with the resignation of respected General Manager and bench coach Clyde Tuyl, claiming that he was “emotionally drained” after three years with the team.
Leading Players
Shaun Johnson
The Durham-born forward played bravely and skillfully, giving total commitment to the team during a difficult season.
Rob Wilson
The former Great Britain international was Vipers’ “rock”. At the end of the season he was a defenceman, coach and director which not many players can boast in the sport.
Stephen Wallace
Much was expected from the young Billingham forward but he only occasionally lived up to his promise as he was hampered by persistent injuries.
Player Awards
- Player of the Year - Doug Teskey
- Players’ Player - Shaun Johnson
- Coach’s Award - Kevin Bucas/Karl Culley
- Best Forward - Paul Ferone
- Best Defenceman - Rob Wilson
- Most Improved Player - Kevin Bucas
- Correspondents’ Cup Doug Teskey
League Position/Honours
| League | Pos | GP | W | L | D | OL | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNL | 2nd | 36 | 18 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 123 | 139 | 39 |
Winter Cup - Finalists
BNL Playoffs - 5th in Qtr Final Group
Top points scorers
| Scorer | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Weaver | 66 | 24 | 57 | 81 |
| Matt Beveridge | 66 | 28 | 47 | 75 |
| David Longstaff | 63 | 31 | 52 | 63 |
Top penalty takers
| Penalty taker | PIM’s |
|---|---|
| Rob Trumbley | 192 |
| Hilton Ruggles | 136 |
| Rob Wilson | 94 |
Netminders
| Netminder | GPI | Mins | SOG | GA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Teskeyi | 67 | 3937 | 2332 | 220 | 90.6 |
| Mark Lee | 7 | 121 | 66 | 8 | 87.9 |
