GM is Optimistic ahead of Panthers Game!
Mincoffs Vipers General Manager Jaimie Longmuir has called for patience ahead of this Saturday’s league opener against the Nottingham Panthers this Saturday despite two defeats to the Coventry Blaze in an exhibition series.
Longmuir is delighted with the effort of the Vipers players at the weekend against the league champions.
“I was delighted with the passion, effort and commitment shown by our players on Saturday despite being 3 imports down and having 3 players getting off a plane from Ottawa hours before the game and only meeting the team just before face off,” said Longmuir.
“We can take so many positives from this weekend knowing that we have 3 more players to arrive and a full weeks training ahead of our game with Nottingham.”
The Vipers suffered a heavy defeat in Coventry on Sunday night after losing 3-2 on home ice on Saturday and Longmuir is adamant that fans should not read into Sunday’s result too much.
“Guys were pretty tired on Sunday and we made the decision to give Richie Lawson some ice time in preparation for the new season. Richie played well in difficult circumstances and experience will be invaluable during the season ahead.”
The Vipers will have star defenceman Burt Henderson arriving on Wednesday and will be making an announcement on Wednesday regarding a new forward signing who will be icing against the Panthers on Saturday. American forward Rob Rankin will be joining the team after this weekends games.
“Once we have all of the guys in everyone will be able to judge the full potential of the current squad,” said Longmuir.
“We believe this is going to be the best team we have ever put together in Newcastle and will also be the most entertaining, it is just a matter of getting all the guys together and we are just 1 week away from it.”
Despite having star names such as Andrew Verner and Chris McAllister in the line up, Longmuir has also been impressed with the attitude of the young British players.
“The young guys have done extremely well and have been working hard all summer ahead of this season and even the players that have stepped up from ENL level this weekend have done themselves proud.”
The Vipers will face-off this Saturday against the Nottingham Panthers at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena for the first game of the 2008/2009 bmibaby Elite League season. Face off is at 6.30pm.
