Ice Hockey: Captain puts the curse on Devils

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

CAPTAIN David Longstaff was the Vipers’ match winner in a game the team should have won in regulation time.

Playing before a season-high crowd of more than 2,500 spectators, Longstaff shot under netminder Stevie Lyle during a four-on-three powerplay on 63 minutes.

Just 56 seconds of regulation time remained when the Devils conjured up an equaliser.

Lyle had skated to the bench for a six-on-five skater gamble and his replacement Tylor Michel took his opportunity, scoring with a first-time shot let loose from just over the blue line.

Vipers’ coach Rob Wilson said: “I was angry about that, and we have to learn how to close games out.

“I thought we played 59 minutes of excellent hockey, during which netminder Michel Robinson was outstanding and deserved a shut-out.

“I thought we did a great job on the powerplay. Ryan Mahrle did very well to draw the players in to him and then slip puck to David, who was very patient waiting for this opportunity.”

After flying across the Atlantic overnight, the Vipers’ latest signing Mark Rooneem went straight into action, and the Vipers’ new No 9 went close to making a scoring debut on a number of occasions.

Wilson said Rooneem had travelled for 20 hours before landing in Newcastle and had not slept at all on the flight.

He added: “I think he did very well all things considering.”