Vipers sign Henderson
4:43pm Tuesday 15th January 2008
AFTER weeks of searching, Vipers coach Rob Wilson has finally managed to sign a replacement for Petr Kratky.
Canadian Burt Henderson spent the 2006-07 season with Japanese side OJI Ice Hockey of the Asian Ice Hockey League, where he scored 20 points - 5+15 - in 24 games.
Prior to his two seasons in Japan, the first of which was with the Snow Brand outfit, the 32-year-old has played ECHL, WHL and two seasons in the IHL with Cincinnati Cyclones, where he registered 52 points.
"I'm delighted to find a defenceman of such quality" said Wilson.
"Burt is going to bring a lot of experience to the team and has been highly recommended by agents and other coaches I have spoken to.
"The Asian League only allows three imported players per side so the quality of imports playing for those teams is extremely high."
It has been just over a month since the Vipers released giant Czech defenceman Kratky, but Wilson has no regrets over the long search for a replacement.
"I have been on the phone to agents every day since Petr left us but there was no one available who I wanted to sign" said Wilson.
"I've had the opportunity to sign numerous players, but they wouldn't have been the player we wanted, now we've added Burt to the line-up he'll come in and add more balance to our side."
The Vancouver native will join up with the Mobilx Vipers next week after his work permit application has been processed, meaning Wilson has taken the decision to register himself for this weekend's home games against the Manchester Phoenix and Basingstoke Bison.
"With it taking longer than expected to find a replacement for Petr Kratky and with Richie Thornton out injured we only have four defencemen going into this weekend's games" said Wilson.
"It is a big weekend for us against two sides we have to take points from, so we need as many players available as possible."
"We were hoping to have Burt cleared in time for the Manchester game on Saturday, but unfortunately his work permit is yet to clear so I will be registering until Burt arrives in the country next week."
On his move to the Vipers, new defenceman Burt Henderson commented: "I'm looking forward to the move to the UK after spending the last few years playing in Japan.
"I know the Vipers have struggled with results lately and I am looking forward to playing a part in getting the season back on track and finishing in as high a position possible and then having a big go at the play-offs."