Something old, something new

When the Tyneside outfit arrive in Basingstoke on Saturday, fans will see the return of something old and the arrival of something new as recent signings Cory Morgan and Burt Henderson are expected to make their debuts.

Another return on the cards is that of Jeff Hutchins, who has been missing from action following a pre-Christmas hernia operation.

Missing from the line-up will be Sergiy Rublivsky, who has been axed from Wilson's squad to make way for Morgan's third spell at the club.

Morgan, from Blue Sky, Alberta, has netted 42 goals in his previous stints on Tyneside, and should be in the lineup at Basingstoke and, the following night, in Coventry.

With EIHL clubs only allowed ten active imports on their books, coach Wilson had to release an import forward from the club's roster.

Wilson said: "Ruby came in and has done a good job for us. However, with Morgs coming back someone had to be released. It's sad but that's how the system works.

"Sergiy leaves with our thanks for his efforts this season, and we wish him the best for his future career."

On the re-signing of Morgan, Wilson added: "It's no secret that I've been looking for a centreman for a while to go with Longstaff and Hutchins line. The player market is really quiet so it was a waiting game really.

"When Cory told me he was interested in playing here again it was a good fit for all concerned - he knows a lot of the team, the city and the fans, so he can come straight in and get to work.

"Adding a player of Cory's calibre to any lineup at this time of the season is a great boost, and I can't wait to get the team back together.

"The players didn't get a break over Christmas, so to have seven to 10 days between games is like a mid-season break for us all. It's going to be like a new team when we get back together.

"The guys will be fully rested and raring to go, and we'll have two new guys chomping at the bit and Jeff Hutchins back from injury."