Saturday, December 6 2008
Elite League: Mincoffs Newcastle Vipers 6-3 Edinburgh Capitals

VIPERS ended their losing run with a Saturday night win at home to the Edinburgh Capitals, opening a four point lead on the Scottish side.

There was nothing to separate the teams after the first session as they went in at the break tied at one apiece. The Vipers opened the scoring at 17.04 with a goal from captain David Longstaff, but the Capitals hit back with a powerplay goal from Mark Hurtubise at 18.17.

The second period was every bit as tight as the first the home side went in front for the second time at 23.35 with a goal from Ed Courtenay.

The Capitals came back once again with a second powerplay goal from Kyle Horne at 29.41. Just over a minute later Derek Campbell gave the home side a 3-2 lead at 30.47, a lead that they held onto going into the third period.

Two goals in the opening five minutes of the third session put the home side well in command. A strike from Jeff Hutchins at 42.10 and a second goal from Derek Campbell at 44.39 gave them a 5-3 lead.

A second goal from Hurtubise at 56.46 gave the Capitals a glimmer of hope, but Longstaff’s second of the game completed the scoring at 58.36 to give the home side the points.