Sunday, January 25, 2009
Elite League: Hull Stingrays 4-2 Mincoffs Newcastle Vipers

ONLY 24 hours after victory over the Hull Stingrays at the Metro Radio Arena, Vipers crashed to defeat when they made the return journey to Humberside on Sunday.

The win moved Hull level on points with Edinburgh in the race for the final Play-Off spot after seeing off a third period comeback by the visitors.

A fairly even opening session saw a single goal by former Viper Pavel Gomenyuk ease the home side ahead at 11.19 while his side enjoyed a five-on-three powerplay advantage.

The second period saw Stingrays seemingly take complete control of the game as the skated to a 3-0 lead at the period break, thanks to counters by Steve Slonina at 23.16 and Lee Esders – scoring against his former club for the second time in two nights, at 25.08. At the other end, Vipers were unable to make a breakthrough against another former player, netminder Curtis Cruickshank, and his defence.

Into the third period and at last Vipers got on the board as Likit Andersson scored at 41.18 and, boosted by that, Derek Campbell made it a one-goal game when striking on the powerplay at 44.08.

It was a nervous ending to the game for the home side, but the victory was secured at 56.12 as Jeff Glowa fired home the insurance goal to give his side full points.