Newcastle Vipers join the Elite League

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Paddy O'Connor, the Chairman of the Newcastle Vipers has formally committed his club to playing ice hockey in the Elite League. Mr O'Connor confirmed that he had been in discussions with the Eamon Convery, Chairman of the Elite League, and that those talks have resulted in the Vipers being welcomed as a member with effect for the 2005/06 season.
 
Vipers fans and sponsors can now look forward to seeing the top professional ice hockey teams in the UK playing in Newcastle. "When I recently took control of the Newcastle Vipers the key element was to determine how best to secure the future of the club and guarantee the great supporters top class ice hockey," Mr O'Connor commented before further confirming that he is looking forward to rebuilding the reputation of the Vipers as being a strongly competitive club and highly entertaining team to follow.  "The fans in Newcastle have been very supportive over the years and I believe that it's my responsibility to repay the supporters by putting the resources behind the club in order that they can compete with the big name clubs like Sheffield and Nottingham."
 
Elite League Chairman Eamon Convery stated, "Newcastle is an ice hockey club which naturally fits into the Elite League. It has a great arena facility and a strong supporter base which I am certain will expand further under the control of Paddy O'Connor."
 
The Elite clubs are keen to see Newcastle playing in the league and they all are fully aware that a revitalised Vipers team will be a fantastic club capable of competing for honours in the league, cup and playoff games. Both Chairmen agreed that this is truly an exciting development for both the Newcastle Vipers and the Elite League.

EIHL Press Release

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