Blaze boss won't take Rob's boys lightly now; Chronicle special on Vipers' win-or-bust bid to land play-off crown

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 4, 2008

COVENTRY Blaze coach Paul Thompson insists his side will not be taking Newcastle Vipers lightly as they aim to wrap up the treble by winning the Elite League play-offs.

Blaze missed out on the treble last season when they were beaten 3-2 by Cardiff Devils in the semi-finals, but having been crowned league champions and British Knockout Cup holders, Thompson's men hope to go one better this time.

Standing in Coventry's way are Newcastle, the 2006 play-off champions who knocked out Belfast Giants on penalty shots in the quarter-finals, while Sheffield Steelers take on Devils in the other last-four encounter tomorrow.

Vipers coach Rob Wilson believes the three other semi-finalists will be "licking their lips wanting to play us" but Thompson has stressed his side won't be taking anything for granted.

He said: "No, not at all. It is a one-off game and we will prepare the way we have prepared for every game this season.

"Newcastle played well against Belfast and deserve to be in the finals, and we will treat them with the utmost respect. We will try to plan their downfall, just as they will ours."

Wilson says his side are carrying a few knocks going into the final after the bruising quarter-final tie with Belfast, but says everybody should be OK in time for the 1pm start with Coventry.

And he said that squad members both young and old will have a major part to play.

Wilson - whose team have been backed by Leaf Clothing -said: "The experienced players like David Longstaff, Andre Payette and Shaun Johnson will be key for us, but the young guns also have a part to play.

"And in Ryan MacDonald we have a net minder who has already proved to be a valuable player for us.

"Everybody is really excited and champing at the bit to get to Nottingham."

Wilson feels his side's "desire" can carry them to a second play-off success in three seasons, adding: "It comes down to two games - win those and you've got the title.

"Whichever one of the four remaining clubs wants it the most will win. It was like that in 2006 when we beat Belfast in the semi and Sheffield in the final.

"We weren't the best or most talented team that year, but our desire was greater and we found a way to win.

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