1/9/99 – MORE STATS AND THE LIKES
Erm, right I’m back and I’m not totally sure what the hell is going on here. So I managed to get some more stats from somewheres, Branwen gave me them. Heres some for Rantanen the goalie bloke…..

Season/Team/League GP % GAA
93 Team Finland EJC 4 n/a n/a
93/94 Jokerit Helsinki SML 14 n/a n/a
94/95 Jokerit Helsinki SML 42 86.4 3
94/95 KJT Jarvenpaa Fin 1 6 88.4 3.54
95/96 Jokerit Helsinki SML 44 93.6 1.56
95/96 KJT Jarvenpaa Fin 1 6 90.7 3.34
96/97 Jokerit Helsinki SML 43 90.6 2.53
96/97 KJT Jarvenpaa Fin 1 6 88.4 3.59
97/98 KalPa Kuopio SML 48 86.9 4.27
97/98 KalPa Kuopio Fin 1 9 n/a n/a

Right, what else have I got, erm, some for some other geezers in my email somewhere, but that means logging on to the net and I cant be fussed to do that, lazy eh! Well anyways, apparently we have some more new players but I dunno who in hell they are, so this is how its gonna be, when I’ve been to the game on erm, what day is it, Sunday I think, I’ll get a program and have the full lineup and stuff for you. In the mean time you’ll have to put up with this crap.

26/8/99 – NEW OWNERS ANNONCED ALONG WITH NEW SIGNINGS
It has been widely rumoured for a while now and it seems to be confirmed that as of now the Riverkings have new owners. Jokerit, a Finnish Elite League team who also own a football team and something else. Click here to see their site. The deal sees many new players from them sign for us. The first four of these are as follows….Click names to view more info…. Marko Rantanen a goalie. He has played 16 games for Jokerit in the SM-Liiga and 17 for KalPa Kuopio in the 1997/98 season where he had an average of 86.9% saves and 4.27 goals against. Also he has represented his country at junior level. He spent last season at Lyon in France.

Marko Rantanen stats…

Season Team Lge GP Min GA EN SO GAA W L T Svs Pct
———————————————————————————————–
1995-96 Jokerit Helsinki FNL 7 384 10 0 1 1.56 0 0 0 0 0.000

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1995-96 Jokerit Helsinki FNL 44 0 0 0 0
1997-98 KalPa Kuopio FNL 48 0 0 0 0
——————————————————————

Also signed is defenceman Tomi Mäkelä who spent last season playing for the Jokerit Helsinki juniors. and played 3 games for the first team the season before.

Tomi Mäkelä stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1997-98 Jokerit Helsinki FNL 3 0 0 0 0
——————————————————————

Next is Jari Eerikäinen another defender who played for Jokerit Helsinki last season. Don’t have any stats on him as yet. He played 1 game for the first team last season and spent the rest of his time with the juniors. and finally Jukka Jalonen from Alleghe, he is a forward. No info on him at all as it is. 10 more players have been sent into the country for some reason, not quite sure what it is tho. More news coming up as it happens.

11/8/99 – CARNEY PROBLEMS SORTED
Any possible problems that were facing Dan Carney an his passport have now been ironed out and he will only be delayed by 2 weeks at the most. Chad Nelson (whoever he is) will be taking a trial as a backup netminder for the team, also it is rumoured that a 17 year old inline player will be trying out. Hmmm, but maybe thats Chad, I dont have a clue. Rumour also has it that Eric Royal wants to retire here, and Darren Mcausland wants to live in Durham. No news on them yet tho. More signing news is expected soon.
Also tickets are now on sale at the Arena for the friendly against Sheffield Steelers on the 29th August. Which I cant go to, damn! But I’m going to the Leeds festival instead, wahey!

10/8/99 – SHEWAN ON HIS WAY
Defenceman Mike Shewan has left the Riverkings to join Solihull Blaze for next season.

9/8/99 – POIRIER SIGNS
The Riverkings have just signed Forward Joel Poirier from Hampton Road Admirals in the ECHL, where he played for 3 seasons. He was also the captain. His personal page now online in the Roster section.

Joel Poirier Stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1992-93 Sudbury Wolves OHL 64 18 15 33 94
1993-94 Sudbury Wolves OHL 28 17 5 22 44
1993-94 Windsor Spitfires OHL 13 6 8 14 20
1994-95 Windsor Spitfires OHL 64 24 39 63 50
1995-96 Hampton-Roads Admirals ECHL 23 9 8 17 61
1995-96 Portland Pirates AHL 30 5 3 8 34
1996-97 Hampton-Roads Admirals ECHL 70 20 21 41 85
1997-98 Hampton-Roads Admirals ECHL 56 11 5 16 58
1998-99 Hampton-Roads Admirals ECHL 67 11 32 43 93
——————————————————————

Joel overcame major knee surgery last season. He was one of the teams most popular players and was drafted 7th by Washington Capitals in 1993.
Other news is that the Riverkings are trying to sign ex Wasp and Bombers player Mark Pallister, the reason behind this is totally unknown and I dont have a clue what they’re trying to achieve by signing him.

Mark Pallister Stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1988-89 Durham Wasps BHL 35 1 0 1 6
1990-91 Cleveland Bombers BHL 34 7 4 11 163
1991-92 Billingham Bombers BHL 28 9 10 19 156
1991-92 Humberside Seahawks BHL 1 0 0 0 0
1992-93 Billingham Bombers BHL 34 7 20 27 129
1993-94 Durham Wasps BHL 30 4 4 8 71
1994-95 Teeside Bombers BHL 8 2 4 6 28
1995-96 Billingham Bombers BHL 2 0 2 2 0
1995-96 Manchester Storm BHL 14 2 14 16 8
1996-97 Manchester Storm BISL 11 0 0 0 10
1996-97 Telford Tigers BNL 33 3 36 39 54
1997-98 Telford Tigers BNL 40 4 22 26 85
——————————————————————

Also news reaches me that The Riverkings are attempting to sign ex Ayr Scottish Eagles defenceman Joey Mittelsteadt. He played last season in Lake Charles.

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1986-87 Seattle Thunderbirds WHL 61 3 6 9 143
1987-88 Seattle Thunderbirds WHL 5 0 0 0 20
1987-88 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 41 1 10 11 175
1988-89 Portland Winter Hawks WHL 61 2 14 16 182
1989-90 Kamloops Blazers WHL 67 11 26 37 205
1990-91 Kamloops Blazers WHL 67 6 20 26 221
1991-92 Columbus Chill ECHL 59 7 15 22 296
1992-93 Dallas Freeze CHL 39 6 21 27 128
1993-94 Dallas Freeze CHL 62 10 23 33 220
1993-94 Dayton Bombers ECHL 2 0 0 0 12
1994-95 Dallas Freeze CHL 8 1 1 2 29
1994-95 Cape-Breton Oilers AHL 37 2 3 5 74
1995-96 Reno Renegades WCHL 31 2 15 17 88
1995-96 Cape-Breton Oilers AHL 19 0 2 2 69
1996-97 Louisiana Ice Gators ECHL 69 3 20 23 292
1997-98 Ayr Scottish Eagles BISL 45 1 3 4 50
1998-99 Lake-Charles Ice Pirates WPHL 69 4 22 26 122
——————————————————————

4/8/99 – MULVENNA TO PLAY
As well as being the new assistant coach Glenn Mulvenna will be playing next season. News comes that Hilton Ruggles has yet to sign for the ‘Kings. He is expected to soon. Along with the confimation of a new forward, rumoured to be over 6′ tall, if thats really something to boast about!

3/8/99 – JOIN THE NEW LIST
Sorry no news, but you should join my all new mailing list, to find out all the news first. Go to the re-vamped mailing list page and join up now!

31/7/99 – TIME RUNNING OUT FOR RUBES
The Riverkings are in the process of signing 29 year old winger Vladimir Rubes. The only problem being that he has yet to provide the correct documentation for his work permit to be processed. According to his agent he has australian citizenship but proof has yet to be produced.

Vladimir Rubes Stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1993-94 West-Palm-Beach Blaze SuHL 6 2 1 3 0
1993-94 Daytona-Beach Sun Devils SuHL 41 14 19 33 54
1998-99 Memphis Riverkings CHL 56 24 20 44 34
——————————————————————

30/7/99 – ANOTHER LOSS
Jamie Black has left the Riverkings and signed for WCHL team San Diego Gulls for next season.

28/7/99 – FOSTER LEAVES
It has finally been announced that GB international goalie Stephen Foster has left the Riverkings and signed for the Telford Timberwolves. Another rumour that has now been confirmed is that Stephen Cooper is no longer a Riverking, he has headed for Nottingham. However, Hilton Ruggles who was allegedly signed by Edinburgh Capitals, has now signed for the Riverkings for another season. Also Glenn Mulvenna has signed as assistant coach. Further announcements are expected soon as 6 more players are needed before the training camp which starts on August the 22nd.

25/7/99 – 3 SIGNINGS ANNOUNCED
Over the last few days 3 more signings for the coming season have been announced. All forwards, firstly retained from last season is Darby Walker (*cough*) for some reason. But apparently he had an unlucky season last year with bad fitness and injuries, hence him being a bit crap!
Many will be pleased to see the return of Michael Tasker to the North east. A former Durham Wasp, came through the highly successful Wasps youth development program and since leaving Durham has played for various teams including Hull Thunder last season and Dumfries Border Vikings (I think??). He hasnt actually signed yet, but has agreed terms and will be signing soon.

Michael Tasker Stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1990-91 Durham Wasps BHL 34 2 5 7 6
1991-92 Durham Wasps BHL 31 6 9 15 16
1992-93 Durham Wasps BHL 32 18 14 32 80
1993-94 Durham Wasps BHL 59 35 34 69 112
1994-95 Durham Wasps BHL 41 26 32 58 133
1995-96 Durham Wasps BHL 46 8 10 18 226
1996-97 Dumfries Border Vikings BNL 33 39 34 73 58
1997-98 Kingston Hawks BNL 40 29 44 73 109
——————————————————————

The third signing is a new face to the north, Daniel Carney, a native New Yorker who holds an Irish passport. He is 27 years old, 5’10″ and 180lbs.

Daniel Carney Stats…

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1992-93 Colorado College NCAA 19 1 2 3 16
1993-94 Atlanta Fire Ants RHI 12 5 3 8 6
1994-95 Nashville Knights ECHL 58 7 17 24 36
1995-96 Nashville Knights ECHL 33 5 12 17 30
1995-96 Erie Panthers ECHL 15 1 3 4 8
1995-96 New-Jersey Rockin’ Roller RHI 7 0 3 3 4
1996-97 Amarillo Rattlers WPHL 15 2 1 3 16
1996-97 Jacksonville Lizard Kings ECHL 50 5 12 17 36
1997-98 Hampton-Roads Admirals ECHL 62 2 12 14 43
1998-99 Macon Whoopee CHL 17 2 5 7 14
1998-99 Peoria Rivermen ECHL 35 5 3 8 26
——————————————————————

I have made up profile pages for all of the signings, these can be viewed in the rosters section. Also there are still rumours a plenty, keep an eye on the rumour mill to find out news first.
Stephen Foster is not expected to sign for the Riverkings for the coming season, he has been offered a contract but is expected to be on his way to Telford.

21/7/99 – MORE NEW SIGNINGS SOON
Official news is that the Riverkings are close to signing an American forward. News from the papers is as follows…..Mike O’Connor has allegedly illegally approached Michael Tasker and Darby Walker of Hull Thunder. He denies this however saying that all players are “fair game” until he sees a copy of a signed contract from Hull. Also, Stephen Foster is rumoured to be unhappy with being second choice netminder and wants a regular team spot, he is still considering contract offers. New signing Mark Fox is a ketchup lover and can’t wait to get to the North East. Meanwhile Gordon Hestor is reported to be 22 years of age. There seems to be rumours flying about left right and center about signings and other things, keep an eye out for more news soon.

19/7/99 – FIRST OF NEW SEASONS SIGNINGS FINALLY ANNOUNCED
The new season is only 1 month and 2 weeks away and the club have announced the signings of 5 players. Jimmy Hibbert, as rumoured here, has signed as our starting Netminder.

Jimmy Hibbert Stats……

Season Team Lge GP Min GA EN SO GAA W L T Svs Pct
———————————————————————————————–
1993-94 Niagara-Falls Thunder OHL 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0 0.000
1996-97 Sheffield Steelers BISL 19 1044 45 0 0 2.37 0 0 0 491 0.908
1997-98 Sheffield Steelers BISL 31 1682 95 0 0 3.39 0 0 0 956 0.901
———————————————————————————————–

Both Shaun and Anthony Johnson have signed. On top of this 2 defencemen have signed, both new to British hockey. Firstly, a 21 year old Canadian, Mark Fox (6’2″/210lbs). Signed from Colorado Gold Kings. There he was voted rookie of the year and most improved player. He’s huge, aggressive and he fights every now and again. That should keep all the blood thirsty people going. Oh, get a load of this, Rob McCaig (remember him?) played alongside him last season! Check Marks page here.

Mark Fox Stats……

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM
——————————————————————
1998-99 Colorado Gold Kings WCHL 63 2 4 6 47
——————————————————————

Also Gordon Hestor, an American with a big shot! Played for Arizona State University Sundevils (beat that official site!) last 4 seasons. Played 29 games, scored 10 goals plus 24 assists. Get a load of this page on Gord…Click here. More signings are on the horizon, with both Mike and Alex talking to players. Stephen Foster is considering a contract offer. As are some others from last season.

17/7/99 – CONFUSION OVER SIGNINGS
Well a lot of sources say that Jimmy Hibbert has signed as our starting netminder for next season. But it has yet to be confirmed by either the official site or the superleague site. The official site says a netminder will be announced on Monday, so its odds on that this is who it is. Also they say that a forward and defender are to be announced. Meanwhile the Johnsons are considering offers.

14/7/99 – KNOX HEADS FOR BRACKNELL
Forward Blake Knox has signed a deal with the Braknell Bees from the start of next season. We, however, have not signed anyone, but talks are still underway. Hopefully not with that geezer from Sheffield, Hibbert. He isnt gonna solve the Cowley problem.

BENSON AND HEDGES GROUPS ANNOUNCED
The groups for the Superleague teams in the B&H cup are as follows:

Group D
Bracknell, Cardiff, London, Sheffield

Group E
Ayr, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham

The Final will be at Sheffield Arena, as usual, on the 4th December, Riverkings B&H fixtures can be viewed in the Fixtures Section. The Quater Final match up’s are decided as follows (its written as the ISL put it, so don’t blame me)….

“The top three clubs from Groups D and E will automatically qualify for the quarter-final stage of the Cup Competition. The teams which finish fourth in those groups will be entered into the Challenge Round for the Benson & Hedges Cup competition, together with two teams qualifying from Groups A, B and C following a play off.

The Challenge Round will be played as a home tie for the BNL team before the quarter-final dates, as instructed by the Ice Hockey Superleague. The winning club will qualify for the quarter-final stage of the Cup Competition, played in October through a fixed draw as shown below and played on a home and away basis. Those BNL teams who are not successful in the Cup competition will go through to the Benson & Hedges Plate Competition.

The quarter final draw will be as follows:-

Group E Winner v Challenge Round Qualifier of Groups A, B and C
Group E 2nd placed club v Group D 3rd placed club
Group E 3rd placed club v Group D 2nd placed club
Challenge Round qualifier of Groups A, B and C v Group D Winner

The semi-finals of the Cup will also to be played on a home and away basis.”

10/7/99 – NOW DEFENCEMAN TOO, DEAR ME!
Dale Jago is gone, what a shame, the kingpin of our defence!

9/7/99 – BEST FORWARD LEAVES (COUGH, SPLUTTER!)
Sadly the amazing Darby Walker has left. He has signed for the Hull Thunder for next season. I don’t know what on earth we are gonna do without him, the team will surely fall apart. Looks like Hull are gonna win the BNL then, what with quality players like that signing.

5/7/99 – SEASON TICKET PRICES RELEASED
I recieved confirmation today that the season ticket prices for the coming season. The prices have been frozen from last year, thus staying at £150 for Adults and £90 for children. Apparently a saving of 28% on matchday admissions. Anyone who was a season ticket holder last season will have recieved a letter either today or will get one soon. For people who are not season ticket holders contact the the Riverkings on 0191 260 2328 or the Telewest Arena on 0191 260 5000.

28/6/99 – SAD NEWS
I recieved news on the message board today from Dale Lambert (ex Cobras player/coach) he informs everyone that Petri Rautianen, who played for Newcastle for 2 years, has passed away. The message reads…..”In case you didn’t know,and because you all care, our very good friend and teamate Petri Rautiainen passed away on Friday, June 25. Hannele, Rebecca and Veronica need all the support we can provide. The address is
Satakunnank, 17. AS. 20
28100 Pory
Finland”
Dale also says that anyone who would like to know more can contact him on:jdlambert1818@home.com

26/6/99 – FIXTURE LIST RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED
The Superleague have announced that the fixture list for the 1999/2000 season will be released round about July 1st. It was also said that the Challenge Cup format may be changing but there are no finalised details as yet. Also There is a possible sponsor for the Challenge Cup.

25/6/99 – STATEMENT RELEASED
Mike O’Connors statement released on 22/6/99 is as follows:
“The summer has certainly crept up on us pretty quickly this year and we do not have a lot of time to put a squad together. There is a reason for this frustration and the circumstances that led some of our key players to sign with other clubs in the closed season. I will do my best to explain the top and bottom of our status.

The primary objective of the ISL is to source a committed partner who has the ambition and financial resources to drive this franchise forward. At present there are a number of candidates who have expressed more than an interest in the franchise area and one in particular who I believe is close to making a decision.

In the event that the sale of the franchise does not happen the ISL has made a budget available to fund the RiverKings to compete in the Super League for another season. Whilst we should be grateful that our short-term future has been secured, for the best interest of the club, we need a company, consortium or individual with the passion for our sport to grow our business.

To make the franchise more attractive for potential buyers more people through the doors would be a great start. If you can bang the drum for the RiverKings and drag a friend along or persuade a work colleague to come to a match that would be a great start.

The club would like to wish Rob and Jim well in their first season with Ayr. Both have played very well for the RiverKings last season and are great ambassadors for the sport off the ice. I am sure that both will receive a warm reception from everyone here when they return to the Telewest Arena this season. Paul Dixon and Kevin Conway have agreed terms with Guilford and Hull of the BNL. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work last season and wish them well with their new teams.

Unfortunately, the RiverKings were not in a position to offer any of the players contracts no matter how badly we wanted to retain them and I could not blame an individual for making a decision that was best suited for them and their families.

I hope this has explained the present set of circumstance that we face. I can assure you that everyone connected with the club will work very hard to put the most competitive team together humanly possible.

But above all trust me on the sunscreen!”

21/6/99 – TRUMBLEY LEAVES
Rob Trumbley has left and joined Ayr Scottish Eagles. Ok, this is fun isnt it, was there actually any point in us having a team this season? Ask the ISL!

19/6/99 – MOVEMENT
Kevin Conway has signed with Hull Thunder for next season. There is still no news on new signings. Take a look at The 1999/2000 Season Roster to find out previous movements.

17/6/99 – FUTURE SECURED
The club future has been secured for another year. The Superleague will once again be the owners of the team and a budget is yet to be decided. Rumours are that this will be even less than last year. Negotiations are still underway with two prospective buyers, but nothing is known as yet.

11/6/99 – MEETING POSTPONED
The meeting on the clubs future which was supposed to be held on the 9th of this month has now been put back to the 14th (Monday). The official site states that news should be announced on Tuesday the 15th.

10/6/99 – DECISION SOON ON CLUB FUTURE
A meeting was held yesterday to decide the future of the club, details will be announced soon. Meanwhile the Superleague fixtures have been drawn up and will be issued as soon as possible, the main reason they cannot be issued as yet is because of the uncertainty of Newcastle’s future. The fistures that have been drawn up are for a 8 team league on a 3 home, 3 away basis, Making 42 Games altogether.

Date, whats that? – MATHIESON AND DIXON LEAVE
Jim Mathieson has moved to Ary Smelly Eagles. Which is a bit of a shame, he was good him! Dixie the pixie has gone to erm, someone really crap as I hear it. Guildford I think. Have fun gents.

RIVERKINGS FUTURE UNSURE
Bummer, eh! I dont really know whats happening but the only movement has been out so far. Apparently theres gonna be meetings and the likes, to make desicions. Mike is gonna be GM if anything happens.

16/4/99 – CONGRATULATIONS DEVILS.
Well done to the Cardiff Devils on winning the Superleague Playoffs by beating Nottingham 2-1. Makes me feel a bit better that it was Cardiff who knocked us out now!

29/3/99 – OK SO WE CANT ANYMORE!
Right thats the end of that then, seasons finished now, no playoff’s for us. Keep checking back to the page for news on new signings and all the usual off-season speculation and crap.

27/3/99 – RIVERKINGS CAN STILL DO IT!
After the Riverkings big win over Ayr Scottish Eagles on Saturday, and Nottingham’s win over Cardiff, there is still a chance that a semi final place is available. All they need to do is beat Cardiff, in Cardiff, tonight.

9/3/99 – PLAYOFF GROUPS ANNOUNCED
The groups for this years playoffs are as follows:

Group A – Manchester Storm Bracknell Bees
Sheffield Steelers London Knights

Group B – Cardiff Devils Nottingham Panthers
Ayr Scottish Eagles Newcastle Riverkings

The fixtures for the group round have also been annonced. To view them go to the fixtures page. Also the final league table is now available. Go to Stats Galore to view it. The superleague made a press release stating that the Riverkings would be in operation next season.

31/1/99 – SHIRT SPONSOR ANNOUNCED
At tonights home game against the Manchester Storm it was announced that Metro FM, the official Riverkings Radio Station, will be the shirt sponsor for the remainder of this season. It remains to be seen whether there will be a team next season, but the attraction of a sponsor is a major boost to that front.

8/1/99 – WALKER NOT ICING TONIGHT, AGAIN!
Darby Walker (Yes thats his name apparently!) has been pulled from the lineup for the next home game due to a bout of flu which he managed to catch, I blame Dougie frankly, he gave me it and he gave Fozzy it!

2/1/99 – NO SUNDAY NIGHT DEBUT FOR WALKER, OR IS IT WALLACE?
How annoying, the papers are in disagreement about what his name is! But anyway, it appears that whatever his name is didn’t recieve international clearance in time, so he will not be able to make his debut for Sunday’s game against Nottingham.

1/1/99 – NEW YEAR, NEW RIVERKINGS PLAYER
To start the new year the Riverkings annouced the signing of a new player. Darby Walker. The canadian forward was signed from a club in Holland where he was not enjoying his stay. He was given a trail earlier this week and has been signed to hopefully make a debut at home to Nottingham on Sunday. It might just be me, but he sounds like a bit of a goon, just take a look at his profile!

19/11/98 – NOTHING NEWSWORTHY HAPPENING
Well it’s been about a month since the last update to this news page and frankly nothing has happened at all!! Nottingham won the Benson and Hedges cup, 2-1 over Ayr!! Apparently we are getting a new player before the transfer deadline (god know when that is, ask him!!). Xavier Majic wouldnt go amiss but thats not likely to happen now is it!

14/11/98 – McAUSLAND TO TAKE A NEW ROLE
Alex Dampier has announced that he may be to play Darren McAusland in a different role when he returns from injury tonight. Due to the lack of firepower up front, Dampier is toying with the idea of playing McAusland as a forward. This is a familiar position to him to start with as he started out in hockey as a forward, on the Washington Capitals roster. He only switched to defence when Portland Pirates (One of his previous teams) ran into injury problems.
The Riverkings will be back to full strength for tonights game at Nottingham and hopefully tomorrow when Manchester take a visit to the Kings Castle (heh what a crap name its not really called that, I just made it up!)

10/10/98 – EX-COBRA UNDERGOES SURGERY
Sad news was announced in the Journal a few days ago, Petri Rautianen, a former Cobras player for 2 years and former Player of the Year, has undergone an operation to undergo a brain tumour the size of a golf ball. He now faces intesive chemotherapy. I’m sure all the fans wish him well and the team too!! Get well soon! If there is anyone who knows how to get messages to Petri then e-mail Karen on karen.wright4@virgin.net

QUARTER FINALS ANNOUNCED
Alright I know they were annouced ages ago but this is the first chance I’ve had to update the website really!! The Riverkings have been drawn against Nottingham Panthers, The home (2nd) leg is to be played on Thursday 22nd October (Face off 7:15pm). While the 1st leg, away is to be screened live on Sky Sports One at 7:30pm on Thursday 15th October. View the Fixtures

12/9/98 – TRUMBLEY GETS THE ALL CLEAR
Rob Trumbley has finally been cleared to play, making his debut (sort of) against Ayr away tonight, then his first home game of the new season will be Sunday against Ayr again. Mike Bodnarchuk will be arriving in the country next week some time hopefully to play on the Thursday at Cardiff.

1/9/98 – I’M BACK ONLINE
Hurray, sorry about the absence but I’m back to stay now and loads has happened since the last update. Quickly then… Mike Bodnarchuk has signed, yeah… Frank LaScala hasn’t, yeah!! Apparently we are to sign Doug Sinclair (Ex Bison)or already have!! The talk in at the Redhills was a laugh, even though i could only catch bits of it due to late arrival. But Alex and Mike were in good spirits answering questions freely and honestly (Somthing which has somewhat eluded the club in the past seasons!!!) We played our first game as the Riverkings at Nottingham in a friendly… and were slaughtered 8-2. Consolation comes from the fact that we only iced 13 players and that 1 left to see his wife give birth (Congrats to Kevin Conway). Glenn Mulvenna made history by scoring the Riverkings first ever goal!!! Ruggles scored the other and assists came from Jago and Mathieson.

15/8/98 – TRUMBLEY FINALLY SIGNS
After weeks of speculation Rob Trumbley has finally put pen to paper to sign for the new season with the Riverkings. Also ex NHL player Alan May has NOT signed after taking too long to decide. Alex Dampier revealed that he would like to sign two more forwards before the start of the season. To fill these positions there is a short list of four players, one of them fans favourite Mike Bodnarchuk from a few seasons ago. Also last season’s slacker Frank LaScala is being considered for the place!!! Mike O’Connor said “He didn’t have a very good season, but is a very tough guy.” Frankly (heh nice pun eh) a man who calls himself a “showman” and not a “sportsman” has no place on any team. But I suppose Alex and Mike know what they’re doing!

12/8/98 – YET MORE PLAYERS SIGN
Jim Mathieson and Darren McAusland have both signed for the forthcoming season. Darren played alongside Jim in Portland for a while which is where he has spent a fair part of his career. As well as playing in the NHL. Also Cowley has signed, look at it how you may!!! Two more signings are expected to be announced to complete the squad.

6/8/98 – NEW SUPPORTERS CLUB NAME ANNOUNCED
The old ‘Cobras Club’ has been re-named in the light of the team name change. It will now be known as the Riverkings IHSC. The new logo is apparently ace and it even appears on the new team shirt, exciting times for those involved in the Supporters Club. There will be a kit launch and meet the players night on 28th of August much like last years only this time at the Arena!! Also a questions and answers session with Alex Dampier and Mike O’Connor on the 9th at the Royal Station Hotel. There are many other events planned too many to list if you want information on any of the events get in touch with Peanut on 0191 2431322. Also to join ring or write for information to:

N.R.I.H.S.C.
21 Fourstones,
West Denton,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE5 2PR.

To join as an adult it costs £10 and £5 for Juniors (I think up to 18 is a junior).
I also heard a rumour that Wayne Cowley has re-signed for the new season.

Not sure of the date – NEW PLAYERS SIGNED
For a full list of players signed view the Roster Page

26/6/98 – NEW NAME ANNOUNCED
The Newcastle Cobras are now to be known as the Newcastle River Kings, or is it Riverkings? Anyway whatever it is I reckon it’s totally crap and whoever thought of it should be given a good slap, but I’m sure we’ll get used to it! This means that the site is in for a bit of a facelift. However the good side is that it was picked over drivel like Angels?? and Ice Bears, so at least that’s some consolation, I think.

COACH ANNOUNCED
No prizes for guessing who it is. Yep Good ‘ol Alex Dampier, with his sturdy proven track record and string of championships behind him, he comes to the north east looking to bring silverware here. Currently in Canada on a scouting trip he said that there will be players from last season staying on and talks will be held with likely candidates. With any luck Brett Stewart and Rob Trumbley will be in the reckoning! I was led to belive that the Brits will be staying on along with Randy Smith, on a two year contract.

20/6/98 – NEW NAME AND LOGO FOR NEWCASTLE
Along with the new management will come a new name and logo for the Cobras. The new coach debate continues and both Dampier and Lambert have had interviews for the job, an annoncement is expected in the next few days.

O’CONNOR RETURNS
A long term member of the Durham Wasps team a few years back, Mike O’Connor is to make a return to the north-east after a spell at Sheffield as both a player and marketing manager. It was announced that he will become the general manager for Newcastle. He said he is delighted to create a new team in the Superleague.

19/6/98 – NEW OWNERS ANNOUNCED
It has finally been announced that the Cobras have new owners for the forthcoming season. They are The Ice Hockey Superleague ISL)! Which seems very strange. But the deal is this, the Superleague will look after the club until a long term backer is found. The Sporting Club will still be involved as sponsors of the team.

3/6/98 – NEW OWNERS!?
The Northern Echo today repoted that the Cobras could have a new owner come next season. An announcement is expected in the next few days about who the owners will be. The move will mean severing the links with The Sporting Club.

NEW COACH!?
Although it was announced that Dale Lambert would be the coach for the new season a few days ago, Alex Dampier is now being tipped to get the position.

29/5/98 – COBRAS FUTURE SAFE!!
For the next season at least. It was announced in The Journal newspaper today that the Cobras will be playing in the forthcoming season. The decision was made to continue with both ice hockey and basketball for one more season. However it was said that both clubs must break even if they are to continue after that!!

LAMBERT FOR COACH
In the same article it was announced that Dale Lambert will be continuing as coach and that new players are being considered.

STOP PRESS!! (or whatever you stop on the Internet)
URGENT INFORMATION
7/5/98 – COBRAS FUTURE IN DOUBT!!
It was announced in the Ice Hockey News Review today that the Cobras may not be participating in the Superleague, or any league for that matter, next season. This leaves me particularly gutted after just setting up this site! But also because this could mean the end of professional hockey in the North-East and there’s no way I’m going to watch Whitley or Billingham!! Ken Nottage (Sporting Club Supremo) said that he was not in a position to guarantee the club would continue. However the Basketball and Rugby would (no surprise there then!). The final decision could well be influenced by money from TV contracts and the Superleague sponsorship. However league secretary Brian Storey sadi until he was informed otherwise the cobras would be in the league for next season, but he was aware of the doubts over the future of the club.

25/4/98 – COACH FOR 1998-99 SEASON?
The latest news is that there are two runners for coach in the coming season. Firstly, as you may have heard, Alex “Steelers” Dampier could be lined up for the job. However Dale Lambert (Last seasons coach) says he would like the opportunity to turn around the fortunes of the club himself.

PEGG SET TO SIGN?
Jaimie Pegg has shown an interest in returning to the club for next season. He says he enjoys living in Newcastle and would love to come back next season.

LEAGUE ROUND-UP
Hilton Ruggles has left the Manchester Storm. Dave Whistle has been appointed coach of Bracknell Bees for next season. Jim Fuhrchuk (however it’s spelt) is headed for the new, LA Kings owned London franchise.