Vipers can compete, says Robinson

Robinson played a key role with Nottingham last season

Newcastle Vipers netminder Michel Robinson believes he and his team-mates have enough quality to beat former club Nottingham Panthers on Sunday.

Robinson, 27, helped the Panthers into the play-offs last season, but says Vipers double header against Cardiff last weekend showed they can compete.

"Nottingham are a fast, skilful team and we are going to have to be at our very best to match them," he said.

"But if we play as we did last weekend it'll be close."

Former Edinburgh Capitals netminder Robinson joined Vipers this summer, after a spell with Panthers last season.

As a goalie it's pleasing to have such quality players in front of me on game nights

Michel Robinson

And the Montreal-born goalkeeper has been impressed by his new side's early season form.

"We had a very good opening weekend against Cardiff, perhaps we could or should have won both games, but Devils are one of the clubs challenging for a top four spot this year," he said.

"Now we have an idea of what is needed to compete in the League this year.

"Rob [Wilson - coach] made a lot of changes this summer, particularly in defence and as a goalie it's pleasing to have such quality players in front of me on game nights."