Newcastle Vipers general manager Jaimie Longmuir insists the club are fully committed to providing top-flight ice-hockey in the North East.

Rumours had circulated that this would be their last year in the Elite League.

Longmuir told the club's website: "Everything we are doing here is to sustain ice hockey in the area not just this year but for many years to come.

"My goal is to make sure the Vipers are here long beyond this season and hopefully part of the Elite League."

Newcastle play back-to-back matches against Coventry this weekend.

We have signed Mark Rooneem and that's an illustration we are here for the long haul Vipers general manager Jaimie Longmuir

On Saturday they host the Blaze in Whitley Bay (1830 GMT) before travelling to Coventry on Sunday (1800 GMT).

"They are two huge games and I think we have played fairly well against Coventry home and away," added Longmuir.

"I think both games this weekend will be tight encounters and there's not much to choose between the two.

"Hopefully we can sustain our challenge and with the support of the fans we can do that.

"We have signed Mark Rooneem and that's an illustration we are here for the long haul.

"We like what we've seen of him, he's a really big guy and he's fast. We're over the moon to have him."

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