Newcastle Vipers have confirmed that Canadian forward Mark Rooneem has been released from his contract.

Rooneem, 27, joined the club in November and has scored five goals, but the management have decided not to retain the player's signature.

A club spokesman said: "Mark hasn't really done a lot wrong.

"However he hasn't had the impact we hoped and given the form of Ben Campbell we have taken the decision to release Mark."

Campbell, 22, will continue on the top forward lines alongside Mike Berry and Matic Kralj, but there are no plans to sign an immediate replacement for Rooneem.

Meanwhile netminder Kevin Reiter's short-term contract has come to an end, with the Vipers confirming that his spell at the club will not be extended.

Michel Robinson has been doing a lot of off-ice work after his hand surgery, and will be monitored in training this week Newcastle Vipers on a possible return for Michel Robinson

"Kevin came in at short notice and we appreciate the job he did for us in difficult circumstances. However he has suffered a recurrence of his groin injury and the Vipers have arranged for him to have an operation on Wednesday to cure the problem once and for all," said the club spokesman.

"The club wishes Kevin a full and speedy recovery and hope he can return to action in due course, and we wish him well in his future career."

But the Newcastle-based side have confirmed that the club's first choice keeper Michel Robinson should soon be returning to the side.

"Vipers are excited about the imminent return to action of our starting goalie Michel Robinson, who has been doing a lot of off-ice work after his hand surgery, and will be monitored in training this week."

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