Newcastle Vipers have allowed Slovakian forward Matus Petricko to quit the club for an unnamed Hungarian League side.

Petricko, 29, returned to the Vipers in July 2009 after a three-year absence but personal reasons have fuelled his departure from Newcastle.

"I really need to be nearer my family. Budapest is only two hours from home, so that made the decision a bit easier," said Petricko.

"Newcastle will always be a special place for me."

Petricko's departure is one of a number of exits from the club as the Vipers undergo a mid-season transition period.

Vipers general manager Jamie Longmuir admitted replacing Petricko, and other players who have moved on in recent weeks, is an ongoing concern.

We expect to confirm an import forward and an import defenceman on Monday - we're waiting for contracts to be returned to us. Vipers general manager Jamie Longmuir

"He is a very important player for us, and has been all season. He's been brilliant since he rejoined us in the summer," said Longmuir.

"However he's had to make a decision based on his own personal issues and we fully respect that.

"It's been a busy 24 hours or so. We've been looking to replace Rooneem and Kindle, but now there's another body short so it becomes even more pressing.

"The good news is we expect to confirm an import forward and an import defenceman on Monday - we're waiting for contracts to be returned to us - and there is a possibility of another forward too."

Petricko has enjoyed a long career in the Elite League with a string of clubs including Vipers, Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils, as well as spells in Belgium, Russia and his native Slovakia.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version