Langdon made 17 appearances during his stay with the Vipers

Newcastle Vipers coach Danny Stewart says he is disappointed that Scott Langdon has decided to quit the club just four months after joining.

The Canadian moved to the Vipers from Conference League side Reading Royals in August but has left after making only 17 appearances this season.

"Scott's request has come as an absolute shock to me and the club," said Stewart.

"I would never want to get in the way of a what a player wants."

Stewart added: "Scott has the opportunity to play for the top team in the Central Hockey League at the moment, with the chance of an AHL call-up.

"I'd like to thank Scott for his production this season, and wish him the best for his future career.

We will look to see what's available to replace him, but it will be a tough task to find someone of his quality Vipers coach Danny Stewart

"He may have been our most consistent performer, and his style of play made him a favourite of mine from a coaching and playing point of view.

"We will look to see what's available to replace him, but it will be a tough task to find someone of his quality at this point in the year."

Meanwhile the club have also released Whitley Bay-born forward Nathan Salem, although the 19-year-old has been invited to continue training with the squad in a bid to boost his fitness.

"With Mike Prpich coming in, Nick Duff coming in and me moving back up front I felt that Nathan's ice time would diminish extensively," said Stewart.

"I felt it was in his best interest not to remain with us on a full time basis as it would hinder his development, sitting on the bench would not do him or the club any good."

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