Coach Rob Wilson and his new-look Mobilx Vipers kick off their 2007/2008 campaign with a double-header challenge series against defending league champions Coventry Blaze this weekend. Tonight they go to the Skydome in the midlands before the teams go head to head at the Metro Radio Arena tomorrow (face off 5.30pm).

Former Vipers captain Jonathan Weaver swapped the North-East for the Blaze this summer, a move that caused upset amongst the North-East hockey fraternity.

Blaze also boast former Vipers Michael Tasker and Trevor Koenig in their ranks, so there could be plenty of passion in the games, which also see Wilson go head to head with GB coaching colleague Paul Thompson.

The Canadian said: "The result is not the important thing this weekend. We're a new team, its going to take us time to get going but we have a great opportunity against Coventry.

"My main concern is for us to gel and for the guys to get used to the systems. We'll give it our all in both games that's for sure but the main thing for me is that the guys play well together."

And in relation to Weaver, he added: "Weaves won't get any special treatment. We wish him well, he was a great servant but come face off, he's Coventry's No 14 and not the guy we all know.

"I won't be telling the guys to focus on him or anything, as they have several talented players, so we can't afford to just focus on Weaves."