Newcastle Vipers player-coach Danny Stewart has moved to sign Kyle Sibley following a breakout season in the Norwegian GET Ligaen. The American defenceman joins the Vipers having finished as second top points scoring defenceman in Norway’s top flight during 2009/10.

The 26-year-old leaves the Manglerud Stars where he has spent the previous two season’s helping the Oslo based club to promotion in his first season in Europe. Sibley becomes the first player for 2010/11 to take the option of schooling as part of his contract which will see him attend Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University during his time on Tyneside.

Vipers coach Danny Stewart today was delighted that Sibley has agreed to join: “Kyle is coming to us following a breakout season in Norway. He finished second amongst defenceman in scoring by one point and had by far the best season of his young career.

“He will provide us with an offensive threat from the back and has the ability to run the powerplay from the blueline. Kyle is a smaller D man, but has a lot of strength for a little guy and plays his own end equally as he does going forward.”

“Kyle will compete for the club night in and night out, exactly what we want from every single player this season. He will compliment my plans for our remaining two defencemen perfectly as he will play alongside Blair Stayzer and two other bigger and more physical defencemen, as well as our two up and coming guys in Rob Wilson and Sam Zajac.”

Sibley speaking from his Massachusetts home confirmed he is delighted to be joining the Vipers: “I am really excited to be joining Newcastle, I am looking forward to the new challenge and helping the Vipers have a successful season. I’ve heard great things about the city and the Vipers fans so I am very much looking forward to September. The opportunity to complete my schooling sealed the deal for me, I’d like to thank the Vipers and Newcastle Business School for the opportunity.”

Kyle's shirt and equipment sponsorship is now available from the Vipers office, priced at £400 for the home or away shirt, and £200 for the warm up shirt plus equipment sponsorship options from just £5. Supporters interested in sponsorship should contact Jaimie Longmuir via email office@vipershockey.co.uk or jaimie.longmuir@vipershockey.co.uk.