The Muskegon native has led the Vipers from the front with some stand out performances in recent weeks and head coach Rob Wilson believes the award is fully deserved. "Jason has really stepped up a gear in recent weeks. He's put up some very impressive numbers but more importantly he's been very strong at both ends of the rink when we've needed that. Obviously we've had a difficult January with losing players and injuries, but along with Jason the whole team has stepped up and worked as a unit and that has brought some results we really shouldn't have had an opportunity of achieving."

The Mobilx Newcastle Vipers welcome the Edinburgh Capitals to Whitley Bay Ice Rink on Saturday (6.30pm face-off). Tickets are available now priced at £11.00 for adults, £9.00 for concessions, £7.00 for under 16's and £28.00 for a family (2 adults & 2 under 16's). Tickets can be purchased by telephoning 0191 261 0909, via www.vipershockey.co.uk or by visiting the club shop on Shakespeare Street in Newcastle.

North East Ice Hockey players of the month awards are selected by members of the neicehockey.co.uk online community, for further information visit www.neicehockey.co.uk.