Andre set for Giant contest.

Byline: By LEE RYDER

ANDRE PAYETTE is determined to make sure that Newcastle Vipers will be at the Elite League play-off weekend next month.

The rugged Canadian is certain to go toe to toe with Belfast Giants enforcer Carlyle Lewis at some stage over the two legs of the quarter-final, but says he is prepared to put his body on the line just to make sure his side are at the National Ice Centre for the final showpiece.

Payette has already fought with Lewis twice this season and knows exactly what Vipers must do to make sure they reach Nottingham.

He told the Chronicle: "It's going to be really physical which is good for us because we can be a physical team; it needs to be physical.

"And they have to know that as well.

"We're ready to give this a real go and I think the guys here have picked up their intensity levels in training over the last couple of days."

While many are anticipating a bruising encounter, Newcastle head coach Rob Wilson is already a goal up in the mind games.

For Vipers put on a magnificent display last time out on Tyneside as Newcastle pulled off a 4-2 win.

Payette added: "I think it's a good thing that we've beaten them recently.

"The players know what sort of a task is in hand and now they have to go out and prove that.

"We go into it on the back of a good 4-2 win over Coventry Blaze as well which can only help us."

Payette picked up a winners' medal in 2006 with Vipers and in 2005 with Blaze in the year the SkyDome club won the treble.

But the Toon tough guy isn't content with his medal collection just yet.

He said: "Since I've been in England I have only missed out on the play-offs just once which was last year.

"And that feeling hurts because you have to stew over it for the summer.

"This is what we build up to through the season and we want to make a big success of it."

The first leg of the tie takes place in Dundalk due to the Giants being unable to secure home ice for the event.

Payette says: "Jeff Hutchins knows the venue and he said it's a good rink.

"Maybe the fact it isn't in Belfast's regular building will work in our favour.

"Regardless of where you play, though, you have to put in a performance and then take things from there for the second leg."

Saturday night sees the first leg take place in Dundalk before the second leg at Metro Radio Arena at 5.30pm on Sunday with tickets available from the box office right up until that time.

CAPTION(S):

IN THE THICK OF THE ACTION: Andre Payette tries to force home the puck against Belfast in a previous encounter this season