Nottingham Panthers begin their 2022-23 Premier Sports Elite League this weekend with a very different looking team from the one that ended their last campaign.
There’s been a huge turnover with only JC Brassard, Jack Hopkins, Jordan Kelsall, Matthew Myers and Jeremy Welsh returning from last season’s roster.
Popular defenceman Mathieu Gagnon is back after icing for the Panthers in 2017-18 and there are five more players with previous Elite League experience in Adam Brady, Luke Ferrara, Mike Hammond, Adam Johnston and Craig Moore. Archie Hazeldine, younger brother of former Panthers player Joe Hazeldine, has signed on a two-way contract with Leeds Knights who play their hockey in the level below.
But there are nine totally new faces to UK ice hockey who experienced two home games in pre-season, including the encounter with Sheffield Steelers which saw over 5,000 in the Motorpoint Arena. One of the new recruits is Canadian forward Stephen Anderson, who was left blown away by the backing the team received in pre-season.
“The fans screaming for us and giving us motivation is huge,” said Anderson. “If we ever need any motivation in the building, they are there to pick us up. Having the fans on our side like that is nothing but positive.”
The 27-year-old secured his first professional contract in Slovakia in 2020-21 and played last season in Denmark for Aalborg Pirates. And despite being in Nottingham for just a couple of weeks, he’s already settled down in the city.
“The first week no matter where you play is always a little hectic,” continued Anderson. "I am getting used to the culture and the way everything runs, but I feel settled. I’m excited and I am ready for a big year with the team here.”
Panthers get under way on Saturday as they host Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena (7pm), before taking to the road to take-on Coventry Blaze on Sunday. Tickets for Panthers home games are available on their website www.panthers.co.uk.
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