Last Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory over Guildford Flames for the Nottingham Panthers was important for many reasons.
Not only was there a dramatic come-from-behind success on the opening day of the season and another large crowd in the Motorpoint Arena, but it was a very special day for Nottingham-born defenceman Archie Hazeldine, who made his competitive debut.
The 18-year-old is on a two-way contract with the Panthers and Leeds Knights, who play their hockey in the level below the Elite League in the NIHL.
Hazeldine iced for the Panthers in pre-season and has spent a lot of time training with the squad since they reported ahead of the new season in August, but wasn’t scheduled to play for Nottingham last weekend.
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The Elite League rules for 2022-23 permits teams to ice 20-man rosters on gamedays, but an injury to North American defenceman Mike Caruso meant the Panthers had a spot available going into Saturday’s game with the Flames, so Hazeldine was called up.
“It was a little bit surreal,” said Hazeldine. “Being my childhood team, it was pretty big for me.
“I think you could tell I was nervous but I I grew into the game. We got the result in then end so it was good.”
Panthers were trailing 3-2 going into the final stages but Andrew Johnston equalised with 69 seconds remaining with netminder Alex Dubeau on the bench in favour of the extra outskater, before Mike Hammond scored the winner 28 seconds into overtime.
Nottingham now turn their attentions to Manchester Storm on the road in the Challenge Cup on Friday, before returning home to host Coventry Blaze in the Premier Sports Elite League the following night.
If selected, Archie will come up against his older brother Joe, 21, who now plays for the Storm after icing for the Panthers at the start of his career.
“We’ll see if I am in the line-up on Friday but playing against each other would be good,” continued Hazeldine.
“It will be the first time I have played against him but I will know all his moves, so we will see what happens. It will be great to be in the line-up but if not, the chance may come again soon.”
Both brothers came through the Nottingham junior system and played together for the Nottingham Lions, who compete in the NIHL Division 1 North.
Matt Bradbury, Head Coach of the Lions, has been part of their development and he sees a bright future for both brothers.
“If I could put together any roster, both Archie and Joe would be top of the list,” said Bradbury.
“They are both top lads that love their hockey. They are fantastic ambassadors for Nottingham and we always follow their progress and development.
“The Nottingham Junior Ice Hockey Club are proud of what they have achieved and we look forward to more of our young players following in their footsteps.”
Panthers against Coventry faces-off at 7pm on Saturday and you can buy tickets via the club website at www.panthers.co.uk.
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