The Claw is back for the 2024/25 season...
Dearest Reader…
As we step into a new season, the air is thick with anticipation and hope for the Nottingham Panthers. Reflecting on last year, it’s clear that the shadow of loss hung heavy over us all. The heartache of Adam Johnson’s tragic passing was a challenge we never expected to face, deeply affecting both players and fans alike. Yet, here we are, ready to embrace the fresh opportunities that this season brings.
Back in April, I ended my monthly article talking about the hope of the Nottingham Panthers getting into the playoffs. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t manage to make it into the playoffs and Sheffield Steelers won the treble as the Steelers defeated the Belfast Giants 3-1 to win the Elite League play-off final and complete the third and last leg of the domestic treble. Fret not, it is a fresh new season for us. Last season was by far the hardest season we have ever had to witness, as fans and players, we were grieving for Adam Johnson, and understandably, it did really affect the way we played. It was an extremely rare, heartbreaking circumstance and I had hoped most of the players would have stayed, but again, understandably, some did not return. While the Sheffield Steelers celebrated their treble triumph, we’ve retained some key players from last season, including 33 Luca Sheldon, 39 Rok Stojanovic, 25 Josh Tetlow, 13 Hugo Roy, 14 Jordan Kelsall, 43 Otto Nieminen, 61 Logan Neilson, 74 Ollie Betteridge and 98 Didrik Henbrant.
The return of Sam Herr, our former captain and the league’s leading points-scorer in the 2019-20 season, is especially thrilling. Herr was named on the EIHL's First All-Star Team as he scored 30 goals and contributed 29 assists for 59 points in just 46 league matches. Herr has now been named as Nottingham Panthers captain for the 2024-25 season, with Ollie Betteridge, Hugo Roy and Josh Tetlow appointed alternate captains.
We also welcome a new head coach, Danny Stewart, who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record from his time with Coventry Blaze. His journey in the UK began as a player, and now he’s here to guide us in what we hope will be a successful season. The Canadian-born former forward first took up a coaching role as player-coach with Newcastle Vipers in 2010-11, winning Coach of the Year in the EIHL’s end-of-season awards.
He spent five seasons as player-assistant coach and then associate coach with Fife Flyers before moving to Coventry for the 2016-17 season. Stewart first arrived in the UK as a player for Coventry in 2006-07 and was part of the Blaze side that won back-to-back Elite League titles.
September has shown us some exciting first games back! We didn’t get off to the best start in August against the University of Quebec-Trois-Riveries, losing 2-0 in the 25th anniversary game. The Panthers then lost 5-1 to Sheffield Steelers and then 4-1 to Manchester Storm. But those matches seemed to be games to ease Panthers back into the swing of things, as from September, Panthers smashed their way into the 2024/25 season by winning against Lausitzer Fuchse 7-2 for The GM Memorial Trophy game. Followed by a win against Cardiff Devils 2-1 in a pre-season game. The next day, at home in The Aladdin Cup we lost 5-1. If you are unfamiliar with The Aladdin Cup, it’s a round-robin competition with the team winner finishing at the top of the table. The Panthers were soon back to their winning streak for The Challenge Cup. Winning 4-3 against Guildford Flames, 3 - 2 against Coventry Blaze and 4 - 3 against Guildford Flames. The Panthers have made it five wins out of six to start the Challenge Cup campaign, with just one loss against Sheffield Steelers. Let’s see how things go. I don’t want to jinx it for the Panthers but, they are making a tremendous start to the new season! It’s encouraging to see the team finding their stride and building momentum!
Looking ahead, our first Elite League game against Glasgow Clan on October 2nd promises to be a thrilling encounter, followed by a home game against Fife Flyers on October 6th. And let’s not forget the fan-favourite themed nights starting on October 12th with Superheroes Night against Cardiff Devils. Dust off your capes and get ready for a fantastic evening!
Some more dates to add to your calendar; Panthers return with their fan favourite themed nights from 12th October against Cardiff Devils with the theme of Superheroes. So grab your cape and grab your tickets as that is for sure going to be a fun night out! I will mention more themed dates in the next article of The Claw, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Another important date to note is Adam Johnson’s shirt retirement, taking place Saturday 14th December, face off against Fife Flyers at 7pm. Adam’s family will be in the presence of the game and a special ceremony will take place. His jersey will be the seventh to be officially retired by the club.
“ We were honoured to have Adam in Nottingham and not only was he a great talent on the ice, he was a fantastic person off the ice also. Adam made an impact on everyone who met him in the short time he was with us and he will forever be in our thoughts.
“We all want Adam’s memory to live on for who he was as a person and what he contributed to the sport of ice hockey.
“This will be a very special night for all of us as we come together to retire Adam’s number 47 jersey ”
Panthers CEO, Omar Pacha
Full details about the pre-game shirt retirement ceremony will be announced in due course.
Something new to the Nottingham Panthers season is a pre-game show every home game in Saltbox at the Motorpoint Arena. Led by Sam Hurst and members of the Panthers media team, each week will feature a live pre-game podcast.
There'll be fan interaction too as part of the show with competitions where you can join the presentation team on-stage at Saltbox and win prizes.
At various points throughout the season, there'll also be a special guest interview with a current player or staff member (when available) or a former Panther.
After the pre-game show, a live band will take to the stage in Saltbox as the minutes tick away until face-off.
As we gear up for this season, I’m optimistic. Let’s rally together and support our Panthers. Here’s to a season filled with excitement, teamwork, and hopefully, triumph!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s go, Panthers!
Panthers next home game is against Fife Flyers, Sunday 6th October. You can buy tickets here: https://tickets.motorpointarenanottingham.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=PANF061024
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