The Claw - October 2024

Dearest Reader…

October has now been and gone but I thought I’d give a re-cap of what happened for this spooky month at the Panthers lair.

The first themed night of the season took place this month with the Panthers’ Superhero Night, featuring an exciting match against the Cardiff Devils. Fans were treated to a variety of fun activities throughout the evening, including superhero cutouts perfect for selfies, a fancy dress competition, and a scavenger hunt. To participate in the hunt, fans had to snap a photo with each hidden superhero around the arena for a chance to win a prize.

Sam Hurst was also in the stands, giving out rewards to fans who correctly guessed each player’s favourite superhero. As always, there were the popular Panthers’ game-night prizes on offer, including 50/50 tickets for a chance to win a cash prize and the "Shirt off His Back" raffle, where one lucky fan would win a game-worn jersey. The Panthers beat the Storm 3-2.

I have to say, the superhero-themed jerseys were absolutely stunning—kudos to the graphic designer for this one! The design was striking, with a sleek, almost metallic finish and an "N" symbol on the chest, reminiscent of where you might expect a "S" for Superman. It’s no surprise these jerseys flew off the auction site, with #98 Didrik Henbrant’s game-worn shirt fetched the highest bid of £720! Clearly, the fans were thrilled with this one.

Fans also had the chance to win the 2024-25 Superhero jersey by sharing videos on social media showcasing their hidden talents or cool tricks. A fun way to get involved and a chance to score a unique piece of memorabilia!

Looking ahead, the next themed night on November 9th will be focused on Remembrance, commemorating the end of the First World War and honouring the brave men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives in service. I’m excited to see the design they come up with for this special occasion. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be done with the utmost respect and thoughtfulness.

Another important event to mark on the calendar is Saturday, 23rd November, when the Panthers take on the Belfast Giants. The game will be themed Hockey Fights Cancer, a special night dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer.

Let's talk about the Challenge Cup. In Group A, the Sheffield Steelers have already secured a direct spot in the Semi-Finals. Meanwhile, the Nottingham Panthers, Cardiff Devils, and Coventry Blaze are all still in the hunt for the second direct spot. Over in Group B, the Belfast Giants have claimed top spot and are guaranteed a place in the Semi-Finals.

I so hope the Panthers can claw their way into the challenge cup semi final! After sadly withdrawing from the challenge cup last year, I personally feel it is time for us to get further to the top, but I’ll admit, I might be a bit biased!

Panther fans can now get their hands on official heritage clothing, which is available for sale at John Lewis. Ellie Laughton, Head of Branch at John Lewis Nottingham, shared her excitement: "The Nottingham Panthers Heritage range is a fantastic addition to the pop-up selection in our store."

The collection has already been a big hit with fans, with John Lewis having to restock the range due to high demand. Supporters can purchase a variety of stylish items, including:

• Letterman Jackets: £80

• Hoodies: £60

• T-shirts: £29

• Trucker Caps: £35

Be sure to grab yours before they sell out again!

Sunday, 6th October saw the Panthers’ first home game of the season, as they hosted the Fife Flyers. The Panthers delivered a dominant performance, securing a comfortable 5-1 victory. From the opening faceoff, it was clear that the home side were in control, with a strong offensive display and solid defence keeping the Flyers at bay. The win marked a perfect start to the Panthers’ home campaign, much to the delight of the fans in attendance.

So far this season, the Sheffield Steelers are leading the way, dominating both the Elite League standings and the Challenge Cup table. However, with plenty of hockey still to be played, there's a long road ahead before the Elite League reaches its conclusion. It's still early days, and there's so much more to come.

Also it is worth mentioning especially if you are a season ticket holder that in partnership with McDonald's franchisees Jerry and Fiona Nicholls, are thrilled to announce the launch of the Bunz-Berg-Herr Meal. Named in honour of Panthers players Davis Bunz, Adam Berg, and Sam Herr, this special meal features a medium Double Cheeseburger Meal, available exclusively to Nottingham Panthers season ticket holders for just £3.99.

Bunz commented: "I never thought I’d have a burger named after me! I’ve told my friends and family, and they think it’s pretty exciting too.

To end this October update, I’d like to take a moment to honour Adam Johnson, who will forever be our 47. It has been a year since his tragic passing, and it was especially meaningful that Manchester, who joined the Panthers last season to celebrate his life during the Memorial Game, were with Panthers again on 28th October. The stadium marked the occasion by observing 47 seconds of applause in memory of Adam. Fans also laid flowers outside his memorial plaque, a touching tribute to a player who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all Panthers supporters.