The Claw's January Recap & February Preview for the Nottingham Panthers

Words: Natalie Owen
Photos: Nottingham Panthers
Saturday 01 February 2025
reading time: min, words

Catch up on all the action from January as we break down the season so far, plus a look ahead at what’s in store for the Nottingham Panthers in February…

The Claw 01

Dearest Reader,

It’s hard to believe we’re already in 2025 and halfway through the ice hockey calendar year! Happy New Year to all our fans! What an electrifying start to the year for the Panthers—kicking things off in dominant fashion! A commanding 3-0 victory on the road against Coventry Blaze on New Year's Day, following an emphatic 9-2 triumph at home the night before. 

So far this new year we have seen how Panthers have really pushed themselves to move further up the Elite League table. The Sheffield Steelers, who had been sitting at the top of the Elite League, have finally lost their grip on the top spot! With their netminder sidelined due to injury, the door opened for other teams to close the gap—Nottingham Panthers included! As of February 1st, we proudly sit third in the Elite League standings, with the team firing on all cylinders. If this momentum continues, there’s no telling how far we can go! 

One of the biggest highlights of the season so far came when the Panthers stunned the crowd with an explosive four-goal spree in just 100 seconds!

It all began at 34:31, when Tim Doherty worked his magic behind the net, setting up Didrik Henbrant to slot home from close range. Just moments later (35:08), Doherty got on the scoresheet himself, pouncing on a rebound to double the lead. The momentum kept rolling as Kristoff Kontos coolly converted a penalty shot at 35:41, and finally, at 36:11, Reid Stefanson’s deflected effort caught Jake Kupsky off guard to seal an unforgettable moment.

This incredible offensive burst powered the Panthers to a thrilling 7-4 victory over the Guildford Flames at home—one for the history books!

Another unforgettable moment from January came on January 18th, when the Panthers pulled off a dramatic late comeback against the Coventry Blaze.

Trailing 1-0 deep into the third period, the Panthers refused to back down. With just five minutes left on the clock, the team flipped the script in spectacular fashion—finding the back of the net twice in rapid succession to snatch a thrilling 2-1 victory!

It was a true display of resilience, determination, and the never-say-die attitude that defines this Panthers squad. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric as fans erupted in celebration, witnessing yet another incredible fightback from their team. Moments like these prove that the Panthers are a force to be reckoned with this season!

Panthers have earned their 17th semi-final appearance in the Challenge Cup after a dominant 5-1 victory over Glasgow Clan on 22nd January! The team’s outstanding performance secured their place in the next round, marking another significant milestone in the Panthers' storied history in the competition.

This incredible achievement isn’t just about the win—it’s a testament to the Panthers’ consistency, determination, and championship mentality. Throughout the game, the team showcased their offensive firepower, strong defensive play, and stellar goaltending, making it clear they’re more than ready to chase down another title.

With the semi-finals now on the horizon, the Panthers have their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize, and the momentum from this victory will undoubtedly fuel their drive.

What surprises do the Panthers have in store for you, behind the scenes? Well, for starters—the highly anticipated Valentine’s Day jersey has just dropped, and it’s an absolute stunner! Inspired by the iconic Panthers’ 90s logo, this special edition jersey blends nostalgia with a modern twist, featuring the classic emblem framed by a bold neon pink love heart on a sleek black background. The result? A design that’s nothing short of spectacular! Replica shirts are now on sale from the Panthers website.

 

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Get ready for a special treat Wednesday, February 5th, as Nottingham Panthers players will be swapping their hockey sticks for aprons to serve up your meals at McDonald's in Clifton.

For one hour only—from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Don’t miss this unique chance to meet the players, grab some food, and maybe even have your order handed to you by one of your favourite players! The six players in attendance will be, Matt Alfaro, Tim Doherty, Mitch Fossier, Didrik Henbrant, Sam Herr and Otto Nieminen. Mark your calendars and head down for some great food, fun, and face time with the Panthers!

Mcdonald S Clifton

On Wednesday, February 26th, the Nottingham Panthers take on the Belfast Giants in the crucial second leg of the semi-finals—a showdown you won’t want to miss! Tickets are on sale now, but they’re expected to sell out fast—so don’t wait!

The next couple of months are shaping up to be absolutely thrilling! If we keep up this momentum, there's a real chance the Panthers could secure a spot in the Playoffs this year! Panthers fans, let’s keep the energy high and continue pushing the team forward—this season is far from over! 

For all ticket sales please see www.panthers.co.uk.

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