It now seems an eternity since the Nottingham Panthers stole the Challenge Cup from the Steelers back in April. But on the 11th September it all begins again...
A league title is there for the taking as well as a cross conference style cup competition involving the EIHL and BNL sides. The Panthers will also be flying the British flag in Europe this season. Their first game is scheduled for 15th October against Milan (ITA) in Amiens, France in the Continental Cup.
A new look Panthers Roster sees some of Europe's most experienced names wearing black and gold as well as some notable big signings from within the Elite League and some high-profile returnees.
Indeed the rumours are true: Cup final hero Kimmy Ahlroos has re-signed for the Panthers along with fan favourites John Craighead, Mark Cadotte and Calle Carlsson.
Perhaps the biggest capture of the summer has been Slovak forward Roman Tvrdon who joins the Panthers direct from NHL outfit Washington Capitals. Tvrdon played three years of AHL hockey with the Portland Pirates before making his debut for the Capitals last season. At 23, the young Slovak has much still to learn and fans will be hoping he will be as valuable to the side as fellow countryman Robert Stancok was last term.
Other notable signings include Scott Ricci, Konstantin Kalmikov, Jan Krulis, Jan Magdosko and Curtis Cruickshank.
Ricci is a tough and experienced defenceman with an excellent track record in the AHL. The 30-year-old Canadian played 91 times last season for the Rochester Americans and has also spent time on the books of the Buffalo Sabres from the NHL.
Kalmikov is a Ukrainian right winger who has had experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored 47 points (23+24) with the Louisiana Ice Gators last season.
Seasoned Czech defensive duo Jan Krulis and Jan Magdosko who join from Kladno Poldi (CZ). Between them they notched up 234 penalty minutes last season.
Followers of the EIHL will be familiar with Curtis Cruickshank. During many of the Basingstoke Bison's games last season, their netminder was by far their best player. A consistent and reliable man between the pipes can only be a major plus for the Panthers.
When the EIHL was set up last summer, the clubs talked about promoting young British talent. The Panthers became famous for their `BritPack', a hardworking group of young British players who commanded their own line and saved the game at times.
Fans will be glad so see that the BritPack is not only back, it is even stronger. Paul Moran, David Clarke, Geoff Woolhouse, and Daniel Scott return. Forward Richard Wojciak joins from Swindon Lynx and Centre Matt Myers arrives from Cardiff Devils to bolster the attack. Only Marc Levers departs, joining Paul Thompson's Coventry Blaze.
The question you're all asking is when do we play the Sheffield? The first meeting is away on 25th September. The Steelers come to the Panthers Lair on 27th November. As for the first competitive game, that's against the Hull Stingrays on 11th September in Nottingham.
Of course pre-season just wouldn't be pre-season without having something to smile about, something to moan about and a few notable points.We'll all moan and speculate about referees this season, we always do. No doubt our `favourite' referee will be back so lets all give him a very warm welcome.
Well we can all smile knowing that this year that Sheffield has no Mike `Blazer' Blaisdell. He has taken up a coaching post on the other side of the pond. Although he still has some involvement with our neighbours up the M1, it's impossible to imagine them being so dominant without him. A very good reason to smile.
Points of note for the coming ice hockey year: Manchester Phoenix won't feature this season, Dion Darling is still playing for Sheffield. Vezio Sacratini is back again. Beer prices may be raised again like they were at the playoffs (sneaky) and the black away shirt will sell quicker than the gold home shirt.
Please turn up with your voices tuned each and every week. Remember it is your sworn duty as fans to not only encourage our side but to aid the officials. They need us, they don't have eyes in the back of their heads. Keep your eye on the puck at all times
PS: For the hardcore support, here is a list of names and numbers for the coming season:
#20 Geoff Woolhouse (N/M)
#34 Curtis Cruickshank (N/M)
#7 Jan Magdosko (Defence)
#16 Jan Krulis (Defence)
#61 Daniel Scott (Defence)
#77 Calle Carlsson (Defence)
#?? Scott Ricci (Defence)
#19 Konstantin Kalmikov (RW)
#27 Mark Cadotte (RW/Forward)
#29 Roman Tvrdon (RW)
#42 Paul Moran (RW/Centre/Defence)
#88 John Craighead (pictured right) (RW)
#5 David Clarke (Forward)
#6 Kim Ahlroos (Forward)
#8 Matt Myers (Centre)
#15 Richard Wojciak (Forward)
www.panthers.co.uk
Photography by Dave Page
www.davepage-online.co.uk
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