Nottingham Panthers

Nottingham Panthers 2025–26 Season Preview

A Celebratory Chapter in Nottingham: Building on Championship Momentum

Fresh off their 2025 Playoff Championship triumph, the Nottingham Panthers head into the new EIHL season brimming with belief, stability, and ambition under head coach Danny Stewart. With a core built around elite British talent and the league’s standout goaltender, Nottingham aims to parlay its success into domestic consistency and a strong run in the Continental Cup. Optimism reigns at the Motorpoint Arena, though there’s an awareness that too much familiarity can sometimes risk stagnation. Sam Herr waved goodbye to the Sheffield Steelers in the playoff semi’s before waving by on an excellent career.

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Roster Breakdown & New Signings Overview

The Panthers have doubled down on roster continuity, blending returning champions with intelligent offseason additions. By locking in their British core and securing key imports early, the club shows a clear intent to build long-term. However, retaining such a large portion of last year’s squad may test the group’s hunger and tactical evolution as the season wears on.

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Netminders

Verdict: Grande’s re-signing ensures Nottingham remains one of the toughest teams in the league to score against.

Departed:

• Ryan Bednard – Moves to DEL2 side Düsseldorfer after a standout run cut short by injury, which opened the door for Grande’s rise.
• Hunter Vorva – Signs in the ECHL with Kalamazoo.
• Jere Huhtamaa – Heads to Norway with Stjernen after time split between Sheffield and Nottingham.
• Rok Stojanovic – Joins Czechia2 outfit Poruba.

Returning:

• Jason Grande – The new #1 returns following a sensational 2024–25 campaign where he led the league in save percentage (.944) and GAA (1.86). A cornerstone piece.
• Luca Sheldon – Remains in the fold, expected to continue development and provide emergency depth when needed.

New Signing:

• Kevin Carr – ‘Ooh ahh Kevin Carr’ returns to Nottingham to provide EIHL experience and give more than adequate cover for Jason Grande

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Defence

Verdict: This is a blue line built for versatility and offensive-style hockey, with added mobility and bite.

Departed:

• Quinn Wichers – Signs with Tohoku Free Blades in Japan.
• Jaakko Niskala – Also heads to Japan, joining Nikko Icebucks.
• Davis Bunz – Trades Nottingham for the Sunshine State with Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL.

Returning:

• Matt Spencer – Steady, physical, and composed. A vital minute-muncher for Stewart.
• Josh Tetlow – Starts his seventh Panthers campaign. Dependable, physical, and a key British contributor.
• Zsombor Garát – A standout in 2024–25, leading the team at +40. His defensive consistency is often underrated.
• Cooper Zech – Dynamic puck-mover who missed a chunk of last season due to injury. His return gives the D-core another gear.

New Signings:

• David Noël – An exciting addition from HPK (Liiga), Noël adds puck-carrying skill and offensive transition ability.
• Jarod Hilderman – Brings championship experience from Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) and Grenoble (Ligue Magnus). Expected to add reliability and winning pedigree.

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Forwards

Verdict: With another top-six winger reportedly still to come, Nottingham’s forward group should remain one of the most balanced in the league.

Departed:

• Sam Herr – Retires after a decorated Panthers career. His scoring touch and leadership will be missed, .
• Kristoff Kontos – Has confirmed his departure, leaving behind a solid one-year stint.
• Hugo Roy – Heads north to Glasgow to join Corey Neilson’s rebuild.
• Reid Stefanson – Recently officially announced, not expected to return.
• Logan Neilson – Young Brit goes up a few M1 junctions to don the Sheffield Orange.

Returning:

• Ollie Betteridge – Enters his testimonial season. His all-around play and leadership continue to define this Panthers era.
• Jordan Kelsall – Durable, versatile, and still improving. Played every game last season and embodies the team’s identity.
• Tim Doherty – Reliable scorer who builds strong chemistry with Mitch Fossier and the top six.
• Mitchell Fossier – The strong, multi-skilled forward who quickly became one of Nottingham’s most influential players after joining mid-season, Fossier blends creativity, scoring touch, and playmaking ability.
• Didrik Henbrant – The “Meep Meep” nickname says it all. His pace and directness are unmatched.
• Matt Alfaro – Back again after leading the team in faceoff wins and posting 41 points in 45 EIHL games.

New Signing:

• Chase Pearson – A high-end, two-way centre with NHL experience and recent success in Slovakia and Austria. Expected to play in all situations and help fill the leadership gap left by Herr’s retirement.
• Ross Armour – Canadian winger brings ECHL experience after playing just under 100 games for Savannah Ghost Pirates scoring 75 points.
• Bryan Lemos – American versatile forward returns for another bash at the EIHL after having 9 games in Guildford in 2023-24. An absolute assist machine getting 83 assists in 133 games over the last two seasons at the Indy Fuel in the ECHL.
• Finlay Ulrick – After spending 2 seasons with Sheffield, the 25 year old Brit swaps places with Logan Neilson and will look to build on his 11 points last season. Ice time is crucial for his development
• Matt Marcinew – A dependable and offensively capable forward, particularly in senior professional leagues like the ECHL and DEL2, expect Matt to bring speed, grit, and a scorer’s touch that can change a game in an instant.
• Brendan Harris – A lightning-quick playmaker with scoring flair Harris consistently lights up the scoresheet and brings that game-changing edge every night. Brendan finishes the roster and provides a lot of scoring depth for Nottingham.
• Nolan Volcan – Cover for the injured Matt Alfaro, Nolan is known for his high hockey IQ, versatility, and leadership qualities.

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One to Watch: Chase Pearson

Pearson’s resume speaks volumes — NHL minutes, AHL productivity, and recent form in Europe. At 27, he brings maturity, two-way discipline, and leadership potential. He’ll be a key figure on special teams and in late-game scenarios.

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Predicted Finish: 3rd Place – Domestic and Continental Contender

Nottingham looks poised to contend again. Stewart has a clear vision, elite goaltending, a strong British core, and a mix of returning chemistry and fresh imports. However, with so many familiar faces returning, the challenge will be avoiding complacency and staying tactically sharp. If this group remains focused and healthy, the Panthers should be in the hunt for multiple trophies once more.

 

#AJ47 Gone but Never Forgotten