NOTTINGHAM, UK. The Nottingham Panthers took a welcome break this week to celebrate their most successful coach of the EIHL era and amidst a deepening injury crisis and a pointless weekend it is a well-timed tension reliever for the ambitious Panthers.
When Corey Neilson was bought in by former coach Mike Ellis in 2006/07 no one could have foretold he would go from defencemen to the most winningest coach in both club and EIHL history. The trophy cabinets have been bulging in Nottingham with the piece de le resistance being the 2012-2013 grand slam. His performances as both player and coach saw his number retired and a testimonial game thrown in his honour Wednesday evening. 
The game was a who’s who of Neislon’s tenure with old favourites such Craig Kowalski, Sean McAslan, Bruce Richardson amongst other names that some would like to see on the regular roster! It was a night of fun and frolics that allowed the current players to let their hair down mixing with the Panthers alumni. After a tough weekend with an even tougher one to follow it could be just what the doctor ordered for the grafting Panthers. A fantastic attendance despite the midweek face off ensures Neilson knows he has won over a fan base that have seen a lot of hockey over the last decade and are not easily impressed.
Back to matters at hand and all eyes turn to the weekend. First up is the Dundee Stars who are finding their stride with a three game winning streak in which they have netted 12 goals. Their high scoring tempo will collide head on with the Panthers battling defence and solid netminder Miika Wiikman, a combination that has rarely conceded more than two goals. The Stars sit mid table and look to be mounting a real challenge to push for the summit and with players such as Lou Dickenson leading the charge, fireworks Saturday night are a real possibility in what promises to be a tight match up.
A road trip to Wales Sunday see’s the Panthers face the Cardiff Devils. The Devils are another team making their stamp on the EIHL this year and have won four out of five games through October. Traveling to Cardiff means playing on smaller ice pad which can sometimes benefit players who have recently transitioned from North America players such as Cam Janssen whilst wrong footing some players more used to European rinks. One effect cancels the other ensuring the winner will be decided by who plays the better hockey on the night.
OK so I’ve neglected so far to mention significant news both good and bad. Let’s get the puck moving with the bad news. You know what I am going to say…INJURIES. Robert Farmer and Geoff Waugh both remain out of action with long term injuries, Waugh should hopefully be returning in the next few weeks but there is no official news on that yet. Farmer has at least four weeks out as he recovers from multiple minor surgeries. Forward Robert Lachowicz joins the list after blocking a shot with his foot Saturday evening during the loss to the Sheffield Steelers. The club stated he is getting X rays but the details are not yet public. All three players will be missed as Neilson tries to stretch his battling band of merry men to cover the gaps. So the good news…
The second coming of Panthers legend David Ling is upon us. Ling flew in early this week and played in the testimonial game. He has been putting extra time in at the rink and will be icing for the first time this season against Dundee Saturday. It is even harder to pinpoint what role he is here to play given the gaps in the forward core but one thing is for sure, he will be a welcome sight. The veteran has played with David Clarke before and the two may find themselves together to help him to find his game quickly. The struggling power play may be an area Ling may be able to put his stamp as production is still pitifully low, the setup is fantastic but the spark to find twine on the advantage is just not there at the minute. The story will become clearer Saturday evening.
All told it has been an exciting week in Nottingham with lots of fun but now it is time to make a statement of intent and the only way to do that is a four point weekend. Some are saying that given a few tweaks, this could be a grand slam capable team. I am doubtful that it would take just a few tweaks but the potential is definitely there and a couple of wins under adverse condition would send a message that Neilson and the Panthers know how to bounce after a fall.
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