Sun 14 Sep 2025 - 8:20PM
14TH SEPTEMBER 2025: FLAMES 5-2 PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers were beaten 5-2 on the road at Guildford Flames in the Challenge Cup on Sunday night.
Kevin Carr started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up, while Matt Alfaro was the only absentee as he continues his recovery from an operation.
Flames dominate first period with five goals
Carr made two saves in succession to deny Josh Waller but the puck came back to the GB international and he beat the Panthers netminder from left-circle to put the hosts ahead (07:27).
Charlie Curti fired home from the slot for Guildford's second (09:47) and Jack Jacome buried a rebound only 70 seconds later (10:57).
Panthers were on the board when Chase Pearson stepped off the wall to feed Tim Doherty (12:55), but Ethan Strang's deflected shot (18:00) and Matt Alvaro's top-shelf finish (19:41) ensured Guildford had a commanding first-period lead.
No goals in second session
Pearson and Didrik Henbrant had chances for the Panthers within 30 seconds of the restart and at the other end, Carr made a big save to deny Mathieu Gosselin.
Carr turned away two close-range efforts on a Guildford powerplay, while Jordan Kelsall went close from the slot when Panthers were short-handed.
Garát on target but Flames ease to victory
Henbrant saw his shot saved by Taz Burman on an early third-period Panthers powerplay, while Cooper Zech jumped into the play and shot just wide.
Panthers reduced the arrears when the puck bounced off the left boards into the path of Zsombor Garát, who fired a one-timer past Burman from the left-circle (48:56).
Ross Armour hit the pipes in the closing stages but the Flames had done the damage in the first session to secure the two points.
Next at home: Sheffield Steelers on Saturday 20th September (19:00)
Arch rivals Sheffield Steelers visit the Motorpoint Arena next Saturday (20th September) in the Challenge Cup.
This game is heading towards a sell-out with under 500 tickets remaining, so you're urged to secure your seats asap.
Panthers against Steelers - it doesn't get any bigger. Join us at the Motropoint Arena for a massive night of hockey.