Sat 27 Sep 2025 - 9:30PM
27TH SEPTEMBER 2025: PANTHERS 6-5 FLAMES
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Nottingham Panthers secured two points in the Challenge Cup with a pulsating 6-5 victory over Guildford Flames at the Motorpoint Arena.
Chase Pearson scored a hat-trick and Mitch Fossier netted twice as Panthers and Flames shared 11 goals in a thriller on Lower Parliament Street.
Jason Grande started in goal with Luca Sheldon as back-up, while Matt Alfaro remained out of the line-up as he continues his recovery from an operation.
Stunning four-goal first period for Panthers
Matt Marcinew, Brendan Harris and Pearson combined to set-up Cooper Zech in the slot who fired top-shelf to put Panthers ahead (08:13).
A great pass down the middle by Harris fed Pearson who broke through the Flames defence to give Panthers a two-goal lead (11:38).
A superb feed from his own zone by David Noël sent Fossier on a breakaway to make it three (16:35) and just before the end of the session, Noël's shot from left-point was redirected past Taz Burman by Pearson for his second of the night (19:49).
Guildford hit back with two quick goals
Justin Fazio replaced Burman in the Flames goal for the start of the second period and the visitors scored two goals in 71 seconds.
Lewis Hook reduced the arrears from the slot on the powerplay (22:02) which was quickly followed by Cole Ully's doorstep rebound (23:13).
Grande made two big close-range saves as Guildford continued to dominate the early parts of the second session.
Ross Armour's tip deflected off the bar before Panthers broke two-on-one and Ollie Betteridge set-up Fossier for his second (39:41).
Drama in third but Panthers secure two points
Jake Coughler scored for the Flames from close-range (41:12) to make it a two-goal game again.
Zech hit the pipes on the powerplay before feeding Pearson who put away his own rebound to complete his treble (43:21)
Guildford continued to push and Mathieu Gosselin's redirect closed the gap (45:21), before a Flames boarding penalty was overturned after video review which resulted in the visitors scoring through Josh Waller from the left-circle on the powerplay (55:30).
Panthers saw out the remaining minutes to secure a huge two points in the Challenge Cup.
This weekend's action is completed with a trip to the West Midlands to face Coventry Blaze tomorrow (Sunday 28th September).
Next at home: Saturday 4th October v Manchester Storm
The big Saturday nights keep on coming with Manchester Storm visiting the Motorpoint Arena next weekend (Saturday 4th October).
It's set to be another bumper crowd so you're urged to secure your seats as soon as you can.
Exprience that special Panthers roar and be part of the #PanthersNation.