Sat 3 Oct 2026 - 9:35PM
3RD OCTOBER 2026: PANTHERS 4-3 BLAZE
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Nottingham Panthers beat Coventry Blaze 4-3 in a thrilling game at the Motorpoint Arena in Group A of the Challenge Cup.
A crowd of over 6,600 were treated to seven goals and two fights as Panthers secured two vital cup points.
Danny Stewart named the same line-up as last Saturday's 5-1 win over Manchester Storm, with Mat Robson starting between the pipes and Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Louis-Jean scores first-period equaliser
Brandon Frattaroli was denied by Sisu Heikkeri on the breakaway in the opening stages and Tim Doherty went close from the slot.
Robson made a good save to turn away Colby MacArthur's shot before the Blaze went ahead on the powerplay through Artem Buzoverya's tip (13:30).
Panthers were level under four minutes later when Jordan Kelsall cut inside off the right boards and fed Darick Louis-Jean in the slot (17:16).
Four goals and a fight in period two
The second period was full of drama which was started when Joe Hazeldine jumped into the play and beat Heikkeri with a neat low backhand finish (28:59).
Blaze equalised just 31 seconds later through Brett Perlini from the edge of the right-circle (29:30) and soon after, Louis-John and Andrew Nielsen dropped the gloves and went toe-to-toe at centre-ice.
Griffin Ness found space right-hand side and drove the net to put the visitors ahead (34:23) before Panthers hit back in style under four minutes later.
Hazeldine and Matt Alfaro ripped the Blaze defence apart to set-up Ben Corbeil who scored at the backdoor (38:18).
O'Brien scores game-winner on the powerplay
Miikka Pitkänen shot just wide on an early third-period powerplay before the second fight of the night as Aiden Hansen-Bukata dropped the gloves with Connor Russell.
Panthers scored the game-winner on the powerplay as Chase Pearson's wraparound attempt was saved and he put the rebound to Zach O'Brien to beat Heikkeri from close-range (51:43).
Blaze lifted Heikkeri for the extra skater but Panthers held firm for the win on a dramatic Motorpoint Arena night.
Next at home: Sunday 11th October v Fife Flyers
Panthers have Motorpoint Elite League action next weekend with the visit of Fife Flyers on Sunday 11th October (16:00 face-off).
The game is sponsored by The Park Hospital. and there's two vital league points on the line.
Family Tickets are available in Block 8 and Block 12 which offer reduced admission compared to full standard matchnight admission.
Join the #PanthersNation for an exciting afternoon of action. Tickets are selling fast so secure yours asap.
🎟 CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR PANTHERS HOME GAMES 🎟