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 finish (28:59).
Blaze equalised just 31 seconds later through Brett Perlini from 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 drove the backdoor to score (38:18).
Third period
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 took the lead on the powerplay as Chase Pearson's wraparound attempt was saved, but Zach O'Brien was on the doorstep to score on the rebound on the powerplay (51:43).v
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 Candid Digital 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.