Sun 12 Oct 2025 - 06:00AM
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: HOME LEAGUE-OPENER V DEVILS
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Another crowd of over 6,000 will be in the Motorpoint Arena this afternoon as Nottingham Panthers host Cardiff Devils in our Elite League home-opener (16:00 face-off).
The game is sponsored by GVL Recovery and there's two huge points on the line as the two big rivals battle it out for the second time in a week.
Panthers won 5-0 in South Wales last Sunday with netminder Kevin Carr securing a 48-shot shutout.
Didrik Henbrant opened the scoring in the first period and after no goals in the second session, Tim Doherty, Matt Marcinew, Mitch Fossier and Zsombor Garát all scored in the third.
Panthers defenceman Matt Spencer said: "This game is huge. We've had a taste of big crowds this season and even in pre-season. I know the arena will be rocking for the fresh start for the league season.
"We need to take it in and enjoy it, but also play up to that higher standard we have started to set ourselves."
Playoff banner raising and trophy photo opportunity
It's going to be a special night as we raise our 2025 playoff banner which commemorates our success last season.
In the short-term it will serve as a temporary tribute to last season’s superb achievement. Although the banner will not be able to stay in the rafters, we are working towards creating a permanent display to showcase this accomplishment alongside our previous accolades.
The playoff trophy will also be in the foyer on Sunday and there's an opportunity for supporters to have a selfie with the silverware.
Team News in association with Candid Digital
Panthers are set to be without forward Chase Pearson as well as captain Matt Alfaro who is back in training and getting close to a return to action.
Netminder Luca Sheldon picked up an injury in training so is unavailable for selection.
Panthers Pre-Game Show: Chase Pearson
Chase Pearson is the star guest on this week's Panthers Pre-Game Show which gets under way at 14:15 in Saltbox.
Sam Hurst will chat with Panthers forward and there'll also be the Panthers Podcast to look ahead to all the action and reflect on the past week.
First-Game Desk
The First-Game Desk is a new addition this season to our matchnights in association with Lake Energy and the Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
If it’s your very first Panthers game, stop by the First-Game Desk to pick-up all the essentials you need. Based opposite the lifts in the Motorpoint Arena foyer, there's everything from matchnight info to key rules - plus a special poster you can wave proudly.
You never know, you might even make it onto the jumbotron! You’ll also receive a First-Game Certificate to celebrate joining our incredible #PanthersNation.
Panthers Vault up to £2,400
The Panthers Vault - in association with Interseal Fire Protection - now stands at a cool £2,400. Tickets cost just £1 and if yours is drawn out of the hat, you go on the ice with DJ Ken Feast to try to win the money inside the vault in the second intermission. Choose one of the players from the Panthers roster shown on the jumbotron to reveal a four-digit code and see if it unlocks the vault. Dare you give up the chance to go for the money to open the Mystery Box? What's inside? Nobody knows!
Chuck-a-Puck
Chuck-a-Puck - sponsored by Motorpoint - is great fun for all the family. It takes place in the second intermission and the winner is the person who lands their puck closest to Paws at centre-ice. The winner gets a photo with their favourite player at the end of the game and a signed puck. There's a bonus prize too! A remote control car drives around the centre-circle. If your puck lands inside the cockpit of the car, you have a chance to win the bonus prize of two tickets to an event at the Motorpoint Arena. Pucks cost £1 each and are on sale from sellers around the rink.
Shirt Off His Back: Starting netminder
Tonight's authentic game-worn jersey is whichever goalie is the starting netminder against the Devils.
Tickets are just £1 each and available from sellers around the Motorpoint Arena.
50/50 is your chance to win a big cash prize
Tickets for the 50/50 raffle are sold for £1 each. The lucky winner will go home with a fantastic prize.
Make sure you buy your tickets to be in with a chance of winning. Lookout for the sellers around the rink.
GVL Jersey Giveaway
How about taking home a Nottingham Panthers replica jersey?
Sam Hurst will be in the bowl in the first-period powerbreak, so make sure you make plenty of noise to have a chance of winning.
Dance Cam in association with Doughnotts
Here's your chance win free doughnuts by displaying your best funky dance moves in the jumbotron.
Look out for the Dance Cam - in association with Nottingham-based Doughnotts - in the third-period powerbreak and show us your great moves!
Watch the live stream tonight
If you're not with us at the Motorpoint Arena this evening, we've got you covered with the game being shown live on Panthers TV.
Jono Bullard and former Panthers netminder Dan Green will bring you all the action. Click here to buy the webcast.