Mon 18 Aug 2025 - 7:30PM
BRITISH PLAYERS TO LINK UP WITH PANTHERS
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British defenceman Milique Martelly and forward Alex Rushby will link up with the Nottingham Panthers for the 2025-26 season.
Martelly ices in the NIHL for Milton Keynes Lightning who he has played for since 2021-22 under former Panthers coach Tim Wallace and joins on a two-way deal.
The 21-year-old scored 26 points (7+19) in 51 regular-season matches in 2024-25 and helped the Lightning to success in the post-season with victory over Peterborough Phantoms in the playoff final.
The blueliner, who came through the Streatham junior system, made 10 appearances for Great Britain Under-20s, winning a silver medal in 2023 and led the team to a bronze in 2024 as captain.
Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Milique possesses a lot of speed on the back end and an incredible work ethic.
"Getting him on a two-way with MK provides him with the opportunity to showcase himself here, but also gives us another depth option in the line-up and the opportunity to help progress his career and development as well."
Nottinghamshire-born Rushby is touted as one of the most talented young prospects in his age group and has already made his debut in the second-tier NIHL.
The 16-year-old came through the Nottingham junior system and scored 75 points (33+42) in 32 games for the Lions in NIHL 1.
Stewart added: "Alex will train with us occasionally throughout the season. He’s a local kid with talent. Owen Bramley (Strength & Conditioning Coach) did a great job with him this summer in the weight room.
"Alex is young and has a long way to go but getting this opportunity to soak in how guys approach every day, the habits they create and the pace that they play at will help him immensely.
"He is on a two-way agreement with the Lions and Peterborough Phantoms - and we will try to support that in any way we can."
Martelly and Rushby will be joined in the first week of pre-season training camp by three other young British prospects.
Twin forwards Austin Osborn and Dawson Osborn, both 21, have represented GB at under-18s and under-20s and have signed deals with Milton Keynes for the 2025-26 season.
Nottingham-born Henry Newell, 19, is currently preparing to go back to the USA for his second season in junior hockey with Vernal Oilers in the USPHL Premier.
Saturday 23rd August vs Concordia University (19:00) - GM the GM Memorial Trophy
Panthers begin pre-season this weekend against top Canadian university side Concordia University who play in the highly-rated USports league.
This game will be our annual tribute to our former General Manager Gary Moran who so sadly passed away in 2021 after being involved with the Panthers for over 40 years.
Blake Richardson, the son of former Panthers player Bruce Richardson, is about to start his third year at Concordia and is expected to be part of the line-up.
This game is included on the all-in season ticket and all other tickets are priced at just £11 plus £1 arena fees.