Wed 30 Apr 2025 - 6:00PM

COOPER ZECH PENS NEW PANTHERS DEAL

Nottingham Panthers defenceman Cooper Zech has signed a new deal for the 2025-26 season.

The 26-year-old scored 25 points (7+18) in 32 regular-season matches as Panthers secured a third-placed finish in the Elite League.

He contributed seven assists in four playoff games including two in the final in the 4-3 victory against Cardiff Devils, setting-up the game-winner in second overtime for Mitch Fossier.

Zech said: "The group we had this year was outstanding. We did something special and it was so much fun to be a part of, the staff and everything about it.

"Pretty early on in the season I knew this was the place I want to be. Everything has been right for what we want to do as a family.

"We had such a good group and I had a good feeling early in the season. Everyone gelled and I felt it could be a special year.

"There's a great feeling at the club. It's something I talked about when I signed with Danny (Stewart) and Omar (Pacha) that they want to build and put outselves in a good spot.

"We've done that and now being able to come back and build on it is very exciting."

Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Cooper had a disrupted season due to some unfortunate injuries, but the more time he had to settle in you could see his quality.

"His ability to evade forechecks and create offence is as good as I’ve seen at this level.

"With knowing the league already, we expect bigger and better things from him next season."

Signing news in association with GVL Recovery.