Wed 8 Oct 2025 - 06:00AM
GAMEDAY PREVIEW: PANTHERS OFF TO SHEFFIELD
It's a huge game in the Challenge Cup this evening (Wednesday) as Nottingham Panthers travel up the M1 to face arch-rivals Sheffield Steelers (19:30 face-off).
Just one point separates the two sides in the Group A table and Panthers know tonight is must-win to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Panthers go into the game on the back of a stunning 5-0 win in Wales against Cardiff Devils as netminder Kevin Carr secured a 48-shot shutout.
Didrik Henbrant, Tim Doherty, Matt Marcinew, Mitch Fossier and Zsombor Garát were all on target in the comprehensive victory.
Steelers were beaten 3-2 at home by Glasgow Clan in league action on Sunday after a 6-1 victory against Dundee Stars on Saturday.
View from the Bench
Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Sheffield play such a fast game and try to get in behind you all night long. They do it well.
"We're going to have to make sure we're winning puck battles and managing the puck. Steelers are a good team."
The top two teams in Group A qualify automatically for the knockout stages with the third-placed side taking part in the Elimination Game.
With Panthers currently in fourth in the Group a table, Stewart says his side is well aware how important tonight is.
"The guys are aware, they're aware of the situation," continued Stewart. "The main thing for us is going in there with our gameplan and excuting it.
"We need to have the right mentality of playing the right way for 60 minutes. If you do that the results usually take care of themselves."
Team News in association with Candid Digital
Panthers remain without two players for tonight's trip to Sheffield.
Forward Chase Pearson remains out of action with an upper body injury, while captain Matt Alfaro continues his recovery from an operation but edges closer to a return.
Shirt Off His Back: Finlay Ulrick
Tonight's authentic game-worn jersey competition is for the shirt of former Steelers forward Finlay Ulrick.
We've teamed up with Phatlads for competitions this season. Click here to create an account now.
Tickets cost just £1 each and can be purchased here.
Tickets and Webcast
Tickets are still available for tonight's game in Sheffield and they can be purchased by clicking here.
If you're not making the trip with us to Sheffield you can follow the action on Steelers TV. Buy the webcast here.
Next at home: Sunday 12th October v Cardiff Devils (16:00 face-off)
Panthers are next at home this Sunday (12th October) against Cardiff Devils in the Elite League.
The game - which faces-off at 16:00 - is sponsored by GVL Recovery and it's our first home league game of the season.
Family Tickets are available in Block 8 and Block 12 against the Devils which offer discounted admission compared to standard matchnight prices. Click here for more details.
Join us on Sunday for another big night at the Motorpoint Arena. We can't wait to see you!