Sat 23 Aug 2025 - 06:00AM
OPENING-NIGHT PREVIEW: PANTHERS HOST CONCORDIA
It's the opening game of pre-season as Nottingham Panthers host Concordia University at the Motorpoint Arena (19:00 face-off).
It's our annual GM the GM Memorial Trophy match as we remember our former General Manager Gary Moran who so sadly passed away in 2021. We are honoured to have members of his family with us this evening.
Panthers will wear white jerseys for the opening game of pre-season and regardless of the result tonight, there'll be five minutes of three-on-three sudden-death overtime followed by a shootout if required.
As of this morning (Saturday), over 5,500 tickets have already been sold for the game sponsored by 4D Tree Survey. You will be able to buy in-person at the Box Office this evening, but are urged to secure your seats asap which can be purchased here.
Concordia, who play in the highly-rated USports league, arrived in Nottingham earlier this week and will move on after tonight to face Cardiff Devils tomorrow (Sunday). Blake Richardson, the son of former Panthers player Bruce Richardson, is about to start his third year at Concordia and will be part of their line-up.
Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "I think the game will be very similar to the one at UQTR last season. I am sure they will be excited to be over in this part of the world. It's a new experience for them.
"I think they will come out excited with a lot of energy and I expect a fast-paced team with a lot of skill. They were a national championship finalist last year which is not easy to do. We expect a tough test."
Team News in assoication with Candid Digital
Forward Matt Alfaro won't be in the line-up this evening as he recovers from his post-season operation, while netminder Kevin Carr is also absent as his arrival has been held up by the Air Canada strikes. Matt Marcinew, who arrived in the UK on Wednesday, will not be part of the matchday roster.
British defenceman Milique Martelly, on a two-way from Milton Keynes, is in the line-up, along with Nottingham Lions forward Alex Rushby who turned 17 yesterday. Twin forwards, Austin Osborn and Dawson Osborn, will both also be part of the line-up.
Panthers Vault starts new season at £1,700
The Panthers Vault - in association with Interseal Fire Protection - rolls over from last season and starts at £1,700. 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: Didrik Henbrant
The first Shirt Off His Back of the season is Swedish forward Didrik Henbrant.
Tickets cost just £1 each and can be purchased from sellers around the rink.
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
Want to take home a Nottingham Panthers replica jersey?
Sam Hurst will be in the stands 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 at the Motorpoint Arena this evening, we've got you covered with the game being shown live on Panthers TV.
Owen Bradley and former Panthers netminder Dan Green will bring you all the action. Click here to buy the webcast.