Tue 7 Jul 2026 - 6:00PM

PANTHERS SIGN NETMINDER KAI EDMONDS

Nottingham Panthers have signed highly-rated Canadian netminder Kai Edmonds for the 2026-27 season.

The 25-year-old joins the Panthers for his first professional season following a stellar junior and college career.

The Ottawa-born goalie played for Barrie Colts and Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL as a junior, earning a call-up to American Hockey League side Toronto Marlies.

He's also played in the ECHL before turning pro, icing for Tulsa Oilers and Orlando Solar Bears.

Edmonds has spent the past four years with Toronto Metro University in the USports league, setting a programme record for the men's team with 58 wins.

He posted formidable save percentages including 0.934 in 2022-23 and 0.923 last season - and was named on the all-star team on three occasions.

Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "We are excited to get Kai on board. He’s coming out of Usports in Canada as one of the best goalies.

"He’s been a big part of Toronto Metro University’s success the past four years and we believe he gives us some added quality depth in goal.

"He’s got great size, a lot of composure and he competes at a high level. His recent consistency is a big reason we believe in him and his numbers have been phenomenal."

Edmonds said: "I'm excited to play hockey overseas, especially in England and Nottingham.

"It's a really great opportunity to start as a pro after my university career and I am excited to be part of a successful organisation like Nottingham."

Edmonds represented Canada at the Winter World University Games in both 2023 and 2025, leading his country to the gold medal on both occasions.

"These have been some highlights of my hockey career so far for sure," continued Edmonds. "The first time in 2023 was in Lake Placid as starting goalie and the team didn't lose a game.

"In Italy last year, I was lucky enough to go with my room-mate from my team in Toronto. It was awesome to win another one and share that experience with him.

"It has been some of the coolest moments of my hockey career. Being able to wear the Canada jersey is pretty special."

Edmonds has looked to legendary NHL goalie Carey Price for inspiration. Price iced for 15 seasons for Montreal Canadiens and led Canada to the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

"Growing up I idolised his calmness," said Edmonds. "He was able to dictate games by always giving his team a chace to win. He could make the big saves and the easy saves look very simple.

"It's something I have tried to do - have a calming presence. No moment was too big for Carey and that is what I am trying to do."

His college career has seen him play out of the historic Maple Leaf Gardens. It's may no longer be the venue for Toronto Maple Leafs, but the inside has been redesgined as a 3,000-seater venue for Toronto Metro University.

"The building is a little different from how it used to be," said Edmonds. "The outside still looks the same and the old-school sign is still there. But it's renovated inside and is still a first-class facility.

"It was an awesome experience. I enjoyed my four years at Toronto and found confidence in my game to take it to a better level."

Player Sponsorship Packages
All diamond, platinum, gold and silver player sponsorship enquiries should be emailed to sarah@panthers.co.uk with the name of the player you wish to sponsor in the title. Emails will only be accepted once the official announcement has been confirmed.