Sun 23 Aug 2026 - 7:00PM
SUN 23RD AUGUST: PANTHERS 4-2 DUCS
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Nottingham Panthers started pre-season with a 4-2 victory against French top-flight side Ducs d'Angers to win the Aladdin Cup.
Twelve players were named on a Panthers roster for the first time including 20-year-old Nottingham-born defenceman Henry Newell.
Mat Robson started between the pipes with Kai Edmonds as back-up, while former Panthers netminder Alex Dubeau was in goal for Angers.
Both Dubeau and in particular Ducs Head Coach Jonathan Paredes - who led Panthers in the 2023/24 season - were given a standing ovation ahead of face-off.
Grondin scores first Panthers goal of pre-season
The visitors took an early lead when Robson made a good first save but former Cardiff Devils forward Reid Duke popped home the rebound (01:16).
Panthers had 12 chances in the first period but only beat Dubeau once when Matt Alfaro from behind the net fed Max Grondin in the slot (12:58).
At the other end, Robson made a number of close-range saves including one to deny Philippe Halley.
Second goal for Grondin
Miikka Pitkänen, Joe Hazeldine and Alfaro had chances early in the second period, before Panthers went ahead on the powerplay.
Alfaro's shot from the right-circle was saved but Grondin reacted first to score his second of the night (28:34).
Angers had a strong finish to the session and Robson made a huge close-range double save to keep Panthers ahead at the second intermission.
Pearson and Pitkänen on target in third period
Edmonds replaced Robson for the start of the third period and made a good save to deny Jordan Mugnier.
Panthers broke down the ice at speed and Zach O'Brien fed Chase Pearson at the backdoor (41:24), but just over a minute later Mugnier scored on the doorstep to make it a one-goal game (42:54).
Panthers saw off two successive penalties including a spell of five-on-three as Edmonds made two great close-range saves and Danny Stewart’s side iced the game when Pitkänen scored into the empty net (58:51).
Next at home: Amiens on Saturday 29th August
Pre-season action continues next Saturday (29th August) as we face French side Amiens in the GM the GM Memorial Trophy (19:00 face-off).
Amiens are coached by Bruce Richardson who was a very popular Panthers player in a two-year stint from 2008 to 2010.
Tickets are selling fast so you are advised to secure your seats as soon as possible.