Thu 23 Apr 2026 - 4:00PM

THANK YOU FOSS!

Nottingham Panthers forward Mitch Fossier has announced his retirement from professional ice hockey.

The 29-year-old joined Panthers in November 2024 and made an immediate impact on and off the ice, leading the team in scoring with 52 points (16+36) in 40 regular-season matches while also contributing two goals and two assists in four Challenge Cup games.

He had an outstanding playoff campaign with 10 points (6+4) in four matches which included a hat-trick in the quarter-final second leg against Guildford Flames. Fossier scored a goal and assist in the 4-3 overtime semi-final victory over Sheffield Steelers. He also scored twice in the final, including the game-winner in second overtime, as Panthers beat Cardiff Devils 4-3 to bring playoff success to Nottingham.

Fossier said: "It's a tough decision and one that I didn't make lightly. With some of my injury problems this season and talking with medical staff, unfortunately it seems the wise thing to do. I wish that I could play here until I am old and grey but this is probably best for my future.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This has been the best experience of my hockey career. I feel so grateful and blessed to have been able to put on the Panthers sweater. It's very tough to say goodbye and it's emotional, but I will be back to visit. Thank you all, I love you all, I will forever be a Nottingham Panther."

In this year's injury-hit season, Fossier scored 36 points (16+20) in 38 regular-season matches. He also added 15 points (7+8) in 13 Challenge Cup games, including a goal and an assist on Didrik Henbrant's overtime winner in the final as Panthers secured the trophy for a ninth time with a 3-2 victory over Coventry Blaze.

Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "It was a pleasure working with Foss for the best part of two seasons. He has been so valuable to this club in every way. When he joined us last season he provided a spark that was needed and after his arrival, I believe we had the best record in the league. He was part of so many big moments, especially the playoff-winning goal, but also part of so many small ones internally.

"It’s no coincidence that we had the best record in the league before his injury this past season as well and it just goes to show what he brought to the line-up. His season was disrupted this year with a bad injury and credit to him for coming back. He played a big part in our Challenge Cup win and had big moments down the stretch.

"He bought into this club from day one and will be remembered for many years. I wish him the very best in life. It will be very difficult to replace the player but, most importantly, it will be even tougher to replace the person."