Sun 24 Sep 2023 - 07:00AM
PREVIEW: PANTHERS HOST STORM IN LEAGUE-OPENER
🎟 TONIGHT: PANTHERS v STORM (4PM) - BUY TICKETS 🎟
The Elite League season gets under way for The Nottingham Panthers this afternoon as Manchester Storm visit the Motorpoint Arena (4pm face-off).
It's the second meeting in under 24 hours after Panthers skated to a 4-2 victory in Altrincham last night in the Challenge Cup.
You can buy your tickets online now for tonight's action and they're also available in person at the Box Office ahead of face-off.
With it being a Sunday afternoon league game, family tickets are available in Block 12 offering great discounts. Click here for more details.
Supporters are being reminded to leave extra time for their journey with the Robin Hood Half Marathon taking place today, with some road closures in place throughout the city.
Most road closures will be lifted by early afternoon, but you're advised to allow extra time for your journey. Click here for full details on road closures and restrictions.
It's a first home league game in charge for Head Coach Jonathan Paredes after two victories in pre-season at the Motorpoint Arena and he's been speaking about the moment he will take to the bench ahead of face-off.
"I will be really focused but, of course, for five or 10 seconds I will take it all in. It will be a special moment I will remember for a long time," said Paredes.
"But then I will return my focus as we have a job to do. The guys know what is expected of them and they're excited to play in front of the home crowd again."
Team News in association with Evolve Injury Clinic
The Panthers are at full strength for the opening game of the Elite League season, so have a fully-fit roster to name their lines.
Mike Robinson made the start last night in Altrincham and the coaching staff will name either Robinson or Rok Stojanovic as starting netminder, with Luca Sheldon as back-up.
Around the Rink
With it being the opening league game of the season, we're celebrating with the Panthers Party on the Plaza from 1:30pm (weather permitting). There's fun for all the family and click here to find out more details.
Season ticket holders will be able to collect their special exclusive pin badges from the Panthers desk in the foyer.
The Book of Condolence for Mike Hammond for supporters to sign will be in the foyer for the final time which, when complete, will be passed onto his family. We'll also pay tribute to fans we've sadly lost during the summer with a special pre-game ceremony.
Our Charity of the Month is The Fire Fighters Charity and they'll be with us in the foyer again.
Nottingham City Council Parking Services will also be in the foyer and you could win a Panthers Parking Permit for 2024-25. Sign-up for a Panthers Parking Permit for the season which works out at only £2.90 per game and you can park all day on a Panthers game day. Click here for full details.
Pass the Pizza in association with Jon Doe
New for this season, we're giving away 10 pizzas at home games thanks to our friends at Jon Doe. This superb giveaway will take place in the second-period powerbreak. If you're holding a pizza box when the music stops, take it to the Merchandise Stand in the foyer to exchange it for a voucher code to claim your pizza.
Dance Cam in association with 2Fawcett
Here's your chance to get on the jumbotron by displaying your best moves. Look out for the Dance Cam - in association with 2Fawcett - in the third-period powerbreak.
Panthers Vault now up to £900
The Panthers Vault continues to rise and stands at a fantastic £900 this evening and also includes two tickets for an upcoming show thanks to Motorpoint. Tickets cost £1 and if yours is drawn out of the hat, you go rinkside with DJ Ken Feast to try and win the money inside the vault. 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.
Chances to win in Chuck-a-Puck, Shirt Off His Back and Fifty50
Today's Chuck-a-Puck, sponsored by Midlands Chauffeurs, is a very special prize. The winner will be invited onto the ice at the end of the game for a photo with their favourite player and receive a signed puck, as well as a code for two free pizzas.
Tonight's Shirt Off His Back is Victor Björkung and tickets will be on sale in the foyer and around the concourse for £1 each. The winner will receive his game-worn black jersey and be invited onto the ice during the post-match presentations for a photo. The shirt will be signed and presented after the game.
Tickets for the Fifty50 raffle are sold for £1 each. The lucky winner will go home with a fantastic cash prize.
If you aren't successful in either the Shirt Off His Back or Fifty50, please make sure you keep your tickets. All tickets are put back into the hat for the second-prize draw and the winner will be announced on our social media channels and website within the next couple of days.
Webcast
If you can't get to the game, we've got you covered with the game live on Panthers TV.
Join Jono Bullard and former Panthers netminder Dan Greeen for all the action. Click here to buy the webcast.