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Head Coach: Mike Blasidell. One of the best coaches in the league, Blaiser is also known for his iron discipline. He has won just about every honour in the British game, except the one that has eluded Nottingham for years, the League Championship.
Home Form: Good. The Panthers have been one of the forces in British hockey ever since the British League was re-formed in the eighties. The NIS is a small and, dare I say it, decrepit rink, which is capable of whipping up an incredible atmosphere on match nights. The place is literally creaking (it's the old wooden seats) when it's full, and they even have to add extra seats (well, deck chaiors really) when the Steelers are in town.
Players to watch: Paul Adey. A star in the British league since his arrival many years ago, he still shows no sign of lessening. It is noticable that the Panthers' form dips disastrously without him. And, of course, there is Trevor Robins, probably the best goalie in the league. The Canadian hs impressed many people this season with his ability, and he will onceagain be a big factor in any success they have this year.
Kit: Black and Gold (where have I seen that before?). However, their kit is very cluttered, with a lot of yellow on both home and away strips, and red details, suh as paw marks. The Panthers logo is a growling Panthers head. They are sponsored by John Smith's Bitter.
Play at: The Ice Stadium. No fancy names for this 60 year old building. However, a newArena is being built accorss the road from the NIS, which should be open in a year or two.
Capacity: 3,000 approx.
Where?: The Ice Stadium, Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LA.
Call?: 0115 948 4526
Here we go, here we go!
By train: The rink is very close to the station. Turn right on leaving the station entrance, and right again into Canal Street. Follow this to the end, then turn left and at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (after the garage). The ice stadium is on the right hand side of the road, at the top of the hill.
By Car:Don't bother! It was a bloody nightmare. The oneway system is very badly signposted. According to Ice Hockey News Review "take the A52 towards Nottingham, then down Maid Marion Way towards Broad Marsh Shopping Center. Continue along Canal bridge towards Trent Bridge, before turning left at the London Road traffic Island (A60 MAnsfield). The Ice Stadium is on the right at the top of the hill, but there is no right turn. Over the lights, saty in the right-hand lane and follow the one way system making three right turns at successive traffic lights." Hope that was clear enough!
Parking: There is very little parking space at the NIS. There are 250 spaces in a pay-and-display car park outside the rink.
Nice Gaff?:The NIS is the oldest surviving rink in Britain, and my doesn't it look it! But what it lacks in mod-cons, it certainly makes up for in atmosphere. It has fortunately avoided the modern arena style presentation, and the small size of it means that it can seem VERY noisy!
How much?: £9.50, no concessions! I'm speechless!
Programme: Glossy A5 job, with half a page of (misinformed) details about the visiting side. Costs £1.60.
They all hate: Sheffield. There has been a long and hard rivalry between these two teams since Sheffield were formed. It helps that they are only 30 minutes drive from each other, and that they seem to play each other in every competition.