The Nottingham Arena was bouncing on Wednesday night as Danny Stewart’s Elite League side, Nottingham Panthers, succeeded in their Challenge Cup Elimination Game, with a handsome, 5-1 success, against visiting Glasgow Clan.

Eight-time winners of the competition, last lifting the trophy back in 2016 after a five-in-a-row spell between 2010 and 2014, and will now be facing either of top seeds, Belfast Giants (who get to choose their opponent), as well as Cardiff Devils, and rivals Sheffield Steelers (ties and dates to be announced).

Due to injury, the Panthers went with Jason Grande between the pipes, and Luca Sheldon on the bench, for what was a momentous night for the hosts, they pretty much dominating the contest throughout.

Panthers Starting VI vs. Glasgow Clan – Jason Grande, Zsombor Garat, Matt Spencer, Mitchell Fossier, Kristoff Kontos, Samuel Herr

Even before the first score was actualised, the Panthers could have been two ahead, Logan Nielson seeing an effort cleared off the line, and Didrik Henbrant having his score disallowed; the Panther however did go in front after thirteen minutes, Matt Alfaro with a lovely, backhand pass releasing captain Sam Herr to net from close-range.

Less than a minute and the Panthers had doubled their advantage, Jaako Niskala feeding Cooper Zech, who netted for the second successive outing.

The Clan pulled one back early in the second period, Mitchell Heard firing home from the slot, but, following a great save from Grande, the Panther were soon off on the hunt for a third score; the break itself was a good one and, after twenty-nine minutes, Mitch Fossier had restored the two-goal advantage.

Although the visitors had several chances to score during the second period, Grande and the Panthers defence held firm, thus affording the opportunity to extend their lead in the third period, and wrap up the victory.

With two more scores being added in the added, Tom Doherty setting up Alfaro for the third on forty-five minutes, before a deflected effort from Hugo Roy five minutes later effectively killed the tie, the result will no doubt afford momentum and confidence moving forward.

Next up for the Panthers, it’s back at the Arena for a quick turnaround, they hosting mid-table Guildford Flames on Friday (24 January) night, a game where victory could see the Panthers move into the Elite League’s top three, face-off at 19:30.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @PanthersIHC celebrations during a 5-1 win in the Challenge Cup.