Panthers Busy Securing Their Stars

Elite Ice Hockey League Play-Off winners, third place in the Elite League regular, and Challenge Cup semi-finalists, 2024/25 was sure enough a great season for Danny Stewart’s Nottingham Panthers.

Now that the dust on all that has, just about settled, focus has already turned towards 2025/26, and the hopes and dreams of many as to what that they may bring, although they now need a new captain following the end-of-season departure of Panthers legend, Sam Herr.

The month of May however, has been a busy one at the Motorpoint Arena, the previous closing with the news that Cooper Zech had signed a new contract, and the current being that of Zsombor Garat, two important components of last seasons successes.

Zech and Garat quickly led to the announcements of the club’s ‘Brit Pack,’ as Nottingham-born duo, Jordan Kelsall and Ollie Betteridge, along with Josh Tetlow, all signed new contracts; they were joined by Matt Alfaro who also added his name for next season.

Both Kelsall and Betteridge have extensive experience in the Black & Gold, the former signing on for his eighth season, and the latter his tenth; 25-year-old Kelsall was one of four Panthers to have a 54-game, ever-present regular season, whilst 29-year-old Betteridge has been granted a testimonial season next time around, returning for his tenth with the club.

Betteridge’s record at the club sees him as a two-time play-off winner (2016 and 2025), Challenge Cup (2016), Elite Series (2021 behind-closed-doors), and the coup de grace, IIHF Continental Cup (2017) – the Nottingham lad is now eighth in the all-time list of appearances for the club, his 537 games moving him ahead of Simon Hunt (he’ll break into the top five this coming season).

Of his new contract, whilst applauding the ever-vociferous Panthers Nation, Kelsall said: “It feels amazing to be back once again.

“This is where I want to play, especially after the end to the season we had. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Winning the playoffs was just unbelievable. I have watched the team as a fan lift many trophies here, so to do it as a player is surreal.

“The support we have from the fans is incredible and it was just so nice to celebrate with them all.

“Through thick and thin they have supported us and it’s nice to reward them with a trophy.”

Meanwhile Betteridge added: “I am thrilled to be coming back to the Panthers for another season.

“This is where my heart is and I love playing for this club.

“What we achieved last season was so special and it was great to win a trophy for this amazing fanbase.

“We have a special group of guys and it was an honour to be part of such a great team.

“Winning was just an amazing feeling and I feel this is just the start. We are now building the foundations to be a successful club year after year.

“I’d like to thank the club for granting me a testimonial and in the coming weeks and months there’ll be announcements about a testimonial game and special events throughout the season.”

Whilst Matt Alfaro notched 41 points in 45 regular season games for the Panthers during last season, along with 13 points in a dozen Challenge Cup games, the other member of the Panthers’ ‘Brit Pack’ is that of Frimley-native, Josh Tetlow.

Tetlow has signed on for his seventh season at the club and has now racked up more than 350 appearances and walked with both the Panthers’ British Player of the Year, a Play-Off winners medal, and Gold Medal with promotion with Great Britain, in Romania.

“Last season was the most fun year I’ve had being a Panther,” admitted Tetlow.

“We had a great group of guys. It’s just a no-brainer to return.

“Winning was amazing. That last game (against Cardiff) is still a bit of a blur but I think we really deserved it. We were great all season.

“Myself, Ollie (Betteridge) and Kels (Jordan Kelsall) have always said we want be part of building something. Winning last season was the first step.

“With the other returning guys, we really are building a foundation going into next season and I think that’s huge.”

Eyes are now firmly on the Nottingham Panthers, and Danny Stewart, as to how the summer pans out for them, with hope that they push on to bigger and better things as the season’s progress.