Panthers v UQTR

Match Report

Nottingham Panthers were beaten 2-1 by UQTR in an entertaining opening game of pre-season at the Motorpoint Arena.

A stunning crowd of nearly 5,500 witnessed a great game as Panthers celebrated the 25th season in the arena.

With Ollie Betteridge, Logan Neilson and Josh Tetlow on GB duty, two-way players Ollie Endicott, Tom Palmer and Ben Brown came into the line-up.

Ryan Bednard started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up

UQTR lead at first intermission
Captain Sam Herr had the game's first chance but his shot was saved by Charles-Antoine Lavallée.

At the other end, Bednard made two great close-range saves in succession, but was beaten by a neat powerplay goal through Felix Lafrance's one-timer from the left-circle (14:41).

Doherty scores Panthers' first goal of pre-season
Panthers dominated much of the second period with Didrik Henbrant denied on the breakaway and Otto Nieminen also going close.

Nottingham's pressure finally told and Matt Spencet set-up Tim Doherty to score the equaliser from the left-circle on the powerplay (32:44).

UQTR score later winner to secure victory
​Matt Alfaro had two chances on a early third-period powerplay and Reid Stefanson's shot from close-range was saved.

Doherty and Henbrant were denied in quick succession, again when Panthers had a man advantage, while Herr's backhand went just wide.

The visitors won the game late-on as Kaylen Gauthier drove the net to score from close-range (57:27).