Tue 9 May 2023 - 6:55PM

BETTERIDGE RETURNS HOME TO THE PANTHERS

Forward Ollie Betteridge has returned home and has signed for The Nottingham Panthers for the 2023-24 season.

The 27-year-old first iced for the Panthers in 2011-12 and has since made over 330 appearances, scoring 54 goals as well as 52 assists.

He spent last season in the Hungarian top flight with Ferencvárosi, contributing 24 points in 28 games during the regular season.

Betteridge also scored some crucial goals in Ferencvarosi's playoff campaign, scoring 10 points (5+5) as the Budapest-based side reached the final round of the playoffs.

He celebrated success with Great Britain at the weekend and was part of the gold medal-winning team that won promotion to the 2024 World Championship in Czechia on home ice at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

Betteridge said: "For me, coming back all starts with the fanbase. We are so lucky that we have an amazing fanbase.

"Playing in-front of them night in, night out is special and I love the fan events and community projects where we get to meet the supporters.

"Nottingham is one of the best cities in the UK and we have one of the best venues in the UK.

"Stepping out onto that ice still gives me goosebumps now and I'm excited to start again in September."

Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: "Signing Ollie is a massive statement of intent and it's fantastic he turned down other offers to come back to the Panthers.

"He contributes in all areas of the ice and is going to be a massive part of what we are trying to build in Nottingham.

"A number of Elite League clubs wanted Ollie's signature and we're thrilled he is coming back home."