Wed 19 Jul 2023 - 7:30PM

CANADIAN FORWARD ROY JOINS THE NOTTINGHAM PANTHERS

The Nottingham Panthers have signed Canadian forward Hugo Roy.

The 25-year-old has already played over 200 games in the East Coast Hockey League and has had two separate spells in the highly-rated American Hockey League.

Roy finished as leading goalscorer at Concordia University (USports) in 2018-19 where he played alongside new Panthers defenceman Carl Neill.

An impressive seven-game stint with ECHL side Atlanta Gladiators saw him receive an AHL call-up with Milwaukee Admirals.

Roy spent two seasons with Florida Everblades before returning to Atlanta for the 2021-22 season where a prolific year, including a spell of eight goals in nine games, saw him earn a seven-game AHL call-up with Bellleville Senators

He joined Kansas City Mavericks last season and finished as the team's second-highest points scorer, returning 44 points (18+26).

Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: "Hugo has exceptional speed and work ethic.

"He competes hard in all situations and we feel he’s a player that will be bringing something to the game in a positive way even when he’s not on the scoresheet.

"He’s a player that has really developed his offensive game in the past few years and we feel we are getting him at a great time in his career."

Roy said: "When I got off the phone after my first conversation with Omar (Pacha), I had this feeling that this could be the spot for me.

"Every time in my career that I follow my instinct it's always the best decision, so this is big for me. I think we're going to have a very competitive team and we will all be hungry to win.

"One of the reasons I've joined Nottingham is the core players we have signed, but also the vision by Omar and Jonathan (Paredes).

"I like to use my speed but also be a versatile player that can play in all sorts of different roles. If the team needs a big goal or to shut down some of the league's best players, I feel I can do that.

"It's going to be fun to have different roles and different responsibilities."

Roy will wear #13 for the Panthers this season.

Player sponsorship packages are available for the 2023-24 season. Please contact sarah@panthers.co.uk for further information.

Signing news brought to you in association with 2fawcett Recruitment.