Fri 26 Jul 2024 - 12:30PM
EXPERIENCED FORWARD KONTOS JOINS PANTHERS
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Nottingham Panthers have signed experienced forward Kristoff Kontos for the 2024-25 Elite League season.
The 30-year-old Canadian centre, who began his career in North America, arrives in Nottingham after six free-scoring years across Europe.
After stints in the ECHL with Toledo Walleye and Orlando Solar Bears very early in his career, Kontos helped lead St Francis Xavier University to two successive college championships in 2016 and 2017.
Kontos joined French side Gap and returned 38 points (9+29) in 44 regular-season matches.
The following year he immediately made an impact for Vimmerby HC in the HockeyEttan in Sweden with 25 points in 18 games, but lockdown ended the season early.
The forward lit the league up with Bodens HF a season later, scoring 23 goals and leading the league in assists (39) and points (62).
Kontos then moved up to the HockeyAllsvenskan to join Kristianstads IK and scored at just under a point per game, leading the team in assists (33) and points (48) which saw him finish in the top-10 points-scorers in the league.
He joined Slovakian top-flight side HC Banska Bystrica in 2022-23 where he was the top-line centre, scoring 41 regular-season points (16+25), before returning to the HockeyAllsvenskan to ice for AIK in the 2023-24 season.
Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Kristoff has an excellent hockey IQ. His ability to find pockets of ice and then suck defenders in, creates so much space for his line-mates.
"That, along with his passing ability, makes him a threat to create chances consistently five-on-five and on the powerplay. He’s another big and skilled centre that plays well on both sides of the puck."
Kontos said: "It was a no-brainer after I'd spoken with Danny (Stewart) and Omar (Pacha). They have been great in explaining their expectations and where they see me in the organisation.
"My goal is to come in and be the best player I can be on and off the ice. I spoke to former Panther Jeff Brown and he had great things to say about the organisation, the people, the supporters and everything there.
"I am so excited. I have seen videos from the arena and how the fans get excited. I have seen the buzz around the team already this year and that's been incredible. I know there's a rivalry between Nottingham and Sheffield.
"My wife and I have thought about coming to the UK for a while. Being able to do some schooling, as well as being a Panther, is great."
Player sponsorship packages are available for the 2024-25 season. Please contact sarah@panthers.co.uk for further information.
Emails for an individual player will only be accepted once the announcement has been made on our website and social media channels.
Signing news brought to you in association with 2fawcett Recruitment.