Fri 27 Dec 2024 - 12:00PM
GARY MORAN INDUCTED INTO UK ICE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
Gary Moran has been inducted into the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame for 2024.
Moran, who sadly passed away three years ago today, was a huge character in British ice hockey for over 30 years, most notably with us here at the Nottingham Panthers.
He worked tirelessly as GM of the Panthers for over three decades, helping transform the club from a small rink club into an arena team.
Under his management the club enjoyed a golden period in the 2010s, winning numerous Challenge Cup titles and playoffs championships, as well as the much-coveted Elite League title in 2013.
Moran was instrumental in building a professional infrastructure around the Panthers, ensuring that the team was not only competitive on the ice but also a force off the ice in terms of marketing, fan engagement, and commercial success.
Gary's son Paul, speaking on behalf of the Moran family, said: "We are very proud of dad being inducted into the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.
"He always strived for success, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet, so there was never any doubt that the hockey fans in nottingham always had hockey to watch year after year.
"I think some of his favourite times were in the old Nottingham Ice Stadium with Alex Dampier, Jimmy Keyes and Randall Weber.
"Then when Panthers moved to the National Ice Centre with amazing players like Barry Nieckar and Jimmy Paek.
"He would call it the days of 'proper hockey' and he loved the intense rivalry with Sheffield Steelers back then.
"He loved working with Corey Neilson and all they achieved together and won for the club. I think his proudest moment was Panthers becoming the first UK team to win a European trophy with the Continental Cup success in 2017."
Members of the Moran family will be at tomorrow's game against Sheffield Steelers at the Motorpoint Arena to receive his certificate to honour his induction in the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.
Click here to read Gary Moran's bio on the Hall of Fame website.