Thu 7 Dec 2023 - 5:10PM

JOE HAZELDINE SIGNS DEAL WITH THE PANTHERS

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The Panthers have signed Nottingham-born defenceman Joe Hazeldine on a deal until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old came through the Nottingham junior system before first icing for the Panthers in the 2017-18 season.

In 2020-21, he spent time in Germany before signing for Manchester Storm ahead of the behind-closed-doors Elite Series.

After two further years with the Storm, he joined Hungarian side Fehérvár ahead of the current campaign.

The blueliner made 10 appearances for Great Britain Under-18s and won a gold medal in 2018 before playing 10 times for GB U20s, winning a bronze in 2019 and silver in 2020.

The Nottingham Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: "Joe is a good-skating defenceman and has really good experience in the Elite League.

"Joe will be able to log some minutes and we are looking for him to add mobility to our backend. With him being from Nottingham, he knows what it means to play for this fantastic club.

"I was keen to add another player with character to this great group of players and Joe will fit into this group really well."

Hazeldine, who trained with the team today for the first time since returning from Hungary, said: "Playing for the club you grew up watching is obviously special and I'm really happy to be back.

"I know a few guys on the team of course, but the first thing I noticed when I walked in today was how welcoming everyone was.

"It was great to see everyone and hopefully I can fit straight in."

Hazeldine, who will wear #73, will make his second debut tomorrow night in Belfast subject to clearance.

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