Sat 15 Oct 2022 - 9:27PM

CHALLENGE CUP: PANTHERS 4-1 STORM

A Jeremy Welsh hat-trick helped The Nottingham Panthers beat Manchester Storm 4-1 at the Motorpoint Arena in the Premier Sports Challenge Cup.

Panthers were without Mike Caruso (injured reserve) and Andrew Johnston (day-to-day), while Alex Dubeau missed the game through suspension.

Jack Berry - who turned away 25 of the 26 shots he faced - was given the start in goal, with young Nottingham Lions netminder Matty Bloor serving as back-up.

Welsh on target after Storm lead
Duggie Lagrone started off a move that saw Matthew Myers feed Jack Hopkins in the slot, but his shot was saved by Hayden Lavigne.

The visitors went ahead on the powerplay when Tyson Fawcett found room in the slot to fire past Berry (11:45).

Nottingham's equaliser saw Jack Hopkins cleverly set-up Welsh at the backdoor for his first of the night (17:39).

Welsh completes hat-trick
Cam Critchlow was assessed a 5+Game penalty for checking from behind on Lagrone, who was stretchered off the ice after the incident.

Lagrone was checked over by club medical staff and was alert and conscious after passing initial medical screening.

Panthers scored twice on the resulting five-minute powerplay as Brett Welychka swept home on the doorstep (21:30), before Welsh created room for himself in the offensive zone to fire in a third 48 seconds later (22:18)

Mathieu Gagnon and Chays Ruddy dropped the gloves close to the midway point of the second period, with the Panthers defenceman taking the win and the takedown.

Welsh completed his hat-trick with a great shot from the slot with seven seconds remaining in the period (39:53).

Panthers hold firm to secure the points
Brett Welychka and Stephen Anderson went close on the same shift and at the other end, Storm had a goal disallowed after the whistle had blown for an infringement.

Click here to view a full game gallery from Panthers Images.

The two sides meet again in Altrincham tomorrow (5:30pm face-off).