Thu 27 Jun 2024 - 5:30PM
DEFENCEMAN COOPER ZECH SIGNS PANTHERS DEAL
American defenceman Cooper Zech has joined the Nottingham Panthers for the 2024-25 season.
The 25-year-old was a free-scoring defenceman as a junior and continued that in the NCAA, as he led Ferris State University in scoring with 28 points (8+20) in 36 matches.
His performances brought him to the attention of the Providence Bruins and he signed his first professional contract with the AHL side in March 2019.
He spent two-and-a-half years with the Bruins organisation which included a loan stint with top Slovakian side HK Nitra in 2020-21 when the AHL had a delayed start because of the pandemic, before returning to play for Providence for the rest of the season.
After impressing in Providence, Zech went on to sign an NHL contract with Philadelphia for the 2021-22 season, icing for the Flyers' AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Zech then joined the Chicago Blackhawks organisation in 2022-23, playing mainly for their AHL affiliate side Rockford Ice Hogs, as well as a brief stint in the ECHL with Indy Fuel before being traded to New York Rangers as part of the Patrick Kane deal.
Last season, Zech made the move to reigning Slovakian champions HC Kosice, scoring 18 points (3+15).
Zech said: "I am very much looking forward to coming to Nottingham. It seems like a good fit.
"I felt respected when I talked with the club and feel like I want to be part of the crew. I am very excited to get out there.
"I love the energy of playing in-front of a crowd. I love the fan aspect, it's always been my favourite part.
"I like to be an offensive defenceman and I'd say skating is the best part of my game. I enjoy the powerplay where I can thrive and creating space five-on-five. I like to make a positive impact every shift."
Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Cooper is a very talented player and is a crucial signing for us.
"He has high-level mobility and offensive ability which will help us score goals both five-on-five and on the powerplay.
"He had an injury that slightly disrupted his season last year, but we expect big things from him this season.
"His numbers in junior, NCAA, his short time in the ECHL and in Slovakia last year all show how talented he is.
"It was that ability which earned him consistent minutes and time in the AHL. He gives us a clear-cut number one powerplay guy back there."
Player sponsorship packages are available for the 2024-25 season. Please contact sarah@panthers.co.uk for further information.
Signing news brought to you in association with 2fawcett Recruitment.
The best-value way to watch the Panthers is with a season ticket - which offers superb value for money - and will once again cover 26 home Elite League games next season. The 27th home Elite League game not on the season ticket will once again be a heavily discounted midweek game following the successful sold-out £9 game against Guildford in March.
Meanwhile, new from next season, the all-in season will cover every single Panthers home game. This includes all 27 Elite League regular-season games, all five Challenge Cup home group games as well any subsequent home ties in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, a potential home playoff quarter-final and the three home pre-season matches played by the Panthers.
The season ticket application window will close to all fans on Sunday 30th June.