Mon 17 Oct 2022 - 08:01AM

HAZELDINE: I GREW UP HERE SO IT'S MASSIVE TO BE PART OF IT

The Nottingham Panthers defenceman Archie Hazeldine talks with Panthers TV - in association with Jeremias Chimney Systems - about his start to the season with the club.

The 18-year-old Nottingham-born blueliner is on a two-way deal with Leeds Knights of the NIHL, but injuries to the roster have seen Hazeldine become a mainstay on the Panthers defence so far.

"It's massive," said Hazeldine. "I grew up here so it's nice to be given a chance.

"It's a bit tough that someone has to be injured, but I'm enjoying my hockey at the moment.

"With the way it's happened with injuries I have been here the whole time, but we will see what happens when Mike (Caruso) comes back."

Hazeldine has made 12 appearances in the Elite League and Challenge Cup so far, contributing two assists, and has won plaudits for his start to the season.

"You don't want to get too high but you do take confidence from it," continued Hazeldine.

"Confidence is a massive thing though. If you're playing confident then you're probably playing your best hockey.

"It's always good to hear good things but you don't want to take too much in and get too big.

"I know I'm only 18 so I just have to take it as it comes."