Sat 24 Aug 2024 - 9:50PM
MATCH REPORT: PANTHERS 1-2 UQTR
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Nottingham Panthers were beaten 2-1 by UQTR in an entertaining opening game of pre-season at the Motorpoint Arena.
A stunning crowd of nearly 5,500 witnessed a great game as Panthers celebrated the 25th season in the arena.
With Ollie Betteridge, Logan Neilson and Josh Tetlow on GB duty, two-way players Ollie Endicott, Tom Palmer and Ben Brown came into the line-up.
Ryan Bednard started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as back-up
UQTR lead at first intermission
Captain Sam Herr had the game's first chance but his shot was saved by Charles-Antoine Lavallée.
At the other end, Bednard made two great close-range saves in succession, but was beaten by a neat powerplay goal through Felix Lafrance's one-timer from the left-circle (14:41).
Doherty scores Panthers' first goal of pre-season
Panthers dominated much of the second period with Didrik Henbrant denied on the breakaway and Otto Nieminen also going close.
Nottingham's pressure finally told and Matt Spencet set-up Tim Doherty to score the equaliser from the left-circle on the powerplay (32:44).
UQTR score later winner to secure victory
Matt Alfaro had two chances on a early third-period powerplay and Reid Stefanson's shot from close-range was saved.
Doherty and Henbrant were denied in quick succession, again when Panthers had a man advantage, while Herr's backhand went just wide.
The visitors won the game late-on as Kaylen Gauthier drove the net to score from close-range (57:27).
Panthers are next at home a week on Sunday (1st September) as top German DEL2 side Lausitzer Füchse visit the Motorpoint Arena (4pm face-off).
Join us again for our second home game of pre-season and be part of the loyal #PanthersNation.