Wed 28 Sep 2022 - 5:32PM

PANTHERS SIGN FORWARD LEVIN

The Nottingham Panthers have signed forward David Levin.

The 23-year-old Israel-born left-winger came through the junior system in Canada and was a number-one overall pick in the 2015 OHL Draft, before going on to score over 200 points for Sudbury Wolves.

His performances attracted the attention of the NHL scouts and he attended the Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp and the Carolina Hurricanes Rookie Camp in 2018.

The following year, Levin was one of seven rookie players to make the Arizona Coyotes' training camp roster.

He spent part of the 2020-21 with KHL side Dinamo Riga and scored 10 points in 15 games for Kristianstads IK in the Swedish second tier.

Last season, Levin scored at over a point per game with Bratislava Capitals in the European-based ICEHL.

Panthers Head Coach, Gary Graham, said: "He's got great vision and will make plays off the rush.

"I think where we've struggled is not being dynamic enough in transition and he'll help us.

"He plays physical and David is a great addition to our line-up."

Levin will wear #88 and is set to make his debut - subject to international clearance - on Friday as Dundee Stars visit the Motorpoint Arena in the Elite League.

After his flight from Israel was delayed overnight, the forward only arrived in Nottingham around six o'clock this morning.

Following a short nap, he joined his new team-mates for training within a couple of hours.

"It was a very long journey for me," he said. "I slept for a bit, ate and was on the ice very quickly.

"I love hockey, it's my dream so any time I can get on the ice, I will.

"I have heard some great things about the city. I'm looking forward to playing in this arena in-front of what I've heard are amazing supporters.

"Overall, I like to play hard. I've come here to win."

With defenceman Mike Caruso being injured, he will now be placed on the injured reserve list.

Caruso will be eligible to return to the line-up for the trip to Glasgow Clan on Wednesday 19th October.

Panthers face Dundee at 7:30pm on Friday night. Click here to buy tickets.