Wed 1 Feb 2023 - 5:37PM

ROSTER UPDATE: BRETT WELYCHKA AND CRAIG PUFFER

The Nottingham Panthers are now able to confirm that forward Brett Welychka has terminated his contract with the club to join a team in Germany.

Panthers CEO, Omar Pacha, said: "Brett has turned down multiple offers from Europe this season to stay with the Panthers, but his new club have a chance of promotion to the DEL and he has signed a multiple-year contract.

"We tried very hard to persuade Brett to stay but he felt it was an opportunity he could not turn down.

"The Panthers won't close the door on Brett in future and we know he enjoyed his time in Nottingham.

"The search for a replacement has already begun."

Welychka added: "I would like to thank the Panthers fans for their great support this season.

"I am sad to be leaving the Panthers organisation but I felt this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I wish the team the best of luck in the last stretch of the season."

Meanwhile, forward Craig Puffer has immediately returned to North America because of a family emergency.

Pacha said: "Our thoughts are with Craig and his family - and he has the full support of everyone at the club.

"We know all our fanbase will be sending him their best wishes as he returns to North America."