Wed 4 Dec 2024 - 06:30AM
STRACHAN'S ASSOCIATION WITH PANTHERS STILL GOING STRONG
Rick Strachan's association with the Nottingham Panthers is still going strong with a career at the club that spans three different decades.
Strachan, who now works as an advisor for the Panthers, first joined as a player in 1990-91.
He played 15 times in the old British Hockey League, scoring 21 points (4+17) in the black and gold, as well as adding 15 points (7+8) in eight Autumn Cup games.
Strachan went on to play and coach Great Britain, including being Head Coach at two World Championship tournaments.
Originally born in Winnipeg in Canada, he has a whole host of UK clubs on his CV including Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Basingstoke and Hull.
Strachan returned to Nottingham as Assistant Coach to work with Corey Neilson midway through the 2010-11 season and the rest is seeped in Panthers history.
He was part of the coaching team that helped Panthers dominate UK ice hockey's trophies between 2011 and 2016, including the Eite League, playoffs and Challenge Cup in 2012-13.
Strachs was part of the staff as Panthers became the first UK side to win a European trophy in the Continental Cup success of 2017.
He was the special guest on last weekend's Pre-Game Show in Salbox where he talked about the best moments in his career and why his affection to Nottingham is as strong as ever.
"Nottingham has a close affection to my heart," said Strachan. "It's my home now and has been for many years. I met my wife Nicola and we have brought up our family here.
"It's a very special place with a very special set of supporters. You only need to see how many people turn out each week and the passion they show and you will understand why they are the best."
Strachan is a busy man away from the Panthers with a thriving business so can't dedicate as much time to the sport these days, but he's still using his years of experience to good effect.
Although not on the ice or behind the bench any more, Strachan still has an important role to play for the club as he works as an advisor to Head Coach Danny Stewart and Assistant Coach Linton Grant each gameday.
"I sit up in the suites at home games and watch from up there, liaising with Danny and Linton before the game, between periods and afterwards," continued Strachan.
"It gives a different angle from the bench and you can certainly see it all from a different perspective.
"I also watch the away games on webcast and liaise with the coaching staff when neccessary. It's nice to be involved and I very much enjoy it."
