Which Panthers have had the fire power?

 

Photograph of GMB Panthers Johan Molin courtsey of Unique Images: www.uniqueimages.co.uk.

 

#5 David CLARKE (F) (A)

 

You know what you’re going to get with Clarkey. A sniper of the highest precision DC will bag you goals provided he stays injury free; which he has for the majority of the 2009/10 campaign. One thing that I feel Clarke has improved upon this season is his work rate and application throughout his shifts. He’s been accused, in the past, of ‘going missing’, of being lazy or appearing disinterested at times. However, this season, I think he’s remedied that and we’ve seen a much more focused and determined player. I doubt, unless he’s planning another foreign stint, that there is much chance Clarke will be anywhere but Nottingham next season and that’s certainly a good thing in my eyes. Assuming he does dress for Panthers in the next campaign he’ll be keen to improve on his second place in the goal-scoring chart where he finished behind Sean McAslan by just a single goal in the regular league and cup season.

 

#7 Josh WARD (F)

 

It’s been a big year for teenage forward Josh Ward as he burst onto the scene with some very impressive appearances in a Panthers jersey. His diminutive appearance is deceiving as his gritty, accomplished performances have proven, even before he registered his first senior goal in a 10-3 demolition of the Newcastle Vipers on home ice. The puck with which he scored the opening goal of his senior career was retrieved from Michel Robinson’s net and handed to him by team-mate Kevin Bergin. However it wasn’t until the end of season awards that GM Gary Moran revealed that the puck that Ward took home that night was a practice puck; before handing him the ‘real thing’ complete with engraving to mark its significance. In my opinion it’s vital we get Ward, along with other young prospects, tied into the club for the long term. Ward has spoken of the support Corey Neilson and the Panthers have given him, and his gratitude for that support. It’s imperative that we continue to nurture talents like Josh and if we do we will ensure the long term future for Panthers looks decidedly bright. In terms of hockey skills Ward appears to have the quick hockey mind to compliment his emerging hockey skills however some concerted effort to bulk up his frame would, I think, further compliment his ability. The EPL and some serious gym time may beckon for 2010/11 however we will almost certainly see more of Josh in the Black and Gold either on a 2-way or if he takes another year to learn from the ‘EIHL experience’.

 

#7 Robert LACHOWICZ (F)

 

We’ve seen little of Rob in the Panthers line-up this season as he has spent much of the campaign in the uniform of EPL side the Manchester Phoenix. I think it’s fair to say that if ever there was a clear justification for sending young players to the EPL (and especially if that means playing under Tony Hand) to gain experience then Rob has evidenced that justification on the few occasions we have seen him in the Black and Gold. Confident, consistent and not at all out of place on the same line as senior seasoned pros Lachowicz appears to have made some impressively large strides towards a more prominent EIHL roster spot. One particular performance, on enemy ice in the place up the M1 we don’t like to mention, sticks in my mind as clear food for thought where next season is concerned. Rob put in a display that was not just accomplished but exceptional, registering a goal at the end of the second period to compliment an assist on a Cameron Mann goal in the first. I understand Lacho was signed to a 2-year deal with the Phoenix however I genuinely feel he has proven himself ready to step back up to the plate and would hope, for both our sake as fans and more importantly for Rob’s progression that Tony Hand would not stand in his way if he were to be offered the opportunity to return to the bigger stage in 2010/11.

 

#9 Bruce RICHARDSON (F)

 

What can you say about the heartbeat of the Panthers roster that hasn’t already been said many times this past season? Charismatic, energetic and committed beyond any player I’ve seen lace them up for many years Bruce Richardson is exactly what the Panthers have lacked for far too long. It was a privilege to witness Bruce lift the first trophy of his 700+ game senior career. However what must be added is that if we could bottle his commitment and spirit and distribute it amongst the rest of the squad he’d almost certainly have lifted another trophy as well. Bruce is the guy that will throw his face in front of a puck and worry about the damage later; he’ll do whatever it takes to get his side going and to win. I think it’s a good measure of what a player Bruce is that opposition fans seem to have taken a clear dislike to him. Much like our long running dislike for Mr Finnerty I would suggest that anyone willing to be honest would openly admit they’d welcome him as one of their own without a second thought. Bruce seems to love Nottingham almost as much as Nottingham loves him and I would expect him to be confirmed as signed up for another season very soon after the play offs are finished up.

 

#12 Johan MOLIN (F)

 

It was a surprise to most people inside the NIC on 9^th September when Panthers favourite Johan Molin made an impromptu return to Nottingham. I say most people because his sponsors from the season previous were already aware of his impending return as Johan had to contact them the day before to request the return of his skates which he’d left as a memento at the end of the 2008/09 season.

 

Molin was back in Nottingham to collect a few belongings and see a few friends when Kevin Bergin was forced out of the weekend games through injury. Quick work from the Panthers office saw Molin registered to play and all who were ‘in the know’ were sworn to secrecy. Of course the script was followed to the letter as Molin crashed in the game winner against the Coventry Blaze with less than 6 minutes remaining, capping a fairytale return in front of the fans that hold him in such high regard. Molin returned again for another short stint in the side following similar injury troubles in the ranks and it was then announced that he had agreed to return to the line up on a full time basis. For whatever reason, perhaps his lack of any serious pre-season training or conditioning and a lack of regular competitive games, Johan never quite got back up to the level of the previous season on a consistent basis. That said we still saw the same commitment and work rate that gained Molin his ‘fans favourite’ status in his previous stints in Nottingham. Molin didn’t remain on the roster until the season’s end as an offer from Sparta Warriors of the GET-ligaen (Norway’s top league) saw him make the move closer to his Swedish home. Whether Molin ever returns to Nottingham remains to be seen, personally I’d say it’s unlikely. However it’s fair to say that if he ever did, in any capacity, he’d be warmly welcomed by the locals at the NIC.

 

#13 Jade GALBRAITH (F)

 

As 2008/09 drew to a close (and indeed for much of the season before that) Jade was the subject of fervent debate, disagreement and argument amongst the Panthers faithful. In the off season this went into overdrive as Jade honestly admitted he was unprepared and, for much of the season, overweight and unfit. He incurred the wrath of many for this frank admission and I think he’d be the first to admit he deserved that criticism. However it takes a big man to face up to his own failings in such a way and it was with the help of Corey Neilson that Jade made some changes to his approach to the sport and, perhaps more importantly, his lifestyle. On a more tangible front Jade made some significant changes to his ample frame and arrived in Nottingham for pre-season training 15lbs lighter than when he left.

 

I’ve got to be honest and say I don’t think Jade matched the work ethic we saw in the early weeks of the season through the remainder of the campaign however I’m not sure he could have kept up the work rate such was the ferocity he displayed in those opening games, nor is that where Jade’s real quality lies. ‘Soft hands’ is an overused term in hockey circles however they are a quality Jade Galbraith possesses without question. At times this season we’ve seen assists and goals that were simply breathtaking as Galbraith outthought and outmanoeuvred opposition players, leaving many bewildered as the puck crashed into the net. I can honestly say that there are few players that I’ve ever watched in a Panthers jersey who have brought me as much joy for individual pieces of skill and ability as Jade Galbraith. For that reason, and not to mention the impressive return of 94pts (24G 70A), I hope Galbraith puts pen to paper in Nottingham and we get to see some more of his sublime talent at the NIC next season.

 

#15 Ross DALGLEISH (F)

 

I think Ross ‘Dags’ Dalgleish’s contribution to the cause this past regular season was summed up perfectly by Danny Meyers words at the end of season awards ceremony. You’ll have to excuse any slight deviation from Danny’s words, however from recollection it went roughly like this: “I think Dags would be the first to admit he hasn’t got bags of ability but he makes up for it in heart and commitment, especially at the start of the season when he’d go out and fight anyone, he didn’t care who it was or how tough they were”.

 

I’ve got to say I have a lot of time for Ross Dalgleish, both in terms of his commitment on the ice and his attitude off it. Further more I genuinely think Ross’ form seemed to suffer after he returned from a mid season shoulder injury which was serious enough for him to need some EPL ice time with the Peterborough Phantoms as part of his road back to the Panthers line-up. Whether the rumoured offer of a return to his homeland in the form of a place on the roster of the EIHL’s newest organisation, the Braehead Clan, mean Dalgleish’s career may now take him back north I genuinely have no idea. However I’d certainly not be disappointed to see Ross as a member of our ‘brit-pack’ next season.

 

#16 Marc LEVERS (F)

 

Although he may very soon have a genuine challenger to his ‘local hero’ crown in the form of Tom Norton it’s fair to say that “Leves” has a special place in the hearts of Panthers supporters. It’s always nice to see a local lad do well and the 28 year old, Derby born forward has carved out much of that admiration for himself by way of his never ending energy and committed approach to the game. I think I’ve made reference to a couple of British guys in my reviews here who perhaps don’t have the skills of some of their import team-mates however I think they, and every young player learning his trade, could do themselves the world of good by watching and learning from the way Marc plays the game. I think Marc would be the first to admit that he’s scrapped and fought for the privilege to play hockey at the highest level in this country and he’s living proof that desire and belief go a very long way both in sport and in life. To top all that he scooped the award that is widely believed to be the most prestigious at the clubs annual awards where he was voted ‘Player’s player of the year’.

 

Marc openly admits he loves playing in Nottingham and his value as a first rate penalty killer, not to mention his ability to mix it with the biggest and best of them, mean it is hard to believe the club will pass up on the opportunity to re-sign him for a fifth EIHL season in Nottingham.

 

#25 Kevin BERGIN (F)

 

Club joker and fans favourite Kevin Bergin is another of the 'class of 2009/10' who's had a strange year. At times appearing as a makeshift D-man Bergy has, as he always does, given 100% for the cause. It hasn't been a classic year by any stretch but even so it's been another year where Kevin Bergin does the dirty work that enables others to shine. Whether digging pucks out of the corners or going toe-to-toe with a genuine heavyweight like Sean McMorrow you'll never see Bergy shy away from the challenge. He may not have managed to get the better of 'The Sheriff' in their bouts this season but his willingness to drop the gloves with a guy who undoubtedly possesses more strength and fighting prowess is the epitome of Bergin's attitude. The question for the off season is has Bergy got enough to perform at the level required of a Panthers' import? I'm not sure myself but one thing is for sure in that his personality and character would be sorely missed if he didn't return for 2010/11.

 

#27 Cameron MANN (F)

 

When you come to these shores with genuine NHL pedigree (i.e. you played in the show for a sustained period, not just a couple of call ups as injury cover) you walk into a world of expectation. To some degree I'm not sure anything would really have been enough to negate the comments from some quarters that Cameron didn't look 'the real deal' in the opening months of the campaign. I'm not sure if it was my willingness to give all the 'new guys' some time to bed in that resulted in me not seeing that or possibly refusing to see it. What I do know is that, as he has bedded in, Mann has looked every bit the ex-NHLer. He drives the net with ease, has just the right level of aggression that you'd want from your top line imports and has the ability to find the tape with the majority of his passes.

 

There are rumours circulating that both Mann and Jade Galbraith are on the wish list of some top European sides. However I believe one of Mann's reasons for heading to the UK was the ease at which his wife, who has recently given birth to their second child, could integrate into society. Given that, and his obvious quality, I'd be busting a gut to keep the guy at Panthers for the next campaign. The fact that he was named ‘fans player of the year’ indicates that the early season uncertainty has faded and the majority of supporters are of the same opinion.

 

#37 Sean McASLAN (F) (A)

 

I don’t think there were many who were not elated at the news that Sean McAslan would be returning to Nottingham for the 2009/10 season after a stint at Copenhagen based Rødovre Mighty Bulls. Certainly if there were any in doubt as to Sean’s return being a major plus they surely weren’t by the time the regular season was completed. Bagging 38 goals to finish top of the scoring charts (beating David Clarke by a single goal) McAslan’s game appears to have improved impressively during his Scandinavian adventure. Seemingly endless energy when on the ice saw aggressive checking at both ends of the rink coupled with his unquestionable ability to spearhead the offensive charge. It was no surprise when Coach Neilson named McAslan his MVP at the conclusion of the regular season.

 

Sean has spoken of how he enjoyed his time in Denmark but how the return to Nottingham was, in no small part, sealed by the size and passion of the home crowd. You get the feeling that McAslan feels at home in Nottingham and in a Panthers jersey. Despite Gary Moran’s protestations that the appearance of McAslan’s name and number on the back of next season’s ‘prototype’ jersey is not to be read into it will obviously breed fervent debate, and indeed significant hope, that Sean will be back for 2010/11….I think it’s fair to say that news, if it does arrive, will be greeted with universal approval from the Nottingham fanbase.

 

#61 Jay HENDERSON (F)

 

When I consider Jay’s input to the team since he arrived in the New Year it is difficult not to feel a sense of deja-vu. An ex-Boston Bruin, like team-mate Cameron Mann, Henderson arrived with a serious pedigree including some relatively impressive numbers from his time in the AHL and a clear reputation as a gritty performer who isn’t scared to get in the faces of the opposition. I think it’s fair to say he suffered the same stuttering start as Mann, taking his time to click into place and understand both the league he was playing within and the players we was lining up alongside. I think he’s still part way through the process that Mann went through; before flourishing into life and showing us that he still had the quality and ability to be the player to match his reputation and potential.

 

I genuinely believe Jay Henderson will follow the same path given the opportunity, I think he’s improved week on week. He’s got good puck control and, in another similarity with Mann, can drive the net well. He’s not afraid to do the work in the corners and has started to play the agitator role with increasing effectiveness in recent weeks. I am aware that there are some who, much like when Mann was only a few weeks into his time in Nottingham, don’t have this same opinion, and they may prove to be right. I would, however, like to see Henderson return to the roster next season as I do fully believe he has a lot more to give. I think it’s important to remember that Henderson came to Nottingham from Wichita where he had what can only be described as a torrid time losing practically every game. That can’t be an easy thing to shake off and that combined with moving to the UK from North America with his wife and new born baby following shortly after might go some way to explaining his slow start. I understand he’s well thought of by Corey Neilson and indeed was a target before the 2009/10 season began but his wife’s pregnancy meant it was an opportunity he turned down at the time. I would not be surprised or disappointed to see him return in September.

 

 

#71 Marty GASCON (F)

 

In contrast to some of the other new recruits Gascon came with a pedigree that whilst not shabby by any standards did not jump out at you to say ‘here’s a real top line player’. With that in mind I’ve been really impressed with Marty’s contribution to the season and I think he’s improved throughout. Marty has always been a provider and that proved to be the case during the 09/10 campaign as he racked up 48 points (10G 38A), a return of just under 0.83 points per game.

 

I like what Gascon brings to the team, he’s got great stick handling ability, moves the puck well and as the season wore on he certainly seemed to become a little more direct in his approach getting more rubber on the net than in the opening games of the term. If I were to highlight an area for improvement I’d point to his goal scoring which, when I consider the opportunities he’s had to score more goals, should be higher than it is. I wouldn’t be devastated if Gascon didn’t return for another year but similarly I wouldn’t be disappointed if he did and if asked to give a definitive view I’d probably be inclined to retain his services.

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