The Nottingham Panthers have announced a pair of roster moves, with former Belfast Giants netminder Peyton Jones replacing Jack Berry at the Motorpoint Arena.
Jones, who was released by the Giants last week, transfers within the Elite League with three shutouts in 17 appearances to his name and is expected to challenge Alex Dubeau for starts in Nottingham.
The American lands in the East Midlands with a .902 save percentage (SV%) and 2.31 goals-against average (GAA) on the season.
Each of his final six appearances for the Giants ended in victory, with the most recent coming in a 5-2 win over the Dundee Stars on 6 January.
Peyton Jones, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
“Peyton is a quality netminder and one we are thrilled to be able to add to our roster,” said Panthers head coach Corey Neilson. “He became available after the arrival of Tyler Beskorowany in Belfast and we felt he would be a good fit for this club.”
Before Jones arrived in the Elite League, he spent two seasons with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies – for whom he recorded a .889 SV% and 3.31 GAA.
The Pennsylvania-born netminder also made five appearances in the American Hockey League for the Colorado Eagles, recording a .888 SV% and 3.41 GAA.
Jones enjoyed a successful collegiate career with Penn State University, upholding a .907 SV% and 2.88 GAA through 133 appearances in the NCAA.
Berry departs the Motorpoint Arena with a .875 SV% and 4.19 GAA through a dozen league appearances for the Panthers.
Analysis: Peyton Jones addition is a smart move from the Nottingham Panthers
The Nottingham Panthers have swapped out a goaltender who struggled to adapt to the Elite League for one who is showing signs of improvement.
Peyton Jones had a rough start with the Belfast Giants, but he is now six games without a loss and performed impressively in December.
He may not take over as the main starter from Alex Dubeau right away, but he will provide more competition for Dubeau – which the Panthers will need as the season advances.
Overall, this is a smart move by Nottingham.
