The Nottingham Panthers have added size to their attack, with 6-foot-2 centre Ross Armour signing a one-year contract with the Elite League side.
The 27-year-old joins the Panthers after splitting last season between the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates and EC Bad Nauheim of Germany’s DEL2.
Before entering the professional ranks in 2023, Armour recorded 67 points (31 goals, 36 assists) in 159 NCAA appearances for Bemidji State University.
Through three seasons in the North American third tier, the Canadian registered 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists) in 95 outings for the Ghost Pirates, before tallying two assists in three games with Bad Nauheim.
“Ross is a big centre that can also play the wing,” explained Panthers head coach Danny Stewart.
“He’s got a real knack for scoring goals and gives us another net-front presence on the powerplay. We lacked that last season and, with Chase Pearson as well, this gives us two guys that do it well.
“Ross competes hard every night and brings a lot of things to our line-up. On top of his versatility, he can make creative plays and shoots the puck well. But when games are tight, he’s also great in those hard areas.”
Ross Armour, Bemidji State University (Image: NCAA)
Analysis: Ross Armour signs one-year Nottingham Panthers contract
The Nottingham Panthers took major strides in their first season under Danny Stewart, climbing back into the Elite League’s top three and claiming the postseason crown in dramatic circumstances.
But Stewart’s redesign is far from complete.
Dating back to his earliest days as a coach, the Canadian’s roster-building approach has always centred around pairing skilled wingers with centreman who can bang and crash around the net.
Armour is therefore a natural fit for this version of the Panthers, who covet physicality and puck-moving ability through centre ice.
Ross Armour, Bemidji State University (Image: NCAA)
The Trail-born forward is a natural goal-scorer, with sound offensive instincts at even strength and on the powerplay.
Elevated to the captaincy in his final season of collegiate eligibility, Armour signed off from the NCAA with 22 points (14 goals, eight assists) in his final 32 games.
With Chase Pearson pencilled-in as Nottingham’s first line centreman for 2024-25, Armour looks set for second line minutes, with a net-front role on the man advantage.
The Panthers, with Continental Cup action on the horizon, are now much deeper at centre than they were last season. Nottingham’s title chances just climbed, again.
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