Nottingham Panthers land American netminder

Nottingham Panthers have signed American netminder Jason Grande on a deal running until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Grande spent five years in North American’s top college league, the NCAA, splitting his time between Bentley University and the College of the Holy Cross.

The highly-rated young netminder, who spent the first part of this season with HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia, had stints last year with American Hockey League sides Springfield Thunderbirds and Bridgeport Islanders.

Grande will wear the number 30 shirt for the Panthers and is eligible to ice for the club this weekend.

The Panthers are next in action on Saturday, when they welcome Guildford Flames to the Motorpoint Arena.

‘So glad to be here’

“The rink is nice and it’s a great organisation, great city and great team-mates. I am so glad to be here,” Grande said following the move.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and I am excited to play in front of these fans.”

Nottingham Panthers head coach Danny Stewart said: “Jason is young and at a good point in his career.

“He’s had some very, very strong seasons in college hockey in the States.

“He will give support to Bedz [Ryan Bednard] and is someone who will give us a chance to win.”

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