Canadian netminder Mike Garnett has signed for Nottingham Panthers on a two-year deal.
The 34-year-old, who was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001, has spent the last nine seasons in the KHL with teams in Russia, Slovakia and Croatia.
Panthers’ boss Corey Neilson said: “We’ve heard nothing but good things about Mike who is aiming to study at Loughborough University while playing with the Panthers.
“He’s a big goalie and played in the NHL at Atlanta before moving to the KHL.
“He’s a good fit for us and will be part of our last line of defence alongside Eduard (Zakharchenko) and Sam (Gospel). I’ve spoken to him at length and he will do a job for us.
“I’m happy with the trio of goalies we have. It’s going to be a long season and we’ve got the right mix to take that on and be successful.”
Canadian stopper Mike Garnett looks to have all the tools to make a BIG impression in the Elite League. The Saskatoon native played 24 matches ( 10 wins ) for the Atlanta Thrashers in 2005/06 as their second choice ‘keeper behind Kari Lehtonen who started 38 games. Garnett was impressing Head Coach Bob Hartley who went on record that campaign ;- ” Michael Garnett is definitely giving us a chance to win”. Unfortunately for both men, Hartley was gassed 6 games into the following season which kind of halted Garnett’s progress. He has since played in excess of 400 games in the Russian League and Kontinental Hockey League with various sides recording in excess of 150 victories. The type of big, aggressive ‘keeper who loves to challenge the shooter and, if he has the right motivation, could be a real stand-out in Nottingham in 2017/2018.