Nottingham Panthers vs Concordia University: Match Recap

Pre game outside the Motorpoint Arena

Thrilling Comeback Victory in Preseason Showdown

On a night charged with anticipation and energy, the Nottingham Panthers faced off against Concordia University in a preseason encounter that delivered everything a hockey fan could hope for: drama, dazzling skill, and a finish that brought the crowd to its feet.

Ceremonial Puck Drop

First Period

The opening frame set a riveting tone, with both sides showing intent and pacing the ice in a rapid, end-to-end contest. Mitch Fossier struck first for Nottingham, putting the Panthers ahead 1-0 and giving the home crowd an early reason to cheer. Concordia, unfazed, responded with an equaliser scored by player Nicholas Girouard from a pass by Julien Anctil number. The period was marked by broken plays in the neutral zone and quick transitions, with chances coming thick and fast but being snuffed out by determined defence.

A standout performance came from Milique Martelly, who, making the most of his two-way deal, impressed in his debut Panthers outing. His energetic play helped the competitive tone for Nottingham, ensuring the team remained in the hunt as the first period concluded deadlocked at 1-1.

Second Period

Concordia emerged from the intermission with renewed vigour, dominating the early stages of the second period. They added two quick goals, both from number 16 and then number 12, extending their lead to 3-1. Their skill was on full display, ratcheting up the pressure and dictating the pace as the Panthers struggled to regain their footing.

With the match seemingly slipping away, Concordia capitalised on a 3-on-1 breakaway, as number 10 notched another, pushing the score to 4-1. But Nottingham wasn’t ready to surrender. Around the halfway mark, the Panthers began to turn the tide, piling on the pressure and pushing Concordia back into their own zone. Their efforts bore fruit when number 16, Bryan Lemos, found the net on a powerplay as Concordia served a penalty for too many men on the ice, narrowing the deficit to 4-2.

Concordia Celebrate Going Ahead in the Second Period.

Third Period

The final period delivered pure theatre. The Panthers roared out of the gate, earning a powerplay and threatening to close the gap. Concordia responded in kind, pressing hard as they earned their own man-advantage five minutes into the period. Nottingham, undeterred, created several dangerous scoring opportunities, especially eight minutes in.

A pivotal moment came with a change in net, as Luca Sheldon entered the game for the Panthers and immediately proved to be a formidable presence, making crucial stops and keeping his team in contention. The momentum shifted further when the Panthers rang the pipes with a wrist shot at the fourteen-minute mark.

Ross Armour, wearing number 19, spearheaded the comeback with a brilliant goal off a breakaway, bringing the score to 3-4 and injecting new belief into the squad. Armour continued his heroics, levelling the game at 4-4, sending the home crowd into wild celebration as he put in a masterclass performance.

The closing minutes were a frenzy. With just 28 seconds remaining, number 17 Tom Doherty scored the go-ahead goal, putting the Panthers ahead 5-4 and igniting absolute chaos in the stands—fans leaping and cheering in collective jubilation.

The Panthers displayed immense character in the third period, responding to their coaching staff’s adjustments during the second intermission. Their resilience and hunger ultimately turned the tide, with Sheldon standing tall in net and the forwards finding their scoring touch.

Over 5500 Panthers Fans Inside The Building For The Pre-Season Outing

Conclusion & Overtime

The regulation time ended with the Nottingham Panthers victorious, 5-4, in a spectacular comeback. The teams prepared for overtime as part of the preseason format, but the night would be remembered for Nottingham’s tenacity, electrifying skill, and the emotional high of a home triumph.

·Final Regulation Score: Nottingham Panthers 5, Concordia University 4

·Key Players: Ross Armour (2 goals), Tom Doherty (game-winner), Luca Sheldon (goaltending heroics), Bryan Lemos (powerplay marker), Milique Martelly (impressive debut)

A match that began as a test of skill and resolve became a showcase for comeback spirit and crowd-pleasing hockey—proof that preseason can deliver moments worthy of the record books.