The Black and Gold Wire

Sam Herr has had quite an impact in the first half of his first season as a Nottingham Panther to say the least. Having been bought in after 3 full seasons in the AHL, where he was in a much more defensive role, the 27 year old has become an offensive powerhouse who has wowed fans continuously with his quick reading of the offensive zone, aggressive forechecking and clinical scoring touch.  In the last 13 games, Herr has picked up points in 12, highlighting his consistency. His ability to get into dangerous areas quickly makes him an opposition defence's worst nightmare, but a teammates dream as he anticipates plays effectively that brings out the best in his linemates. It's helped to make Panthers attack incredibly exciting to watch as scoring chances are coming thick and fast.  Herr is the third highest scoring player in the league currently, just 2 points shy of the red hot Brendan Connelly at Sheffield. With 35 points in 28 games to add to his 17 in 10 in the Challe

Unlike during the early months of the season, being a Nottingham Panthers fan is actually fun again. With the dreaded December period in full swing, there’s more than one reason to believe this one could be different to those in previous seasons, with the club having the third best record in the league over the last 15 games. Add that to qualification for a second Continental cup final in three years and it’s clear that things are looking up.  Of course though, getting carried away is the worst thing a Panthers fan can do, especially at this time of year, but when you look at the disastrous state the club was in earlier this season, the change in fortunes has been quite drastic. Fans boycotting games, ownership investment being questioned, forwards not producing and non-existent game management among other things made turning up to games a bit of a chore not so long ago, but things are starting to come together rather quickly. Here’s 5 reasons the performances are finally on the u