The Black and Gold Wire

Character and resilience is so important when you are on a bad run of form. The Panthers showed just that in last night's win against the Manchester Storm.  When we were 3-2 down in the third period, the article I had in mind was very different. Panthers had been chasing the game and were heading to the halfway point of the Elite Series at the bottom of the standings with just one win to their name.  Lewis Hook's equaliser felt significant though. For the third time in the game, Panthers had come back to tie it up. Despite being on the backfoot, there was a sense of determination in the side that had grown stronger as the game went on.  Our other two goals had come on the powerplay, which prior to this game was statistically the worst in the tournament. Panthers were moving the puck with purpose and confidence this time around though. A big reason for that was the phenomenal hockey IQ of Mark Matheson, who assisted both powerplay goals.  That's not to say I want to complete

The long awaited return of Panthers hockey is just days away. Despite it being in the form of a four team tournament behind closed doors, getting to watch the team I support after so long is certainly exciting.  The British player draft followed by the signing news overload that followed has certainly created a buzz. Like any EIHL season, it has summoned talking points and the odd PR disaster. Normal service has somewhat resumed, all things considered.  Do I think we have the strongest roster? No. I think Sheffield take that claim. They had the strongest protected Brits list, and their import signings look excellent, even if their Brit draft was not as strong as others.  Does that mean I am pessimistic about the Panthers? Also no. Regardless of results (to a reasonable degree), the aim of this tournament from the clubs perspective should be to have players we can add to next season's core. Winning a four team tournament is not exactly anything to shout about, but it is an opportuni