How the Elite Series could shape the Panthers plans for 2021/22

The Panthers quickly kickstarted their plans for next season within a week of winning the Elite Series. Head coach Tim Wallace and director of hockey Guillaume Doucet will continue in their roles, whilst the Brit quota has began to take shape with Ollie Betteridge and Josh Tetlow being confirmed returnees. More surprisingly, experienced defenceman Steve Lee will return to the club after two years away. 

It has been an enjoyable week and a bit to be a Panthers fan, with the Elite Series playoff victory and the sudden influx of signing announcements. Despite some debate over just how meaningful a four team tournament is, the 'Covid Cup' could certainly have an influence on how the Panthers roster comes together for 2021/22. 

One example of how so, is the case that Jackson Whistle potentially makes to be the starting goaltender.

Draft day drama meant that Ben Bowns was the blockbuster addition who surely could not be overtaken. Of course, a tournament centred around Great Britain's preparations for the world championships would see the number one and two get opportunities, but Bowns seemed a level above. It would be Whistle though who produced some outstanding performances to claim the number one spot going into the playoffs. 

This decision paid off, as he produced the only shutout of the tournament by any goalie in the semi finals. The Coventry Blaze, consisting of deadly forwards Luke Ferrara and Tristan Keck, could not find a way through as Whistle blanked the West Midlands outfit with 30 saves. The best of the bunch came on Ferrara who was robbed with the glove at the back door. 

Game 1 of the final saw the ex Sheffield Steeler make 36 saves against his former side. This was his second best tally of the tournament after 37 stops against Manchester a few weeks earlier. Under pressure was when the former WHL champion was at his best, as he pulled off some ludicrous saves along the way. 

It earned him the goaltender of the tournament award as he put up the best save percentage and goals against average. He was also named in the media all star team. 

To play devil's advocate somewhat, it is often easy to pick fault at the goals he does concede. Whistle has a reputation for being quite erratic and his positional game sometimes raises questions. It does seem like he has the required quality, but he has supposedly said in the past that he does not necessarily want to play regularly due to his injury problems. 

Another thing to consider is that in a normal EIHL season, the standard will be much higher. This applies primarily to import signings though. You would expect Panthers not to go overboard on using the Elite Series as an outright springboard for recruitment. Ideally, one would want to build on a promising 2019/20 squad and only consider a few names from the Elite Series. Two or three additions from the tournament could be a gamble worth taking if the import limit remains at around 13. 

Two standouts that come to mind are first year pro's Christophe Boivin and Kevin Domingue. The two forwards ended the tournament as Panthers highest scorers. 

Boivin was on top with 22 points (8+14). He is quick forward that drove to the front of the net and pounces on loose pucks in key areas. His puck control seemed a little off at times, but his ability to be clinical surely puts him on the shortlist. The winger contributed to 7 of Panthers 10 game winning goals. 

Kevin Domingue made a quick impact, scoring on his debut with a lethal finish against the Steelers. It set the tone for the forward who put up 20 points (10+10). The former University of Ottawa forward plays a very direct game and has lethal finishing. 

Both Boivin and Domingue formed great chemistry on their line with Brett Perlini, and keeping that trio together would be ideal. Perlini's wealth of EIHL experience would be something that the pair could learn from and develop into a respectable second or third line. 

A tournament that was dominated by British players exposed the Panthers to some quality talent that could fulfil their Brit quota. Since David Clarke and Robert Farmer's departures in recent years, Panthers Brit depth on the forward front has taken a hit. High quality homegrown talent does not grow on trees, but an addition would of course be welcome. 

There is virtually no chance of Lewis Hook being lured away from Belfast. Landing Owen Griffiths also seems a stretch too far, after already taking one player from supposed big spenders Guildford in Steve Lee. 

Aged 21, Morgan Clarke-Pizzo has room for development and could be worth a shot. He is not tied to any British club currently so it does not seem an unrealistic move. 

Whatever happens, the Elite Series has given Doucet and Wallace some options to consider. Players that were on the Panthers roster and maybe even other teams (cough, Keck) could work their way onto the signings shortlist. As ever, it will be an interesting offseason, and this unique tournament just gives the club a little extra something to think about when planning for the long awaited return to a full EIHL competition.