Why Robert Lachowicz's departure is the end of an era

Prior to the 2011 playoff semi final, the Panthers had never beaten arch rivals Sheffield at a finals weekend. This was despite having numerous opportunities to do so through the years. 

After coming from 2-0 down, a thriller at the NIC was headed to overtime. Youngster Robert Lachowicz, who had experienced a 32 point breakout season, was given the most important shift of his career yet, and would not disappoint. 

After a great turn and go to escape the helpless Rod Sarich, he would find Matthew Myers whose backhand on net was fumbled by Ervins Mustukovs. It would be Lachowicz who pounced the loose puck to bury it and send the Panthers faithful into pandemonium. The lad from Beeston had written his place in the history books. 

The victory over Cardiff in the final the following day would secure the first multi trophy season in club history and kickstart the clubs golden era. Lachowicz played a massive part in this era, arguably a much bigger one than people give him credit for. 

The first time I attempted this piece, I ultimately gave it up because I felt like I was just listing things rather than writing a good article. Here's the thing though. That's because Lachowicz came up big in a LOT of the club's biggest successes. 

I was keen to go again because Lachowicz's latter years at the club were filled with criticism from fans (myself included) but the iconic moments he was instrumental to deserve acknowledgment. 

Take the 2012/13 season for instance, the best in club history in which all three major trophies were won by the Panthers. Days after picking up a secondary assist on the title clinching goal, Lachowicz would break Steelers hearts again in the Challenge Cup final. His early third period goal from in close during the first leg would prove to be the aggregate winner. This came after scoring in both the quarter and semi final of the same competition. 

Knockout competitions had become somewhat of a speciality for the forward. The playoffs saw him score the winner in the quarter final, converting a 2 on 1, with David Beauregard to complete a stunning comeback from 4-0 down against the Fife Flyers. 

An assist in the semi final was followed by a bizarre goal off the back of Stephen Murphy in the final as Panthers wrapped up a third trophy of the season. 

In short, he picked up points in every single knockout tie that season. Big. Game. Player. 

A lot of this comes down to his incredible composure. It is probably why, despite a decline in recent seasons, he has been a mainstay on the intense situation of a penalty kill under 4 different head coaches. 

Despite the trophy haul slowing down after 2012/13, Lachowicz's point totals certainly didn't. In 2013/14 and 2014/15 combined, he was the club's highest point scorer, providing consistency on two inconsistent rosters. This included a stunning spin o'rama goal against Hamburg on the European stage. 

The league saw a big increase in quality in the season's that followed though, and Lachowicz's attacking contributions dropped off rather drastically. Nonetheless, as a defensive forward he still played a big part in yet another double winning season, not least on the Challenge Cup winning goal, again. 

For me, it was his best play in a Panthers jersey. He forces an offensive zone turnover and a rebound on Ben Bowns. As he's falling to ground he passes to Brad Moran who sets Evan Mosey up for a bullet of a shot that returned the Cup to Nottingham. Once again, Lachowicz had come up big in a do or die game. 

These moments are what came to mind when his departure to Guildford was confirmed. The here and now is most important though, and yes, Lachowicz is not the player he once was, and change was perhaps necessary. However, it would not surprise me if a change of scenery revitalises his career in an offensive sense. I still think he is an intelligent player and has something to offer at this level. 

Looking back again though, a local lad playing for his hometown club and stacking up on trophies is a dream for many young players. Lachowicz has certainly lived that out and hopefully on his return when we face his Guildford side, he gets a great reception from the Panthers fans.