A look at Panthers D core

The Panthers defensive recruitment was capped off on Saturday, with the addition of recent ECHL all star Brady Norrish to complete an intriguing core at the blueline to say the least. 

Starting with Norrish himself, and it looks like we could have landed ourselves a gem. Many EIHL team's import additions come from the East Coast, but not many can boast being an all star, suggesting we have landed one of the league's top d-men. 

That being said, he didn't play a single game in 2020/21, which is a little concerning, but there many examples of that not being a barrier for high level performances. Jackson Whistle and Ollie Betteridge were outstanding in the Elite Series after not taking to the ice for 14 months. In contrast though, they were playing at lower levels to what they were used to, and therefore there is added risk with signing Norrish. If it pays off though, we could be looking at one of the league's top defenceman. 

Staying on the subject of top defenceman, Mark Matheson has already established himself as one of EIHL's best players, never mind blueliners. Bringing our player-assistant coach back was a no brainer. He oozes composure and a phenomenal hockey IQ that few in the league can match. Yes, the EIHL and Elite Series all star is 37, but his performances haven't shown signs of dropping. 

Matheson is the only returning import defenceman, but he will accompanied by returning GB defenceman Josh Tetlow. The 23 year old was a mainstay on the penalty kill at the World Championships and is evolving into a fantastic stay at home d-man. This could very well be his breakout season. 

He will have plenty of experience to learn from, not least with the surprise return of Steve Lee, who had a trophy stacked career at the Panthers before his move to Guildford in 2018. Whilst his signing received mixed verdicts from the club's fanbase, Lee brings depth at the back. 

Taylor Doherty will (literally) be our biggest signing at 6'8 tall, assuring size to accompany Tetlow's 6"5 frame. Doherty was part of a Cracovia side that made the playoff finals in Poland last season. The no nonsense defenceman has been keen to drop the gloves throughout his career, in which he has notably played in the Czech and Austrian top flight in recent seasons. Prior to that, he had over 250 AHL games, so we are certainly getting someone who is very well established. 

Last, but by no means least, is J.C. Brassard. He has had somewhat of a journeyman career in the ECHL, putting up around 10-15 points in each, which are respectable numbers for a defenceman. Having played with Matt Lane and briefly Kevin Domingue last campaign, there is a chance of some chemistry there which bodes well. 

With this being our initial defence, it means no returns for Adam Deustch, Brian Connelly, Danny Fick, Guillaume Lepine or Jason Binkley. Whilst all 5 made at least a respectable case to return, the Panthers had to upgrade. When the 2019/20 season was cut short, the club found itself in 5th place, which is miles off where we want to be. 

Promising changes have been made, and we look to have signed some well established quality that is well matched up on paper with the teams around us.