PREVIEW: THIS WEDNESDAY the Nottingham Panthers come to Braehead Arena
NEXT HOME GAME: It’s a Purple Wednesday’s game THIS WEDNESDAY (bronze section tickets, £10 for adults and £5 for concessions/under 16’s) as the Nottingham Panthers visit Braehead Arena (7:30pm face-off). Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER or by calling 0844 499 1700.
Glasgow’s Braehead Clan are in action this Wednesday night – and they have a vital Challenge Cup tie against the Nottingham Panthers at the Braehead Arena.
Both teams are currently tied on two points with three games left. The sides must play each other home and away so victory in this Wednesday’s match could be vital in ensuring passage from the group stage.
It was a mixed weekend for the Clan as they returned to winning ways at home to the Edinburgh Capitals. However, after the 5-3 victory The Clan then fell to a disappointing 5-1 loss away to the Fife Flyers. The visitors are coming off a four-point weekend. The Panthers were impressive winning away to the Sheffield Steelers 4-3, after a shootout, and a 6-3 home victory against the Belfast Giants.
It is sure to be a great night of hockey this Purple Wednesday and a match that is not to be missed. Our Match Night Live Reporter, David Marshall (@marshalldave38), looks at the main threats the Nottingham Panthers will bring to the Braehead arena.
#1 Robert Farmer (F)
A man who is no stranger to the Braehead faithful. Farmer spent the 2012-13 season at the Clan and amassed 56 points from 60 games.
Farmer had a productive weekend and helped his side on their way to four points. He levelled the scoring late in the first period against the Steelers with a superb goal that he scored with the puck between his feet. On Sunday night, he was involved again as he assisted Brett Perlini for the opener as the Panthers rushed to a 4-0 lead in the first period.
The Great Britain forward has started the season with 11 points in all competitions, five goals and six assists. He will be hoping to add to his tally on familiar ground this Wednesday.
#2 Michael Garnett (G)
The highly experienced net minder is making his debut season in the Elite League and so this Wednesday will be his first game inside the Braehead Arena.
Garnett has made an impressive start to live in Nottingham and his .929 save percentage in the Champions League is a massive part of why the Panthers have qualified for the Last 16.
The 36-year-old Canadian has NHL experience as he made 24 appearances for the Atlanta Thrashers. He was also a regular feature for the AHL Chicago Wolves.
It was a busy weekend for Garnett as he pulled of two big saves to ensure victory against the Steelers in the shootout. Despite the comfortable score line, the Panthers were out shot by the Giants so they have their goalie to thank for making sure they came away with the win.
He is certainly going to be a formidable force to get the puck past on Wednesday night.
#3 Brett Perlini (F)
Another new singing for the Panthers who has had a great start. The Canadian born Brit was a seventh round NHL draft pick for the Anaheim Ducks in 2010. Although born in Ontario, Perlini has represented England at junior level at both u16s and u19s.
He comes from a great Hockey family too. His father Fred played in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs and also played for the Steelers in the late 80’s.
The right winger has accumulated 16 points from 17 games in all competitions so far this season. Perlini scored one goal last weekend and was credited with two assists. He is a dangerous player that the Clan defence will certainly have to keep an eye on.
Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct at the Braehead Arena box office.
