It’s been a long time in waiting but finally Nottingham Panthers are back in action with fixtures for the Elite Series announced and what better opponent to start the return of top tier competitive ice-hockey in the UK than an opening match between Nottingham and their arch rivals from up the M1, Sheffield Steelers.

The first weekend of the Elite Series kicks off on Saturday 3rd April with Coventry Blaze taking on Manchester Storm at 2pm in game number one before the Panthers take on the Steelers in a 7pm face off with all games taking place behind closed doors and streamed online, played at the Motorpoint Arena with covid-safety precautions in place.

Saturday’s matches are followed up a day later with two more games as Sheffield then take on Manchester and Nottingham face Coventry with midweek ties on 6th April including the Panthers first look at Storm.

In all the Panthers will play twelve games, against their three opponents four times in a tournament that will determine the Elite Series Champion for 2021.

The clubs have already drafted their squads and are raring to go in a taster competition that will be used to give Team GB players valuable time on the ice ahead of the World Championships in Latvia this May, as well as encourage the return of ice hockey in this country, the Elite Series will be an exciting competitive tournament between four of the best teams in the British game.

Full Nottingham Panthers Elite Series fixtures schedule below:

03.04.21 Sheffield Steelers (h) 19:00

04.04.21 Coventry Blaze (h) 19:00

06.04.21 Manchester Storm (h) 19:00

10.04.21 Sheffield Steelers (h) 19:00

11.04.21 Coventry Blaze (h) 14:00

14.04.21 Manchester Storm (h) 19:00

16.04.21 Sheffield Steelers (h) 19:00

17.04.21 Coventry Blaze (h) 19:00

19.04.21 Manchester Storm (h) 19:00

21.04.21 Manchester Storm (h) 19:00

24.04.21 Sheffield Steelers (h) 19:00

25.04.21 Coventry Blaze (h) 14:00

*Main image @PanthersIHC a return of the biggest match in UK ice hockey awaits for the Panthers.