After the announcement earlier in the week that new Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, had brought Joshua Tetlow back to his former club, the Nottingham Panthers quickly announced the signings of another, former Panther, in forward Ollie Betteridge, and a new contract for Jordan Kelsall.

The Panthers, who made the play-offs last season, are certainly strengthening ahead of the new campaign and this, trio of signings, will excite the legions of Panthers fans everywhere, with Betteridge returning to England following a spell abroad.

It’s been over a decade since the now, 27-year-old, first took to the ice for the Nottingham club, and has amassed over 300 appearances (including playing for the Swindon Wildcats between 2012 and 2015), before last season spending time in Hungary, with another play-off chasing side, Ferencvarosi TC.

Another member of the recently successful, GB Gold medal winners, at the Motorpoint Arena, the veteran forward said of his return home: “For me, coming back all starts with the fan-base.

“We are so lucky that we have an amazing fan-base.

“Playing in-front of them night in, night out is special and I love the fan events and community projects where we get to meet the supporters.

“Nottingham is one of the best cities in the UK and we have one of the best venues in the UK.

“Stepping out onto that ice still gives me goose-bumps now and I’m excited to start again in September.”

Watch the interview with Ollie Betteridge, via Panthers TV, here.

Meanwhile, another forward, Jordan Kelsall, has signed a new contract with the Panthers and, having made close to 300 appearances himself (also donning the shirt of the Wildcats), Kelsall staying for a fifth, consecutive season, was a no-brainer for the club.

Five years after Betteridge first took to the ice, Kelsall first appeared for his home-town club during the 2017/18 season, and he, as everyone knows, is itching to bring silverware to the club.

Speaking of his signing a new contract with the Panthers, 23-year-old Kelsall said: “It was a very easy decision and I’m really excited to be back for another season.

“It was always my dream to play for my home-town club and it’s a great honour to still be doing the job I love here in Nottingham.

“Everyone in the locker room last season knows it should have been better and for me personally I want to play a part in a better season next year.

“My sole focus now is to get ready for next season and right some wrongs from last year.”

Read our recent interview with Jordan Kelsall here and watch the interview, via Panthers TV, of his signing for a fifth straight season here.

Adding, about the re-signing of Kelsall, HC Paredes said: “Jordan has been a huge part of the Panthers for many years now.

“He continues to develop his game and showed last season that he can also play in defence, but just as vital is the off-ice contribution he brings.

“Jordan knows the club inside out and knows what being a Panther is all about. That experience is so important as we look to build this club to compete next season.”

Please contact sarah@panthers.co.uk if you would like to sponsor a player during the 2023/24 season (NB – Player sponsorship is available on a first-come, first-served basis; and, existing player sponsors will get first refusal on returning players).

Season tickets for the 2023/24 season are now on sale, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold, available to Panthers fans; you can get more information on those here.

Keep up-to-date with all things Nottingham Panthers via their socials on Facebook here and Twitter here, and via their website here.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @PanthersImages Josrdan Kelsall in action.