A little shy of a year since joining the Nottingham Panthers as their Head Coach for the 2024/25 Elite Ice Hockey League season, the side that finished third this season have announced that Danny Stewart has signed a new, multi-year, contract extension.

The former forward, who previously had coaching roles with the now defunct Newcastle Vipers, as well as with Fife Flyers and Coventry Blaze, the latter with whom he also played for winning back-to-back titles, arrived in Nottingham in late April 2024.

Looking back at what he said upon his arrival at the Motorpoint Arena, it’s perhaps safe to say that he’s lived up to his words.

Twelve months ago, Stewart said of his arrival: “There were many things that attracted me to the role.

“The history of Nottingham, the resources available, the staff and people involved with the club. I’m excited.

“We will play fast but we will also be a team that plays for each other. My teams have done that in the past and that will be our expectation.

“Nottingham is a great fanbase and a great city and I have a bit of history as back in my playing days Coventry and Nottingham were great rivals.

“I say it every year when I get asked that Nottingham is my favourite venue. Being able to experience that week in, week out will be exciting.”

The now-46-year-old Canadian has, on many occasions this season, seen his often free-scoring Panthers side, put on masterclasses on the ice, leading them to a third-place finish in the league, coming up short on the final weekend, to the Challenge Cup semi-finals, and into this season’s play-offs.

In both the league, and the Challenge Cup, the Panthers found themselves being beaten to the punch by Belfast Giants – what odds on meeting them in the play-offs as well…

In registering an impressive thirty victories, and netting 182 goals, the Panthers have impressed in the league this season, finishing six points shy of the eventual winners; now, with the play-offs just around the corner, where Nottingham’s finest will face sixth place Guildford Flames, this is the early present the Panthers Nation would crave.

Speaking of the announcement Stewart said: “I am really excited to be back. I have really enjoyed working for the club with both players and staff.

“We got to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and finished third in the league.

“Coming up short isn’t something to say you’re happy about, but when you reflect on the season so far, we have made progress.

“We talked a lot about putting this team back on the map and fighting for those trophies and so far, we have certainly done that.

“I am excited to see how we can push this forward.”

A former player himself, Panthers CEO Omar Pacha, who joined the club close to three years ago now (May 2022), said of the announcement (made 10 April 2025): “Danny has had a great first season with the club and made us competitive every night.

“I said when we appointed Danny it was part of a long-term vision and I truly believe we can build something special here with Danny.

“His passion as a leader rubs off on the players and you can also see what an outstanding tactical coach he is.

“Danny already bleeds black and gold and he has really embraced the challenge of getting us back to challenging for trophies.

“I believe in Danny’s ability as a coach and leader and am sure, along with the fanbase, excited to have him lead this club into the upcoming seasons.”

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*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @PanthersIHC Danny Stewart has led the Panthers to a third place Elite League finish.