Corey’s return to Panthers
NEILSON BACK AS HEAD COACH FOR REST OF THE SEASON AS GRAHAM DEPARTS
COREY Neilson is back with Nottingham Panthers, taking over as head coach until the end of the season.
The 46-year-old has spent the past four seasons coaching in some of the top leagues in Europe, winning the DEL2 Coach of the Year in 2018-19.
Neilson has a proud association with the Panthers, winning two trophies as a player before creating a dynasty after taking up the role as coach in 2008.
He went on to win four play-off titles and six Challenge Cups, led Panthers to the much-coveted Elite League title and helped the club become the first British side to have trophy success in Europe by winning the Continental Cup.
“The call to come back to Nottingham was strong,” said Neilson. “I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I have been watching Panthers as a fan from afar for five years now, doing my stuff in different countries and trying to improve myself.
“I saw that Panthers were struggling a little bit and I wanted to be part of that solution.
“I want things to be better. I love the Nottingham Panthers, I always have – ever since I walked through the door. I think this is a great opportunity to take some positive strides.”
Neilson is also part of the Great Britain coaching set-up as Assistant Coach and was part of the team that won back-to-back promotions to the top flight of the IIHF World Championship.
He replaces Gary Graham, who joined the Panthers in the summer after coaching for much of his career in the East Coast Hockey League with Fort Wayne Comets.
Panthers CEO Omar Pacha said: “Unfortunately, results have not been what the club was looking for. We feel making a change and bringing in a new voice will help give new direction to the group.
“I’d like to thank Gary for his time with the club and all his hard work throughout the season and the summer period. We wish him all the best for the future.”
On the return of Neilson, Pacha added: “There is still a lot of hockey left this season and it was crucial at this point to get a person that not only knows the EIHL but was very successful in this league. Corey is the man to lead us forward and we share the same vision.”