By Stuart Hughes BBC Sport Online

Nottingham Panthers' plans for the 2002-2003 Superleague season have suffered a setback after star forward PC Drouin decided to leave the club for German side Augsberger Panthers.

Drouin, 28, was Nottingham's top scorer for two successive years.

He was the third highest scorer in the Superleague last season with 18 goals and 34 assists from 48 games.

The French Canadian had a year to run on his contract with the Panthers but exercised a get-out clause in order to move to Germany.

New challenge

"A few weeks ago we had a conversation with PC who told us he had an offer from a club in Germany," Panthers general manager Gary Moran said.

"On Monday he rang to say that he felt that he should take the challenge of a job in the DEL [German Elite League] on board.

"PC has been a great player for the club and this latest move comes as no surprise to us. If things do not work out for him in Germany he has agreed to talk to us if he decides to return to Britain," Moran added.

Difficult decision

In his resignation letter, Drouin said: "It is with great regret that I leave Nottingham.

"It was a difficult decision to make as I have always been happy in Nottingham and have not been eager to leave.

"However, I feel that this is a great opportunity to advance my career and that I could not let it pass by.

"I have great hopes for my career in the DEL. However, if it doesn't work out as I hope it will I would love to return to Nottingham as it has been a great place to play."