Nottingham Panthers have added two more players to their roster with the signings of defenceman Nick Toneys and British youngster Joe Graham.

Toneys comes to the city after a spell in Augusta and will take advantage of the club's link with Derby University.

Graham, a product of the Nottingham youth system, completes the club's defensive line-up.

Panthers coach Corey Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I am very happy with the way my squad is shaping up."

Toneys will combine playing with studying by taking a Masters degree over the next year in Derby.

Neilson said: "I want him to be a Mike Rees type of player. He skates really well and has good size. He can also fight if need be."

General manager Gary Moran added: "The Derby University deal is worth �30,000 and it's a big carrot to dangle in front of players.

"Derby University's name will be on our shirts and they'll have tannoy announcements. We're thrilled about the deal.

"We have a lot of fans in the Derby area and beyond. It can only be good for us and we are the East Midlands franchise for ice hockey in this country.

"Hopefully this will get the message out and people will tell their friends to take a trip down Brian Clough Way to watch some great entertainment."

Meanwhile, defenceman Graham has put pen to paper on a senior contract with the club after appearing 29 times for the Panthers last season.

He was man of the match in the annual England against Scotland contest before the Elite League play-off final.

Graham also won trophies this year with Nottingham Under-18's and Nottingham Lions.

Neilson added: "I had the pleasure of Joe being my D partner for some of this year. He has great talent and I believe in him."