Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson says he is pleased with the way his squad has bonded together.

Panthers lost their first pre-season game 7-5 to Manchester on Sunday but were without three imports Dan Tessier, Davis Parley and Jade Galbraith.

Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I'm happy with the workout.

"The guys are disappointed because they lost but that is a good sign. We need to work on some things but it's shaping up well," he added.