Neilson enjoys dual Panthers role

Nottingham Panthers player-coach Corey Neilson feels he is coping well with his dual role at the Elite League club.

Neilson, who replaced Mike Ellis in the Panthers hot-seat in April, has guided his side to fourth place in the table.

And Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Every game I get to play at this point of my career is pretty fun and the coaching side is exciting.

"Most of my time is going into coaching and I think it's going pretty smoothly at the moment."

The Panthers travel to play the Newcastle Vipers on Sunday, eight days after skating to a 6-3 win over the same opposition at the National Ice Centre.

Last weekend's encounter was a feisty game that saw two fights when Rumun Ndur dropped the gloves with Andre Payette and Kevin Bergin went toe-to-toe with Derek Campbell.

Strong words were also exchanged at the end of the game between Neilson and his Newcastle-counterpart Rob Wilson but the Panthers coach defended his side ahead of their trip to the north-east.

Neilson explained: "Rob was concerned that possibly I sent Rumun and Kevin to fight their guys as they were low on numbers.

"That wasn't the case as I am never going to send my skilled hockey team to be fighters against his club. I think we have the talent to beat them and not have to do that stuff.

"All season long I don't think we've been pushed around. We've skated and competed offensively and defensively.

"But if confrontation has come our way everyone of my players is willing to step up to the task, and if that is the case on Sunday I am sure they will be there again."