Panthers set for emotional match

Meyers will return this weekend after a month out with a dislocated shoulder

Nottingham Panthers captain Danny Meyers had admitted Saturday's clash with Sheffield Steelers will be an emotional occasion.

The match at the National Ice Centre is the first since the sudden death of club photographer Dave Page.

Meyers told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Emotional is certainly the right word for it.

"I heard Bruce Richardson saying this week that Dave was like a player on the team and that's so true."

Page had been Panthers photographer for seven years and also supplied pictures to the BBC and other media outlets.

Sheffield have agreed to change their traditional away kit to allow Panthers to wear their black shirts as a mark of respect.

Meyers, who returns to the side this weekend after a month out with a dislocated shoulder, added: "We have a great rivalry with Sheffield - we battle for 60 minutes but after there's always a handshake.

"We have a great respect for their team and their organisation and I'm sure they have the same for us.

"What they've done for us by wearing white so we can wear black is a great gesture by the Steelers organisation.

"I've never heard anyone say a bad word about Dave and it's something the players are very emotional about, the staff and also the fans."

Panthers will be joined by Page's widow Sue and 10-year-old son Danny for a pre-game tribute, and supporters will be able to sign a book of remembrance.