Richardson played alongside Neilson in Louisiana

Nottingham Panthers coach Corey Neilson has hailed the role played by assistant Bruce Richardson in helping the club reach the play-off finals weekend.

Panthers face Coventry in Saturday's semi-final after beating Manchester last weekend over two legs.

Fellow Canadian Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Tactically he's been immense for me this week.

"He works so hard as my co-coach and I can't thank him enough for our team's success so far."

The pair first played together nine years ago in Louisiana in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in the United States.

Bruce does everything - he blocks shots, he's good on the penalty kill and he leads by example Corey Neilson

That side also included Panthers centreman Dan Tessier and former player Briane Thompson.

Neilson added: "Bruce does everything - he blocks shots, he's good on the penalty kill and he leads by example."

Richardson, 31, has played all over North America and also had a spell in Germany.

He has played over 300 games in the American Hockey League, as well as scoring regularly in the ECHL and United Hockey League.

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