Myers scored 44 goals in 288 games for the Panthers

Nottingham Panthers have released forward Matthew Myers from his contract to join Bakersfield of the East Coast Hockey League in the United States.

The Great Britain forward, who signed a new deal in May, has been at the Panthers for five seasons scoring 44 goals and contributing 98 assists.

But Myers told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It was an offer I couldn't refuse.

"Not many British players get the chance to live and work in California. I didn't think I should turn it down."

He added: "It was a very, very difficult decision to make - it was a long process.

"I'm bitterly disappointed to leave Nottingham as I have had five good years here but this is not the sort of offer which comes along very often would have been silly not to take it.

"In the future, I'll be back in Europe, I hope, and Great Britain.

"Hopefully this year, I'll start the season in Nottingham as hockey in North America does not start until October."

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