Gascon excited by Panthers switch

Nottingham Panthers forward Marty Gascon says he cannot wait to start the season with his new club.

The 28-year-old Canadian is one of four new imports for the club and flies into the country next week.

Gascon told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I'm getting more excited by the day. It looks like it's going to be a good year for the club.

"It's always fun to start a afresh with a new team, especially one looking to win as many championships as we can."

The Panthers begin preparations for the new season with a three-team tournament on the August bank holiday weekend in Humberside. They will be joined by Hull and Dutch side Tilburg.

They then face Sheffield at the National Ice Centre in the Charity Shield on Wednesday, 2 September, with their Elite League opener against Belfast following three days later.

Although a new face to the UK, Gascon is very familiar with many of the Panthers squad.

"I know Kevin Bergin from playing with him in the summer and we grew up playing against each other in junior. I also know Dominic (D'Amour) a little bit," Gascon said.

"I played with Kevin St. Pierre and Bruce Richardson three years ago.

"I grew up two streets away from Bruce and he gave me my first professional chance three years ago when he was assistant player-coach with the Fort Wayne Comets.

"He took care of me like he was my own son. I know the guy he is and I don't know anybody who doesn't like him. Bruce was a big part of my decision and it should be a good time playing with him again.

"I hear Nottingham is a great organisation, so to be part of that is a great chance for me and I'm getting pretty excited to go and do the job."