Danny Meyers is in his fourth year with the Nottingham Panthers

Nottingham Panthers captain Danny Meyers says team unity will play a big part in their chase for silverware.

Panthers are currently top of the Elite League with six wins from seven matches and lead their Challenge Cup group with a 100% record.

Meyers told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Here in Nottingham we are a tight knit team.

"I hope the fans can join us as well. It's going to take a team effort to be successful and when I say a team effort I mean the fans as well."

But Panthers have been heavily criticised this week for their attitude in Sunday's inaugural 20-20 Hockeyfest competition.

Johan Molin was flown in from Sweden to replace Kevin Bergin who, despite playing the last couple of weeks, has still not fully recovered from an ankle injury.

But coach Corey Neilson chose to rest himself, David Clarke and Ross Dalgleish in their quarter-final, which they lost 6-0 to Coventry, prompting claims of arrogance.

Meyers added: "A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon that we didn't take it seriously, but we had nine imports out there and a team more than capable of winning that tournament.

"If that's how others feel that we are arrogant I couldn't give a monkeys. The people that matter that we listen to in our camp is our coach and the players and supporters.

"For those fans who went all that way and spent £25 on a ticket they obviously didn't get their money's worth.

"Fans paid the ticket money, petrol money and food, my parents went and they weren't best pleased, so I can understand their frustration. For that, on behalf of the team, I issue an apology."

You can now subscribe to BBC Radio Nottingham's Nottingham Panthers podcast for exclusive news and behind-the-scenes access to the players and characters at the club.

This weekly free download is presented by Chris Ellis, published every Thursday during the season and compiled from Panthers Powerplay bulletins on BBC Radio Nottingham.

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