Larocque played for Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL

Nottingham Panthers have added to their roster with the signing of experienced defenceman Mario Larocque.

The 31-year-old has played in the NHL and more recently skated in the top leagues in Austria and Italy.

Player-coach Corey Neilson said: "He is a solid defenceman with good skills and can play as tough as is needed. He's going to help consolidate our season."

No import player has yet been released and Panthers will review the injury situation before making a decision.

Larocque could make his Panthers debut against Sheffield this weekend.

The former NHL first round draft pick is known to several of the current Panthers' squad and played for Fort Wayne in 2006-07, where he scored 27 goals and had 40 assists and 231 penalty minutes in their championship winning season.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have released forward James Ferrara, who they hope to re-sign on a two-way deal with a club in the English Premier League.

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