Neilson helps celebrate Molin's winner in the Swede's last match at the NIC

Popular Swedish forward Johan Molin returns to the Nottingham Panthers line-up this weekend for back-to-back matches in the Elite League.

On Saturday Panthers travel to Whitley Bay to face Newcastle and on Sunday they host Hull Stingrays at the NIC.

Coach Corey Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Everyone loves Johan in the dressing room and it is great to have him back in the line-up.

"He brings so much on and off the ice and we're excited to have him back."

Molin replaces Kevin Bergin in the line-up with the French-Canadian suffering from a foot injury. The severity of Bergin's injury is unclear but he could be out of action for up to a month.

It will be small-rink hockey but we have some great size to our team and we are excited about the challenge Corey Neilson on Whitley Bay ice-rink

Molin spent two years with the Panthers but opted out of the chance to return for a third season, to stay with his family in Sweden.

He was drafted into the line-up earlier on in the season and scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Coventry back in September.

Saturday's opponents Newcastle have now relocated to play out of Whitley Bay, with Newcastle Arena being unavailable.

"I went there for my son's hockey game and there was no lines on the ice and I think we are in for an adventure," added Neilson.

"It will be small-rink hockey but we have some great size to our team and we are excited about the challenge."

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.

For further details see:

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version