Woolhouse first joined Panthers in summer 2003

Nottingham Panthers forward Bruce Richardson has hailed the recent displays by netminder Geoff Woolhouse.

The 25-year-old has started the last three matches and in each game was awarded the man-of-the-match award.

Richardson told BBC Radio Nottingham: "He has done a tremendous job, he wants to prove that he's capable of playing in this league."

Panthers, who cannot catch leaders Coventry, end the regular season by playing Sheffield and Newcastle.

Coventry's 6-1 thrashing of Edinburgh on Thursday night saw them move four points clear of the Panthers, and they are unable to be caught by Corey Neilson's men due to their superior amount of wins.

He wants to prove he belongs at this level and hopefully he can keep going Bruce Richardson on netminder Geoff Woolhouse

Belfast Giants are now the only side able to stop the Blaze from winning the Elite League title for the fourth time in its seven-year history.

Panthers round off their regular season with trips to Sheffield on Saturday and Newcastle on Sunday, and Woolhouse will continue in goal as Kevin St Pierre recovers from injury.

The netminder, who previously spent six years as back-up at the Panthers, began the season at English Premier League side, Swindon Wildcats.

"He has been doing pretty good ," added Richardson. "He wants to prove he belongs at this level and hopefully he can keep going."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version