Neilson is preparing for his third season as coach

Nottingham Panthers have announced that Corey Neilson will return next season as player-coach.

Neilson, 33, has been at the club since 2006, but took over as coach from Mike Ellis in the summer of 2008.

The Canadian's re-appointment comes after he won his first silverware this season, the Challenge Cup in March.

Neilson told the club website: "I'm proud to have brought silverware to Nottingham in what everyone agrees was the most competitive season for years."

The Canadian said he had begun to shape his side for next season.

"Already talks are at the advanced stage with several players and there are exciting new faces on the horizon too," he said.

"CVs and resumes are coming in from all directions, but the side we had last season won't need a lot of tweaking either.

"We won a lot of our games at home so the other teams will be gunning for us in our own barn next season, that's a given, but we'll be ready and we will have the guys to cope."

The Panthers missed out on a place in the Elite League play-off final after losing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Belfast Giants on Saturday.

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