St Pierre helped the Panthers win the Challenge Cup

Former Nottingham Panthers netminder Kevin St Pierre says his season at the National Ice Centre was one of the best years of his ice hockey career.

St Pierre, who helped Panthers win the Challenge Cup, had agreed to return to the club but has decided to retire.

He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I have got to admit it was probably the toughest decision of my life.

"I am going to miss Nottingham, I have great friends there. It is one of the best seasons I will always remember."

Panthers won the Challenge Cup last season, finished third in the Elite League and reached the semi-finals of the play-offs, before losing on penalty shots to Belfast.

"The biggest reason to retire was so I could be around my family a lot more," added the French-Canadian netminder.

"I figure now's the time, I've played for 15 years and had a great career.

"I will miss the city, the people and the fans.

"Of all the teams I have played for, the Panthers fans are the most dedicated to the hockey team and I really appreciated that.

"It is fun to play for a team where every game matters and I think I did the best I could."

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