Heerema has also played at the top level in Austria and Germany

Nottingham Panthers forward Jeff Heerema will make his debut this weekend in Edinburgh.

The 30-year-old Canadian, who was an NHL first-round draft pick, will travel to Scotland as Panthers play back-to-back matches against the Capitals.

Heerema said: "It is good to be here, I am glad for the opportunity. I am looking forward to getting into action.

"It's nice to come to a team that's doing well and I hope to contribute to help win more games."

Panthers will be without four players through suspension following the bench-clearance brawl in Coventry last weekend.

I am really excited right now and glad I can come to help the team Kevin St Pierre

Jade Galbraith and Marc Levers will miss Saturday's encounter but return for Sunday's game, due to their one-match bans.

Alex Penner and Danny Meyers have longer suspensions, although the latter would not be available anyway, due to a dislocated shoulder.

Bench coach David Graham will have to sit in the stands as he serves a three-match ban.

Netminder Kevin St Pierre will make his first appearance after returning to the club as cover for the injured Craig Kowalski.

The French-Canadian, who won the Challenge Cup with the Panthers last season, added: "The last few days have been full of excitement and long travel, but I am really excited right now and glad I can come to help the team."

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