Meyers led Panthers to Challenge Cup victory last season

Nottingham Panthers booked their place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals for the eighth time in 10 years with a 3-3 draw against Cardiff on Wednesday.

Jade Galbraith, David-Alexandre Beauregard and Jeff Heerema helped Panthers come from 2-0 down and they now face Newcastle in the final four.

Craig Weller's late goal ensured Cardiff go through in second place.

Captain Danny Meyers told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I am proud of all my team-mates, they were outstanding."

He added: "Every guy put in a great performance, everyone should be proud."

Cardiff's late leveller with 30 seconds remaining knocked Sheffield out of the competition in third place and the Devils will now play Belfast Giants in their semi-final.

The new line of Beaurehard, Tkaczuk and Heerema was excellent and created many chances Panthers captain Danny Meyers

"Saturday's result [a 7-2 defeat in Belfast] was not good enough but this was," added Meyers.

"It's kind of a strange feeling conceded a goal in the last 30 seconds. It was a great result to come here and get a tie but we came for the win, so in a way it was disappointing."

Panthers sprung a surprise and handed a debut to new signing Daniel Tkaczuk, who only arrived in the country on Wednesday morning.

The 31-year-old NHL first-round draft pick played on a line with Beauregard, Heerema and Meyers.

"The new line of Beaurehard, Tkaczuk and Heerema was excellent and created many chances," Meyers added.

"Daniel is a massive boost for us, he has played at a very high level and once he gets to know his team-mates I am sure we will see more and more of him."

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