Nottingham Panthers have terminated the contract of defenceman Jonathan Zion, less than 48 hours after allowing forward Ian McDonald to be released.

Zion, 29, was a high-profile signing in the summer from arch-rivals Sheffield.

Meanwhile McDonald, 25, asked to be released from his contract after being frustrated at a lack of ice time.

A statement on the club website said: "Performances haven't gone as everyone would have liked and it was felt a shake-up was needed."

Panthers are searching for a replacement for Zion before the signing deadline at the end of January.

The statement continued: "We are confident that there is enough talent on the roster to do well.

"With the right attitude, the players can bring the pride and passion that is shared behind the scenes by the management and by the magnificent fans in the stands on to the ice.

"That message was hammered home to the players this week."

Panthers host Newcastle on Sunday at the National Ice Centre (1700 GMT) in the second leg of the Challenge Cup, which also doubles as a league game.

Newcastle hold a 4-3 lead from the first leg in Whitley Bay on Wednesday.

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