Neilson led Panthers to Challenge Cup success last season

Player coach Corey Neilson led Nottingham Panthers into their second successive Challenge Cup final with a 15-0 thrashing of Newcastle Vipers.

There were hat-tricks for Jeff Heerema and Billy Ryan and two for Rob Bellamy, Jade Galbraith and Daniel Tkaczuk.

David Clarke, Guy Lepine and Neilson were also on target, as Panthers turned around a 4-3 first-leg deficit.

"We wanted to play hard and we needed to make a statement," Neilson told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We had to get our identity back and when we play with that much heart we are a good team."

The game doubled up as a league encounter and Panthers remain fourth in the Elite League.

Nottingham booked their place in the final for the second successive season and will now face either Cardiff or Belfast.

Panthers are the reigning champions after beating Cardiff in last year's final.

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