Nottingham Panthers have added a new signing to their roster for tonight’s Elite League clash with Cardiff Devils at the Motorpoint Arena (7.30pm).
Canadian-born British passport holder Tyler VanKleef, a former East Coast League player, makes his debut against Devils after skating with the team in training.
Panthers have John Rheault out injured, while Tim Billingsley is on compassionate leave until the end of the week.
VanKleef, 26, had playing experience with South Caroline Stingrays, Wichita Thunderbolts, Wheeling Nailers and Rapid City Rush, although he only played a total of 18 matches.
The Ontario-born forward played junior hockey in Canada and studied at Curry College, America, scoring 67 points in 102 games.
48 hours… @PanthersIHC vs @cardiffdevils
19:00 Wednesday @FreeSportsUK #EIHLonFreeSports pic.twitter.com/sRbXmegTCo
— Aaron Murphy 🎙 (@MurphOnIce) September 24, 2018
“Tyler has shown us in training he can skate and shoot, but there’s only one real way to see if a guy is up to the grade and that’s to test him in a game situation,” says Panthers coach Rich Chernomaz.
“With a couple of guys missing I’m pleased to get the nod to try him out properly and who knows, it might just work out for him and the club.
“He’s on the doorstep so why not give it a go and test his hockey IQ?”
The Panthers v Devils match is being televised live on FreeSports with former Panthers and Belfast Giants coach Paul Adey on the commentary team.
Nottingham will be out for revenge after losing 3-2 in Cardiff, who have won their first four domestic matches this season.
“It’s a big game for both teams, however you look at it,” said Adey. “The Panthers will be pretty hungry.
“Cardiff earned the win against Panthers at home and Nottingham know they have to come back with a big win at home to keep pace with the Devils.”
Charles Linglet, who played 330 plus KHL games, Mike Hedden (150-plus DEL matches), Stephen Dixon (180-plus Finnish Liiga appearances) and Ben Blood (140-plus Finnish fixtures) are the new recruits for 2018-19, while Devils are taking their time to find the right calibre of defenceman.
Versatile Josh Batch has been a huge success on the blue line this season, but Lord would love to add one more top end import.
“Devils have a lot of experience and always believe they have a chance in every game,” said Adel.
“Andrew Lord keeps improving this team every year and that’s down to good recruiting. It’s up to the other teams to keep pace with the Devils.”
Panthers have a new head coach in Chernomaz, who brought in 11 new players for this season including returning fans favourite Gui Lepine. He won seven trophies in his previous three season spell with the Panthers from 2010 to 2013 and has been appointed Panthers captain.
The other new signings are Justin Kovacs, Tommy Hughes, Alexander Guptill, Jon Rheault, Dylan Olsen, Kevin Henderson, Jaynen Rissling, Jacob Doty, Mark Hurtubise and Tyler Biggs.
Canadian contreman Hurtubise tops the EIHL point scoring charts with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in seven domestic games, including three powerplay strikes.
Matt Pope leads Cardiff’s scoring on nine points (two goals, seven assists) in four matches.
FreeSports is currently available via Freeview (95), Sky (422), Virgin (553) FreeSat (252), TalkTalk (95), BT Vision (95) and online via TVPlayer.
For more information, visit www.freesports.tv
The next home fixture for Devils is against Glasgow Clan at Ice Arena Wales on Sunday (6pm).
Devils home tickets: CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE or CALL 0800 0842 666 to book
CLICK HERE to be redirected to the Cardiff Devils full fixtures list.
Remaining Devils fixtures in September
Wednesday 26: Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils (7.30pm, EL)
Saturday 29: Guildford Flames v Cardiff Devils (6pm, CC)
Sunday 30: Cardiff Devils v Glasgow Clan (6pm, EL)