David Clarke has agreed another season with Nottingham Panthers and he has a new role too, joining the coaching team as a Player/Assistant Coach.

The 34-year-old has scored over 350 competitive goals for the Panthers and averaged over a point per game during his time in the Elite League.

Head Coach Corey Neilson said: “This is a sensible and progressive move for both the club and David.

“He has a good hockey head on his shoulders and we’ve valued his input in the past, but it has been put on a more formal footing for the coming campaign.

“Everyone has got to keep an eye on the long term future and this makes a lot of sense.”

Clarke added: “I’m excited and looking forward to a new level of challenge with this great club.

“As in everything it is a team effort both on and off the ice. I believe I can help with a contribution on the coaching front and I also believe I’ve still got a few goals in me too.

“Corey started his coaching career as a player/coach with the Panthers and look at the trophies we’ve picked up under him.

“I can’t wait to get started as we look to build on last season’s double success. The bar will be set very high again and I’m hoping to be able to help the club get over it.

“I’ve played, I’ve been alternate captain and I’ve been captain – now it’s a further progression.

“It is a huge opportunity for me to continue that progress and get involved in the coaching side of things too.

“All coaches, not least Corey, teach you lots of things along the way and I’m sure I’m going to learn even more from him when we are working together on the coaching front for the Panthers.”

(Image permission: Karl Denham)