The Nottingham Panthers finalised their roster for 2022-23 by signing forwards Mike Hammond, Brett Welychka, and Stephen Anderson.
The Motorpoint Arena franchise also announced that Garet Hunt will not skate for them this season after “he received a substantial offer from a club in a high-level league.”
For an in-depth analysis of Nottingham’s new-look roster, read British Ice Hockey’s squad review.
Mike Hammond Returns to the Elite League with the Nottingham Panthers:
After three seasons of playing on the continent, Mike Hammond will make his British ice hockey comeback next month.
The 32-year-old centre has previously iced in the Elite League for the Glasgow Clan (2016-17), Manchester Storm (2017-19), ad Coventry Blaze (2021, Elite Series), registering 246 points (89 goals, 157 assists) in 182 appearances.
Born in Brighton, Hammond is classed as a non-homegrown skater under Elite League rules because he played his junior career in Canada. However, he remains an important part of the national team, clocking 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 19 appearances.
Related: Mike Hammond Helps Team GB To Massive Win
“Mike is an exciting addition for us as he’s a proven producer at every single level that he has played at,” said Nottingham head coach Gary Graham.
“Throughout our talks what has impressed me the most is his competitive mindset; he wants to win. He’s played in the league before and he knows the fans and city of Nottingham because of that, he wants to play his part in making this organisation a consistent contender once again.”
Mike Hammond, formerly of the Coventry Blaze (Image: Scott Wiggins)
Excluding his tenure in the Elite League, Hammond’s professional résumé includes time in the ECHL, DEL2, Danish Metal Ligaen, and Oberliga.
He spent 2021-22 in Germany’s third division with the Hannover Scorpions, scoring a remarkable 90 points (30 goals, 60 assists) in 49 regular-season appearances.
Hammond, a playmaker by nature, is set to play a top-six role for the Panthers and will be a key asset on the power play alongside former teammate Luke Ferrara.
Nottingham Panthers Scoop Stephen Anderson for 2022-23:
Stephen Anderson will spend his third season in Europe with the Panthers.
The 27-year-old arrives in Nottingham following successful campaigns in the Danish Metal Ligaen and Slovak Extraliga for the Aalborg Pirates (23 points, 38 games) and DVTK Jegesmedvek (19 points, 24 games).
Before entering the professional ranks, the Canadian enjoyed a stellar career in USports with the University of New Brunswick, registering 130 points (52 goals, 78 assists) in 132 appearances.
Stephen Anderson, formerly of Aalborg Pirates (Image: Metal Ligaen)
He also excelled in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, potting 116 points (55 goals, 61 assists) in 187 games for the Saint John Sea Dogs, Val-d’Or Foreurs, and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
“Stephen is a complete player, the guy can pretty much play up and down your line-up,” Graham said of Anderson’s arrival.
“He comes with great pedigree, having played at the University of New Brunswick with Alex Dubeau and won a number of national CIS championships there… and that means he’s been in those winning locker rooms.
“Being around a winning culture is something I look for in players. He can score, he’s got very good vision, blocks shots, can kill penalties, can play on the powerplay, so what I’m saying is he’s a Swiss army knife who can do a bit of everything.”
Brett Welychka Joins the Nottingham Panthers for 2022-23:
Brett Welychka joins the Panthers from Slovak Extraliga side HC Presov, for whom he recorded 30 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 47 appearances last season.
Before moving to Slovakia, the 28-year-old centre added 52 points (14 goals, 38 assists) in 80 Danish Metal Ligaen appearances with the Rødovre Mighty Bulls and Esbjerg Energy to his résumé.
Brett Welychka, formerly of the Rødovre Mighty Bulls (Image: Daniel Storch)
“Brett is a dynamic player who has a very exciting style of play,” explained Graham.
“He has a high compete level and is a consistent player in all three zones, he will play an important role on our team this year.”
Welychka’s experience also includes time in the American Hockey League, ECHL, USports and Ontario Hockey League.
How many points will Mike Hammond score in 2022-23? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
