Panthers confirm Paredes as Head Coach

Photo: Ligue Magnus

Nottingham Panthers have confirmed the appointment of Jonathan Paredes as Head Coach for the 2023/24 season.

The 42-year-old Frenchman joins the Panthers from Cergy-Pontoise who play in the Ligue Magnus. Paredes, who has also worked in the France national team junior programme, led Cergy-Pontoise from the second tier to the top flight in 2019-2020. He has twice taken Cergy-Pontoise to the Semi-Finals of the French playoffs and was named Ligue Magnus Coach of the Year in 2021/22.

Panthers CEO, Omar Pacha, said: “Jonathan is one of the hottest coaches in demand at the moment and we are very excited to have secured his signature.

“I interviewed many coaches for this position, including some more experienced guys with highly-extensive resumes and overall Jonathan was the standout candidate and my number one choice.

"I spoke to dozens of coaches, players and even former players of this club about Jonathan and the feedback was highly positive. What stood out was not only how highly regarded Jonathan is by his former players, but how well they thought he would adapt to the Elite League.

“He has an incredible work ethic and demands a lot of his players but it is clear how respected he is. He is a coach that wants to play fast and score that extra goal.

"Jonathan is a coach on an upward trend in his career and I feel that his style of coaching will be a great fit for this organisation and league.

“We will surround Jonathan with the right people to help him behind the bench, so that he has all the tools to achieve success with the Nottingham Panthers.

“After a disappointing 22-23 season, the time for talking is done. I am extremely excited for the season ahead with Jonathan behind the bench and we will be doing our talking on the ice come September.

Parades added: “It is a big honour to join this great organisation. Many of my former players have told me great things about the club.

“I want my team to have speed but I also want a team that is hard to play against and has a strong work ethic.

“I love players who play with passion. I love working with players but I expect a lot and I will ask a lot from them. We have to play with passion, we have to practice with passion and I have to coach with passion.

“This is a league where every game is a game seven playoff game and that excites me. I am already excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get to Nottingham and get things started."