Neill joins Panthers blue line

Photo: HK Olimpija Ljubljana

Defenseman Carl Neill has joined Nottingham Panthers for the 2023/24 season, the team announced on Friday afternoon.

The 26-year-old began last season in Ljubljana in the ICEHL where he had 24 points in 36 games. With the Green Dragons out of playoff contention early, he ended the season in Schwenningen in the DEL with one goal in 13 starts. 

Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: "Carl moves very well for his size and can bring a lot of offence from the back.

"He is a very smart defenseman and he is a player that we feel is just entering his prime. He's a great addition to this club." 

Neill spent three seasons at Concordia University in USports before making his European debut in Aalborg in 2020. 

"I am really happy to have signed for Nottingham and I want to come here and win," said Neill. "Nottingham has a history of winning and there's a really great set-up there. I hope I can come in and contribute to a great season with a lot of success.

"In Ljubljana I played the offensive side of my game, while in Germany I was more of a defensive guy. 

"I can play on both sides of the puck and consider myself a two-way defenseman. I like to contribute offensively and there's hopefully more of that to come in the future for sure."