Stojanovič returns to EIHL with Panthers

Photo: Dean Woolley

32-year-old netminder Rok Stojanovič will be back in the Elite League in 2023/24 after Nottingham Panthers confirmed his signing on Thursday afternoon.

The 6'6" goalie played for rivals Sheffield Steelers in 2021/22, initially signed as backup to to Barry Brust. However, as the latter ran into injury problems, Stojanovič's impressive runs in the team saw him become the Steelers' starting goalie for much of the season. He ended with 24 wins in 35 regular season games, stopping 92.5% of points.

"Rok is a great goalie with tremendous recent experience. He was one of the best goalies last season in Poland, backstopping his team to a first-place regular-season finish," said Head Coach Jonathan Paredes.

"During his season in Sheffield he became the starting goalie, leading the team to a second-place finish in the Elite League.

"Rok is a bigger goalie that takes up a lot of net with a very high compete level. It was important to get a goalie that has good experience and also one that knows the UK league. We believe his experience in the Elite League will be a big positive. Rok is a great team-mate and we feel he will be an excellent fit for us."