Panthers add Huhtamaa ahead of transfer deadline

Photo: James Assinder

Nottingham Panthers have signed Finnish goalie Jere Huhtamaa to bolster their goaltending options ahead of the transfer deadline.

Huhtamaa played four games for Sheffield Steelers earlier this season before being released on deadline day.

"We have now made the maximum number of signings we were allowed to do under the EIHL rules. In what was an extremely thin player market, we are delighted with the additions we were able to make during the season," said Panthers CEO Omar Pacha.

"Rok, Jason, Mitch and Zsombor have all made a big contribution to our season so far and we hope Jere will be able to do so in his time here at the Panthers. The club have actively been looking to sign an extra skater following the departure of Adam Berg.

"However, when Hunter Vorva left in November and the club signed Jason Grande, this left us with just one signing available for the remainder of the season, which meant we had to take a more cautious approach. When Ryan Bednard suffered an injury at the start of 2025, it was an injury that was especially hard - and still is - to put a specific timeline on. We initially had hoped Ryan would return by the beginning of February, enabling us to sign another skater.

"But with Ryan not fully recovered and the signing deadline approaching, the club required another goaltender. This was especially important with Ryan not expected to return within the next couple of weeks and with the large number of crucial games we have remaining.

"With Ryan this close to a return, it was best to avoid putting him on IR which would have eliminated the option of him coming back for the regular season. Jere is a big goalie who has played in one of the best leagues in the world. He is excited to be coming to Nottingham and being part of the Panthers."