The Nottingham Panthers have secured the services of Ryan Bednard, an ECHL all-star goaltender, for the 2024-25 season. At 27 years old, Bednard arrives with a notable track record in North American hockey. His professional journey began when the Florida Panthers selected him in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Draft, when he was just 18.
Bednard’s career includes three years at Bowling Green State University in the NCAA before Florida signed him to a two-year entry-level NHL contract in March 2018. Since then, Bednard has seen considerable action in the AHL, including recent stints with the Grand Rapids Griffins during the 2022-23 season and the Ontario Reign last season. Additionally, he has spent four of the past five seasons with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits, where he has been under the guidance of former Cardiff Devils coach Andrew Lord since the 2020-21 season.
In the previous season, Bednard made a significant mark by setting a franchise record with his seventh career shutout for the Swamp Rabbits. Reflecting on his new opportunity, Bednard expressed enthusiasm about his move to the Panthers. He believes that his experience in North America will be beneficial in the UK and is excited about the chance to transition to a new league. Bednard mentioned that he had been contemplating a move away from North America for a couple of years and feels that the timing is right. He also noted the growing reputation of the Elite League and is looking forward to contributing to a team he feels is already well-prepared. He praised the energetic atmosphere of the Panthers’ fan base and is eager to experience it firsthand.
Panthers Head Coach Danny Stewart also shared his optimism about Bednard, describing him as a sizable and agile goalie with a proven track record. Stewart believes that Bednard’s extensive experience and strong performance metrics will significantly enhance the team’s chances of success in each game he plays.
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