Panthers’ play-off title win made for a glorious end to Danny Stewart’s first season in charge of the club.
He had Nottingham in contention for the league title going into the final weekend of the regular season before finishing third, and had taken the club to the Challenge Cup semi-finals earlier in the season.
It was all enough to earn the former Coventry Blaze boss a new contract on the eve of the play-off series.
What followed from there was a scintillating 8-6 aggregate victory against Guildford Flames in the quarter-finals – secured with a 6-3 second-leg win at home – before getting past fierce rivals Sheffield Steelers via an overtime semi-final win, sealed with a goal from retiring captain Sam Herr.
“There were a lot highs and lows like I’d never seen before,” said Stewart of the way Panthers went on to clinch the trophy.
“Before the weekend that is what we talked about, just riding the highs and lows.
“It’s easier said than done, but credit to the guys for going out there and doing it.”
