CHAMPIONSHIP winning coach Corey Neilson was quick to praise the Nottingham Panthers management and his "dedicated" players after clinching a first Elite League title with their 5-3 their victory over rivals Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland last night.
It is Panthers first league title since they reformed in 1980 and their first since Chick Zamick's side won the equivalent competition in 1956.
Neilson said: "The vision started five years ago, to put in not only a winning hockey team but a style of hockey that I felt and Gary (Moran) and Neil (Black) felt could be a championship winning style.
"It took a long time for me to develop but I learned a lot and I had some great help along the way with first Bruce Richardson and then of course Rick Strachan who has been immense lately.
"We grew and developed it and of course I was being backed by Neil all the way for which I am very grateful for.
"This season we've had a fantastic group of players, dedicated, disciplined, courageous who put their hearts and souls on the line every night."
Read more from Neilson and reaction from the players, plus pictures from the game and the after-match celebrations in Monday's Post.