WITH one swish of a hockey stick, history was made.
Nottingham Panthers completed the treble with a 3-2 overtime victory against Belfast Giants in the Elite League Playoffs Final yesterday.
The win at the National Ice Centre ensured the Panthers claimed their third straight play-off victory and third trophy of the season, having also won their first Elite League title and fourth consecutive Challenge Cup in recent weeks.
The last club to do the treble was Coventry Blaze in 2005.
Panthers fans spoke of their pride and disbelief. For Emma Braisby, 37, of Hucknall, it was the greatest moment of her 33 years as a fan.
She said: "I've been a fan since the club reformed in 1980. This is something I've wanted for so long, it's a dream.
"I was scared and nervous. There were bits when you didn't want to watch, but couldn't take your eyes off the action."
Her friend Lisa Atkin, 42, of Annesley Woodhouse, who has been a fan for 24 years, said: "We were here for the whole play-off weekend and it's been so nerve-racking. I've had butterflies the whole time.
"I was choked up when the third goal went in. It's all our dreams come true."
In the final, Panthers led 2-0 going into the third period of play, before Belfast pegged them back to 2-2.
But a golden goal by skipper Jordan Fox midway through overtime finally settled the match in Panthers' favour.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the arena chanting 'We Are Number One' and 'Lets Go Panthers' while they waited to see the team emerge on to the balcony with their trophies.
Mike Rowe, 24, and Lauren Bilton, 23, of Clifton, celebrated with their two-year-old daughter Amelia.
Mr Rowe said: "It's Amelia's third play-offs and she hasn't seen Panthers lose. We were sitting in the block with all the Belfast fans. It was a great atmosphere.
"Going into the third when we were 2-0 up we were looking good, but they came back and made for a tense final few moments."
Michelle Heslop, 68, of Aspley, watched the game with her son Paul Heslop, 45, of Wollaton, and friend Peter Demkiw, 61, of Bakersfield. She said: "I'm shattered and elated. I cannot believe we have got all three. It's just fantastic.
"The winning goal went in that quick it wasn't until everyone shouted I knew it had gone in."
Mr Heslop added: "The winning goal was unbelievable -– it was a blinder from Fox and went in like a rocket."
Lizzy Morton, 25, and Gareth Davies, 27, of Basford, were also over the moon.
Mr Davies said: "We knew Belfast weren't an easy team to beat and were going to give their all after we'd pipped them to the league. It was edge of the seat stuff."
Miss Morton added: "When the winner went in the arena just exploded. You can't ask for anything more."
