The Wendy’s Peterborough Phantoms are delighted to announce the return of defenceman Tom Norton for his 14th season with the club!
Nortz is another who needs absolutely no introduction to the Phantoms fans whatsoever, another stalwart of the line up in the last 15 years.
The 35-year old Nottingham born defenceman began his career in his hometown, before stepping away to play a year with the Milton Keynes Lightning.
Then, ahead of the 2012/13 season, he arrived in Peterborough for the first time. Like many of his teammates at that time, he was an instant hit and impressed fans with his solid defensive displays and ability to contribute offensively and on special teams.
His performances in his first season in Peterborough earned him a full-time spot with the Nottingham Panthers the following year - an opportunity he couldn’t turn down at the time.
But ahead of 2014/15, he made his way back to Peterborough once again and has remained in Phantoms colours ever since. Norton now sits second in the Phantoms’ all-time appearances chart, second in assists and 4th in all-time points with 423 in 568 games.
And he’ll be back once again for a season which should see him surpass James Ferrara as the leading all-time appearance maker for the Wendy’s Peterborough Phantoms!
“Coming back to the Phantoms for my 14th season feels especially significant after the way last year ended. The injury I sustained was tough to take, but it reminded me how much I care about this club and the goals we set as a group. We didn’t get to finish what we started, due to the amount of injuries we dealt with as team through the back of the season and into the playoffs, and that has to be a driving force, for the team, this season coming, as we definitely felt we could have a achieved more. I’m hungry to help push this team toward the standards we know we can reach. The support from the fans and the organisation meant last season was unbelievable, and as always we’re determined to bring more success to the club - Look forward to seeing everyone in September.” Norton said.
Whilst Head Coach, Ashley Tait, said: “Obviously Norts is a long standing member of our existing d corp and adds a wealth of much needed experience.”
Welcome back, Nortz!