Biography
The Wendys Peterborough Phantoms are thrilled to announce that defenceman Tom Norton will be back for his 12th consecutive season!
The 34-year-old began his hockey career in his hometown of Nottingham, progressing through the junior system and into the senior set up in Nottingham. He first iced for the Nottingham Lions in 2006/07 and made his Elite League debut for the Nottingham Panthers the following season.
After a year in Milton Keynes in 2011/12, Norton signed in Peterborough for the first time and became an instant hit with the fans by putting on a string of solid defensive displays whilst adding 24 points from the Phantoms’ blue line.
His displays in Peterborough earned him a full-time spot with the Panthers the following year, but he rejoined the Phantoms ahead of the 2014/15 season and has remained ever since.
In his time in Peterborough, he’s won two playoff trophies, multiple cup competitions, featured regularly in the league’s all-star teams and has consistently been the top goal, assist or point scoring defenceman at this level of British hockey.
And he said the following on his return for another year: “As always, signing back with the Phantoms was a no brainer for me! I love everything about the club and I look forward to pulling on the Phantoms shirt each week.
“Obviously this season coming is going to feel very different, with Slava no longer at helm. But we can look back on those 11 seasons with an enormous amount of pride, with everything we achieved and take it forward into the next chapter of Phantoms hockey!” Norton concluded.
He’ll go down as a Phantoms legend when he leaves, but we’re delighted he’ll be back for at least another year!
Welcome back, #2 Tom Norton!