The Waldeck Peterborough Phantoms are excited to announce the new development partnership with Nottingham Lions NIHL 1.
The new partnership with the Lions will create stepping stones between the NIHL, NIHL 1 & NIHL 2 in order to aid progression of our young players. We want to be able to give our young players the correct ice time to ensure the correct next step is met for them to progress, and we believe that having a stepping stone between the NIHL and the Phantoms NIHL2 will be extremely beneficial.
Our first prospect to be joining the Phantoms on the development partnership is 18-year-old Daniel Martin! Daniel will join the Waldeck Peterborough Phantoms for the 2 week pre-season training camp, alongside Peterborough junior prospects Louie Kynaston, Justin Dennison and Mathew Saville.
Peterborough Phantoms Head Coach, Slava Koulikov commented: “We're thrilled to unveil an exciting new chapter as two great clubs join hands in a landmark Development Partnership. This collaboration marks a beacon of hope and growth for the budding talents in both our organisations.
"In the heart of this partnership lies a profound commitment to nurturing the next generation of ice hockey stars. Together, we pledge to provide our young players with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.
"Our shared vision is to sculpt these talents into the best versions of themselves, setting them on the path to success in the dynamic world of senior hockey.
"Our esteemed coaches are unanimous in their belief that this partnership will offer our players the most natural and optimal chances for progression. With combined expertise, resources, and a shared passion for the game, we're confident that this alliance will prove to be a game-changer, helping our promising talents seamlessly transition from the junior ranks to the senior stage.
"This partnership isn't just about hockey; it's about fostering a sense of camaraderie, dedication, and resilience that will stay with our players for a lifetime.”
Nottingham Lions Head Coach, Matt Bradbury commented: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our developing players to understand what is required and what it takes to take their game to the next level and working closely with the Phantoms is a great step for us to take.
"It was important to link up with a high profile and established team in the National League and the Phantoms ethos and values works perfect for everyone involved.
"Both Slava (Koulikov) and Tom (Norton) have a wealth of experience nationally and internationally and they will definitely be able to provide a balanced hockey education.
"Joining forces with the Phantoms will support a strong vision for the future following in the footsteps of many former Nottingham junior players that currently represent Peterborough and have done in the past.
"We know that the higher demands of the National League will really push the players and hopefully we will reap benefits both on the ice and off the ice as players and coaches sharing ideas and concepts to develop individuals further.
"We have recently met with both Jonathan (Paredes) and Kevin (Moore) to discuss future opportunities for our young players and to continue working closely with the Panthers and the development partnership with the Phantoms really strengthens our player pathway further which is something we are really proud of as a club."
Peterborough Phantoms Academy Head Coach, Jon Kynaston commented: "The transition phase for young players can be difficult, this arrangement adds to the opportunities we can provide for our young players with access to development time across all the hockey tiers on their journey towards full time senior hockey. It will allow players to move both ways between our clubs