Nottingham Panthers celebrate victory at the 2026 IIHF Continental Cup
photo: Karl Denham / Panthers Images
As Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena erupted in celebrations after the Panthers lifted the 2026 IIHF Continental Cup on Saturday, Ollie Betteridge’s thoughts turned back to 2017 and a trip to Italy.
That was when the Panthers became the first British team to win the Continental Cup. The same year, Team GB began its rise from the doldrums of Division IB to a return to the IIHF World Championship for the first time since 1994.
Betteridge, now 30, played his part in Ritten and has represented his country with distinction – most recently contributing to a promotion-winning campaign in Division IA to return to the Elite in Zurich this coming May.
With hindsight, Panthers’ Continental Cup win feels like something of a breakthrough moment – and the start of a new era.
“British hockey in general is something pretty special now,” Betteridge said. “Hopefully we can carry that on and keep showing how good the UK is, whether that’s the Elite League or the national team.”
That was when the Panthers became the first British team to win the Continental Cup. The same year, Team GB began its rise from the doldrums of Division IB to a return to the IIHF World Championship for the first time since 1994.
Betteridge, now 30, played his part in Ritten and has represented his country with distinction – most recently contributing to a promotion-winning campaign in Division IA to return to the Elite in Zurich this coming May.
With hindsight, Panthers’ Continental Cup win feels like something of a breakthrough moment – and the start of a new era.
“British hockey in general is something pretty special now,” Betteridge said. “Hopefully we can carry that on and keep showing how good the UK is, whether that’s the Elite League or the national team.”
Nottingham Panthers pose after winning the 2026 IIHF Continental Cup Final
photo: Karl Denham / Panthers Images
If the first win in 2017 was a big moment for a 21-year-old forward, a repeat in 2026 was even more special for an experienced member of the leadership group. Betteridge carried his young son around the arena on the Panthers’ lap of honour, making memories that will last a lifetime.
“It’s hard to put that into words,” he said. “To be able to do it on home ice with this fans, I’m always going to cherish this.
“It was great when we managed to win it nine years ago but it’s pretty special to repeat it here in Nottingham. The fans were so loud all week, they were incredible, and then to have my family here, my little boy on the ice with me now. It’s definitely one to remember.”
Nine years is a long time in hockey. A new generation of Panthers has replaced the 2017 champions. For many, this was a first experience of the Continental Cup – and the international tournament made a big impression.
Chase Pearson, who played three NHL games for the Red Wings 2021-22, was one of many North American imports relishing the atmosphere of European competition.
“This is the best I’ve heard our fan section all year, the drums and chants kept going all game,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll hear it for the rest of our season.”
Goalie Kevin Carr, who played 118:29 before allowing the first goal scored on the Panthers in the competition late in the third period of the gold medal game, was at the 2020 Continental Cup. This time was even more fun.
“It’s an amazing experience,” he said. “The fans were incredible, bringing energy every night. It didn’t matter what the game was, they were there. That was a lot of fun to be a part of.
“And everyone saw some great hockey. There are great players all around the world and this really showcases it. That’s what’s so good about our sport and this tournament.”
The party continued late into the Nottingham night. In the Salt Box bar adjacent to the arena, players, coaches, management and even the club’s media team were called onto stage and hailed by a raucous crowd of fans.
The energy is exciting – and there could be much more to come. The Panthers are second in the Elite League standings, just one point behind defending champion Belfast Giants. Next month brings a Challenge Cup semi-final against local rival Sheffield Steelers, and in April the team defends the playoff title it won last year.
Bryan Lemos, a goalscorer in Saturday’s win over Torpedo, is determined to make sure the Conti Cup is just the start.
“It’s our first time as a group raising a nice trophy,” he said. “It’s a great feeling and we want more of it.
“We’re up there in the race, we’re close to the top and we’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing.”
And while Betteridge was enjoying the moment, he is already determined to ensure there is more to come.
“We need to keep up this form,” he said. “We’ll celebrate with our fans and our families but then get back to work in the next couple of days.”
“It’s hard to put that into words,” he said. “To be able to do it on home ice with this fans, I’m always going to cherish this.
“It was great when we managed to win it nine years ago but it’s pretty special to repeat it here in Nottingham. The fans were so loud all week, they were incredible, and then to have my family here, my little boy on the ice with me now. It’s definitely one to remember.”
Nine years is a long time in hockey. A new generation of Panthers has replaced the 2017 champions. For many, this was a first experience of the Continental Cup – and the international tournament made a big impression.
Chase Pearson, who played three NHL games for the Red Wings 2021-22, was one of many North American imports relishing the atmosphere of European competition.
“This is the best I’ve heard our fan section all year, the drums and chants kept going all game,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll hear it for the rest of our season.”
Goalie Kevin Carr, who played 118:29 before allowing the first goal scored on the Panthers in the competition late in the third period of the gold medal game, was at the 2020 Continental Cup. This time was even more fun.
“It’s an amazing experience,” he said. “The fans were incredible, bringing energy every night. It didn’t matter what the game was, they were there. That was a lot of fun to be a part of.
“And everyone saw some great hockey. There are great players all around the world and this really showcases it. That’s what’s so good about our sport and this tournament.”
The party continued late into the Nottingham night. In the Salt Box bar adjacent to the arena, players, coaches, management and even the club’s media team were called onto stage and hailed by a raucous crowd of fans.
The energy is exciting – and there could be much more to come. The Panthers are second in the Elite League standings, just one point behind defending champion Belfast Giants. Next month brings a Challenge Cup semi-final against local rival Sheffield Steelers, and in April the team defends the playoff title it won last year.
Bryan Lemos, a goalscorer in Saturday’s win over Torpedo, is determined to make sure the Conti Cup is just the start.
“It’s our first time as a group raising a nice trophy,” he said. “It’s a great feeling and we want more of it.
“We’re up there in the race, we’re close to the top and we’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing.”
And while Betteridge was enjoying the moment, he is already determined to ensure there is more to come.
“We need to keep up this form,” he said. “We’ll celebrate with our fans and our families but then get back to work in the next couple of days.”