Panthers have signed ECHL all-star netminder Ryan Bednard for the 2024-25 season.
The 27-year-old joins the Panthers with an impressive career in North America already on his CV, which started with him being picked as an 18-year-old by Florida Panthers in the seventh round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
After three years in college in the NCAA with Bowling Green State University, Florida signed Bednard to a two-year entry-level NHL contract in March 2018.
The USA-born netminder has since had regular spells in the AHL, most recently with Grand Rapids Griffins in 2022-23 and last season with Ontario Reign.
He’s also spent four of the past five seasons with ECHL side Greenville Swamp Rabbits, playing under former Cardiff Devils coach Andrew Lord since 2020-21.
Last season, Bednard set a franchise record in Greenville when he secured his seventh career shutout for the Swamp Rabbits.
Bednard said: “It’s a good move for me. The experience I have from North America I think can translate well over there.
“I am super excited. I have been thinking about a move (away from North America) for a year or two now and it feels good to finally commit to it.
“I think the Elite League has grown a lot and from my connections, more people are talking about it.
“We have a good team already lined-up. Winning is the most important thing and I am looking forward to doing that with the Panthers.
“I have been on YouTube a lot and the Panthers fans look awesome. It looks like the building has some great energy and I can’t wait for it.”
Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: “Ryan is a big and mobile goalie. He has put up great numbers wherever he has been.
“He’s a guy with great experience already and we believe he will give us a chance to win every night he’s in the net.”
