Canadian forward Chase Pearson, 27, has signed a one-year contract with the Nottingham Panthers, the EIHL club announced on Tuesday.

“I’m excited for the challenge and it’s going to be a new experience for me,” said Pearson. “I’m going to get an education and play hockey at a high level.”

Indeed, what drew Pearson to the club was the Panthers’ partnership with Nottingham Trent University. Pearson previously played and studied for three years at the University of Maine and presumably left without completing his bachelor’s degree. Two of his former Maine teammates, Mitch Fossier and Tim Dougherty, are already under contract with the team.

“I talked to Mitch about coming to Nottingham and he said it’s one of the craziest atmospheres he’s ever played in and the fanbase is behind the team the whole time,” said Pearson. “That’s another big reason for me coming. I want to play in a fun atmosphere in front of fanbase that is passionate about the game.”

“Chase’s pedigree speaks for itself,” said Panthers coach Danny Stewart. “He’s a big center that can play all situations. He’s a great player on both sides of the puck and very difficult to handle for opposing players.”

The son of former NHLer Scott Pearson, Chase was born in Cornwall, Ont. and was drafted in the fifth round, 140th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Between 2019 and 2023, he played primarily for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins but 2021-22 played three NHL games for Detroit, failing to record any points or penalty minutes.

In the past two seasons, Pearson has played in Slovakia for Dukla Michalovce and in Austria for Villacher EV.

Photo © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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