Adey returns for Panthers

Ice hockey

Paul Adey has given Nottingham Panthers a fillip before their Benson & Hedges Cup final with Ayr Scottish Eagles tomorrow. The forward has been cleared to return to the side after recovering from a broken hand sustained when on duty for Great Britain last month.

In the absence of the Canadian-born 33-year-old, Panthers have slumped to one off the bottom of the Superleague after six successive defeats.

"I could have played Paul against Sheffield on Tuesday, but kept him back to ensure he is 100 per cent fit," the Panthers coach, Mike Blaisdell, said. "He is very important to us."

The defenceman Darrly Olsen and the forward duo of Simon Hunt and Randall Weber will also be back, although Marc Twaite is expected to miss the game with a groin problem.

Ayr say that they have authorisation from the Superleague chairman, David Temme, allowing Ryan Kummu to play even though he is currently banned for fighting.