FIXTURE LIST WITH LINKS TO MEMORABLE GAMES

Without doubt Mike Blaisdell got together the strongest squad of players ever to turn out for Panthers. Andre Malo had received an offer he couldn't refuse from Cleveland in the North East, but Chuck Taylor was signed as a replacement. Garth Premak, Paul Adey and Ross Lambert returned. In came Darren Schwartz and proven goal scorer Rick Brebant. The only weakness appeared to be the inexperience in the goaltending department.
Panthers cruised through the qualifying rounds of the Autumn Cup losing only one game in the qualifying group to Steelers, despite outshooting them 64-29, by a 3-6 scoreline. A first leg semi final massacre of Murrayfield Racers, 19-2, and a personal tally of six goals for Simon Hunt, secured a final place at Sheffield Arena. But by this time Darren Schwartz had returned to Canada after being released because his wife couldn't settle in England. Coach Blaisdell, lacing on the skates again offset his release.

Saturday 3rd December 94, B&H Cup, Sheffield Arena

The successes went on and by December Panthers were in 1st position in the league. 
By the turn of the year Panthers sat at the head of the league with 31 points from a possible 34. The first full weekend saw us set a new league record of 20 unbeaten games. 
By the end of January we were three points clear with two games in hand. Although not as fluent as before Christmas we were still grinding out results. In a bruising encounter with Peterborough, with Brebant missing through injury, ref Taggart called 93 mins against Panthers and it was no wonder they ran in seven powerplay markers. Even so Panthers battled back to tie 9-9. Blaisdell being given a gross as he showed his displeasure to Taggart by offering him some liquid refreshment. 
The problems mounted with Ashley Tait suspended and Weber joining Brebant on the injury list. These were then joined by Simon Hunt. 
The pressure began to tell and we lost 13-7 away to Humberside. 
Six games to play with the knowledge that maximum points would give us our first league title since the 50's. 
Meanwhile Steelers were into a thirteen game unbeaten stretch and were turning up the heat. 
A press release dated 13th March threatened to turn the title race into a courtroom battle. Panthers, Steelers, Devils and Racers were deemed guilty of exceeding the wage cap, fined £5,000 and deducted 5 points. The controversy seemed to disrupt the Panthers and the side were suddenly a shadow of the early season team.
Cardiff arrived and promptly handed out a lesson in the basics. Despite leading 3-2 we never looked comfortable and the 4-8 result marked the first home reversal after 27 league and cup games. 
Worse was to follow, losing 5-8 to Racers and as the final weekend arrived we were no longer in control of our own destiny. Steelers, in second slot, came to town and at one stage Panther led 5-2, but by the 40 minute mark it was 5-5. Steelers finally ran out 8-6 winners and the title dream was over.
The play offs started with Panthers in a group with Steelers, Flyers and Hawks. We made a pulsating start with a 4-1 victory over newly crowned league champions Steelers. Although making Wembley the play-offs were a continuation of the end of season disappointments as we went down 7-11 to racers in the semi-final, despite outshooting them 45-28. Panthers inexperience in goal had come home to haunt them.
This had been a season to remember, so near and yet so far.