NOTTINGHAM Panthers will have a battle on their hands – in more ways than one – when they travel to face title rivals Belfast Giants tonight at the Odyssey Arena.

The teams also meet in what could be a second explosive encounter at the National Ice Centre tomorrow (7pm).

But whether any of Corey Neilson's side takes on Giants enforcer Sean McMorrow in the back-to-back games remains to be seen.

By having two British goalies – No.1 Stephen Murphy and back-up Nathan Craze – Belfast have the 'luxury' of ten skating imports.

And they have used one of those slots to sign the league's one true fighter, whose sole role is to intimidate.

Preceding every game, the 6ft 4in Canadian hard-case calls out in the media someone on the opposition side.

But, if Panthers ignore his threats/boasts like they did in their first game, which they won 4-1, McMorrow will have no one to fight and therefore spend most of the game ineffective on the bench.

Kevin Bergin gamely fought him (and lost) in the last two meetings, when Panthers won 6-2 at home and were shut-out 3-0 away.

This time, Panthers latest signing Mario Larocque has been targeted by McMorrow.

But the big French-Canadian says he is more interested in a trophy than fighting.

McMorrow said this week: "I'd welcome another battle with Bergin but I'd love Larocque to step up.

"It would be more interesting for the fans if a new guy like Mario answered my invitation."

To which Larocque responded: "Sean is a good, fun guy. I met him when we were at Buffalo Sabres' training camp.

"He knows what he can bring to his team but my role is not the same.

"I'm not looking for a championship belt – I'm looking for a championship ring. Two points from both games is all we want."

Two seasons ago, McMorrow racked up 527 penalty minutes for the quaintly named Hyacinthe Top Design in the notorious fighting league, Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey.

In 48 games he managed one goal, which says it all about his job on the team.

Panthers coach Neilson is also more interested in nullifying Belfast's two impressive forward lines, with newcomer Jeff Szwez leading the way, rather than the less savoury aspects of the game.

To that end, by looking to attack rather than sitting back and waiting for the counter-attack, Belfast's style suits Panthers.

Neilson said: "They have two strong lines that can give teams problems.

"Their third line is McMorrow, Morrison and someone else. But whether we see much of them, I don't know.

"If we are on our game and take the chances that come our way, we can do a job against them.

"Murphy was outstanding in goal against us the last time we were there.

"We can make it easier for ourselves if we score early, but we have shown in the past we are capable of coming back from behind.

"These two games against Belfast are good tests for us."

Edinburgh have signed former Panthers and Coventry forward Dan Welch and Marc Lefebvre after releasing Chris Allen.