NOTTINGHAM Panthers have continued their signing spree with their third arrival in three working days.

And this time, coach Corey Neilson believes he could have pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the signing of big, multi-award-winning centreman Ian McDonald, 25, straight from the prestigious University of Alberta.

The 6ft 3in Canadian was a power-house for five seasons in the major-junior Western Hockey League for Tri-City Americans before going to uni, studying physical education, and starring for the Golden Bears.

Neilson has certainly done his homework on the player, who completes his forward lines. But though some pundits may believe signing a relatively unknown to the pro ranks may be a risk, the coach doesn't see it that way.

"I have spoken to a lot of people about this guy and got nothing but positive feedback," said Neilson.

"Some great pros have come through the U of A and their coach says among all those, Ian is the most skilled, the best passer, the best shooter and most talented of them all. His reputation is on the line.

"He said he plays like NHL star Joe Thornton – and that'll do me fine. "I don't see this signing as a risk. There is no correlation between good pro resumés and the better players in the UK.

"People had doubts when I brought over Brendan Cook and Jade Galbratih but they were our two leading scorers. Nick Toneys was fantastic that first year he was here."

With Brit Matt Myers returning to the club, Panthers have got a lot of options for next season, even rotating four sets of wingers over shorter shifts.

Neilson added: "Last year we had a good, attacking side but not enough players and subsequently, the pace dropped as games wore on.

"Now it will be a different tempo, 35-second shifts, rolling the lines all night long."