Fossier hat-trick makes it a perfect weekend as Panthers go clear at top

NOTTINGHAM Panthers went three points clear at the top of the Elite League with a 4-1 victory over Fife Flyers in Kirkcaldy.

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Mitch Fossier scored a hat-trick and David Noël chipped in with trademark bullet of a shot as Panthers secured a four-point weekend.

Panthers were without Ollie Betteridge and Finlay Ulrick who are on international duty with Great Britain.

Kevin Carr started between the pipes with Luca Sheldon as backup, while Nolan Volcan was the healthy scratch.

Clear-cut chances in the first period were limited with Fossier, Bryan Lemos and Chase Pearson going closest for the Panthers.

At the other end, Carr made good saves to deny Garet Hunt and Ethan Somoza.

Panthers went ahead in unusual circumstances when Zsombor Garát stick broke and his mishit shot fell to Tim Doherty who found Fossier in the slot to beat Shane Owen (23:23). Carr made a superb stop to deny Fife forward Ethan Somoza from close-range before Ross Armour setup Fossier who put away his own rebound for his second of the night (36:22).