Panthers: Myers faces up to challenge in the States

USA-bound Matthew Myers is under no illusions what to expect when he links up with his new Bakersfield Condor team-mates in October.

The 24-year-old Cardiff-born forward is fulfilling a lifetime ambition to play in North America after being signed by the California-based ECHL club to end his five year-stint with Nottingham Panthers.

He'd already agreed to return to Panthers for a sixth season, although the club was fully aware of his ambitions when he signed.

Myers also revealed he's even taken a big pay cut to see if he can make an impression in the North American minor leagues.

But there will be plenty of players out there trying him out to see if he is another 'European softy'.

He said: "I'm going to be tested, that's for sure.

"There are a lot of players with big ambitions and won't like a British guy taking their job.

"I had a few fighting lessons with Bergy (Kevin Bergin) last season and hopefully have a few more when he returns in August.

"But all this building work I'm doing with Mysey (Danny Meyers) will keep me in trim.

"I'll just have to make sure I keep my head up.

"Until I get there, I won't know where I'll be playing – at centre or on the wing.

"But it doesn't really matter where I find my place on the team as long as it's not stick-boy."

Until January of this year, Myers had played part-time, balancing first his university course and then his job as a surveyor.

The BSc graduate of Nottingham Trent University and Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, gave up his job with Nottingham firm King Sturge on New Year's Eve.

So the next season will be his first as a full-time pro.

Until two weeks ago, he thought that was again going to be with Panthers.

But his emails to all the teams in the ECHL and Central Hockey League finally paid off.

He said: "I sat down with my girlfriend Nyree at the end of the season and we emailed all the 'AA' teams in North America.

"A couple of CHL teams showed an interest but nothing came of it for one reason or another.

"Then just a couple of weeks ago, Bakersfield got in touch and it's all moved so quickly since.

"Money was never the most important reason for me going.

"In fact I've taken a big pay-cut just to get out there for the experience and a chance to prove myself.

"All the players live in the same apartment complex, which comes with the job, so that will be a big help financially, especially as Nyree won't be able to work.

"To be honest, it's a nervy time for us both, not knowing what to expect.

"But I'm really excited and looking forward to my first full season as a pro.

"I missed out on a lot of hockey over the last five seasons with university and work.

"My development was slower than I would have liked, but I think I came on leaps and bounds from January when I gave up my surveyor's job.

"Being able to practice full-time made a huge difference and I am very grateful for the extra work that Corey (Neilson) and Bruce (Richardson) helped me with after training.

"All that additional skating and shooting paid off and I was able to put up some good numbers on the line with Jade Galbraith and Brendan Cook.

"If I hadn't been injured it would have been even better."

In fact, out of his 45 points from 51 games last season, 21 of those points (seven goals, 14 assists) came via Myers' 18 games from the new year onwards.

He added: "It was my best season points-wise, so that says something for being full-time.

"But as well as Corey and Bruce, I have a lot of people to thank for helping me along the way.

"Not least Paul Adey, who first brought me to Nottingham and gave me my chance.

"He also put in a good word for me with Bakersfield coach Marty Raymond, as did GB junior coach and ex-Murrayfield man Roger Hunt."

Myers also thanked the Panthers fans for their messages of good luck after the bombshell of his decision to leave the club.

"I've heard nothing but support from the Panthers fans and that means a lot to me," said Myers.

"It's a wonderfully opportunity that might not come about again, so I had to grab it with both hands.

"I'm glad the fans understand that. They've been very good to me and have always made me feel very welcome.

"It might not work out in the USA and I will have to come back home.

"But I will give it my best shot and at least I can say I've tried.

"And before I go, if I could play one last game against Sheffield (in the Charity Shield), I'd be very happy."