Corey Neilson

Corey Neilson, born on August 22, 1976, is a distinguished Canadian-born British former professional ice hockey defenceman and a prominent figure in the sport's coaching realm. His journey began when he was drafted fifty-third overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, leading him to hone his skills in the Ontario Hockey League before turning professional in nineteen ninety-seven.

Neilson's playing career saw him traverse various leagues, including several seasons in the ECHL and a stint in the American Hockey League. In two thousand six, he joined the Nottingham Panthers, where he initially played under coach Mike Ellis. His leadership qualities soon shone through, as he was appointed player-coach in two thousand eight, following a season as assistant player-coach.

During his tenure with the Panthers, Neilson not only played but also guided the team to remarkable successes, including their first league title in fifty-seven years and a grand slam season in two thousand twelve to two thousand thirteen. His contributions were recognized when the club retired his number seventy-seven jersey, making him the fifth player in the club's history to receive this honor. Under his coaching, the Panthers secured six Challenge Cups and four Playoff championships, solidifying his legacy as the most successful coach in the club's history.

After representing Great Britain internationally, Neilson transitioned to coaching roles across Europe, including positions with the Lausitzer Füchse in Germany and HK Poprad in Slovakia. He returned to Nottingham in late two thousand twenty-two and led the team to the playoff semi-finals before departing in April two thousand twenty-three. As of the twenty-three to twenty-four season, he took charge of the DEL2 side Dresdner Eislowen, and in April two thousand twenty-four, he became the head coach of the Glasgow Clan, marking another chapter in his illustrious career.