First Ice Hockey Star Signs On For Cutting Edge Courses
Date posted: 28 May 2008
A cool partnership between the University of Derby and pro ice hockey team Nottingham Panthers to help players further their education has its first ‘signing’.
Players are being given the opportunity to take up masters degrees at the University, with course options including a Masters (MA) in Strategic Management or MSc in Strategic Sports Management.
The first student player has now been announced – Nottingham Panthers’ latest ‘import’ recruit Nick Toneys, who wants to study business.
The 25-year-old American defenceman is a graduate of Michigan Technological University and St Norbert’s College, USA. He played at Augusta and Phoenix in the East Coast Hockey League last season, and the year before he was at Kalamazoo in the United Hockey League.
The University and Nottingham Panthers deal worth more than £30,000, and announced last Friday (May 23), is seen as a real boost for the sport, helping develop current players into tomorrow’s team and business managers.
In return the University of Derby will receive a package of marketing and promotion opportunities including stadium advertising, involvement in the Panthers’ website and magazine, and the chance to raise its profile among fans.
Its badge will also appear on players’ and fans’ replica shirts as a team sponsor.
Nottingham Panthers Coach Corey Neilson said today: “We can’t underline the importance of deals like the one with the University of Derby enough.
“I said last week when we revealed the new partnership that it would make my life easier when it came to recruitment. There are a lot of players who have turned professional after going through the high class American and Canadian college systems who will jump at the chance to go ‘back to school’ while continuing to play, and so it has proven.”
Peter Allen, Marketing Director at the University of Derby, added: “It is great news that we have our first ‘signing’ and I’m sure Nick will find Derby very friendly and supportive.
“Because Derby is the market leader in Learning Through Work Nick could decide to build his own Masters course, perhaps using his sports experience for his coursework. If he chooses the MSc Strategic Management he can study in person or online to fit his course around his busy lifestyle.”
The masters courses options will be offered to other Nottingham Panthers players in the future.
For further media information please contact the author of this press release, Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.