Ice Hockey UK are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gary Moran and our thoughts are with his family.

Gary had been involved in the sport since the mid-1980s, starting as a radio reporter covering the Nottingham Panthers for Radio Trent.

He first got involved with the Panthers as Marketing Manager before taking over as GM in the late 1990s and oversaw the transformation of the franchise from a rink-based club to an arena team when they moved to the National Ice Centre ahead of the 2000-2001 season.

IHUK General Secretary, Andy French, said: “Our thoughts are with his wife Audrey and all the Moran family at this difficult time.

“I have known Gary for over 30 years and he was the heart and soul of the Panthers for much of that time.

“He was at the forefront of Panthers’ transformation to the arena from the old small rink in Nottingham – and oversaw a huge growth in attendances.

“He has been part of UK ice hockey for as long as I can remember and the sport will be sadder place without him.”