O/T Les Strongman dies

[Masson4]

I was sorry today to read of the passing of Les Strongman in Winnipeg. As many will know, Les was a great servant for the Nottingham Panthers in roles as player, coach and committee member and a real Nottingham sporting legend going right back to after the war and the inaugural Panthers line-up in 1946/7. He was also heavily instrument in the club's reformation in 1980 when agreeing to take on the coaching role working with Gary Keward.

I was fortunate enough to watch Les skate a time or two long after his retirement when he was well into his sixties. He had a beautiful, smooth and elegant skating style and laser beam of a shot. His former greatness was clearly evident.

Many might remember his newsagents business which he ran for many years on Lower Parliament Street opposite the old rink. He was well liked and an absolute gentleman.

A few years ago, Les decided to re-emigrate back to his native Canada after many decades in the UK to be near his son and daughter. He leaves us after a good long, productive shift and many, many years of achievement aged 95 years.

God bless, Les.

[Jeekay56]

Panthers have a piece on their website.

https://www.panthers.co.uk/home/190810-les-strongman

[SwalePie]

Very sorry to read this. I went to school with Les' son and watched Panthers with Les a few times. I remember sitting with him at the final and he shed a few tears when we won the cup back in the 1980s.