Lachowicz is a product of the Nottingham junior system
Nottingham Panthers forward Robert Lachowicz says he is enjoying the extra responsibility he has been given by coach Corey Neilson this season.
The 20-year-old has scored three goals and added 11 assists since his return from EPL side Manchester Phoenix.
Lachowicz told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I have been working hard and I do see it as a kind of reward.
"Corey [Neilson] can see I have been working hard and he has rewarded me with extra ice-time."
Panthers, who play back-to-back matches against Sheffield Steelers over Christmas, were without a game last weekend as bad weather hampered their travel to Cardiff and Belfast's trip to the National Ice Centre.
I prefer to play on the bigger rinks and get a little more time
Nottingham's last action came the previous weekend in a double-header in Scotland against Edinburgh Capitals and Lachowicz put in two of his best performances of the season.
The former Great Britain Under-20 international scored in the first game as Edinburgh took the honours in a 5-4 victory - and he then added a goal and two assists the next night as Panthers romped to an 11-5 win.
"It was good to get a couple of goals and a few assists," Lachowicz added.
"I prefer to play on the bigger rinks and get a little more time [on the puck]."