Ross Venus has called time on one of the most accomplished careers British ice hockey has seen, retiring from the game after a career in the Elite League and National League which was a beacon of skill, dedication and longevity.
An iron-man in sky blue
Born in Solihull on 28 April 1994 and raised in the Coventry Blaze academy, Venus made his Elite League debut in 2010-11 and never looked back. On 5 February 2023 he became only the 20th—and 10th active—player to reach 700 EIHL appearances, securing his place among the league’s greats. By the time he left Coventry, he had logged 660 games, 73 goals and 142 assists (215 points) in Blaze colours—the third-highest games tally in club history.
A Lightning bolt of offence
Switching from Blaze blue to Milton Keynes Lightning in 2023 proved there were still higher gears to find. Venus exploded for 103 points (31 G, 72 A) in just 47 games during the 2023-24 NIHL season—the most prolific campaign of his professional life and a playmaking masterclass for MK.Â
Last season he followed up with 80 points (32 G, 48 A) in 53 league fixtures, his knack for timely, game-changing goals proving decisive time and again. Fittingly, his final MK appearance came back at the Skydome in Coventry, where two goals and four points over Finals Weekend helped Lightning capture the 2025 play-off crown.
Flying the flag
Internationally, Venus first represented Great Britain at under-18 and under-20 level between 2011 and 2013, racking up 14 points before making his senior debut in 2015-16. He went on to earn 13 senior caps in official IIHF competitions, bringing the same industry and poise to the national side that he displayed nightly in domestic play.
Farewell and thanks
From his first strides at the Skydome to his last, fitting farewell in MK colours, Ross Venus has embodied commitment, class and quiet excellence. Across 700-plus elite-league appearances, two electric seasons with Lightning, and proud service in a GB jersey, he continually found new ways to inspire team-mates and thrill supporters.Â
The statistics sparkle, yet it is his composure under pressure, super-professionalism and the benchmark he set for home-grown talent that will resonate longest. Coventry, Milton Keynes and British hockey as a whole are richer for the journey we were fortunate to share.
Enjoy the next chapter, Ross—and from everyone whose weekend you made brighter, thank you.
