Lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce that three of the club’s new additions for the 2026/27 NIHL National Division season, Mack Stewart, Carter Hamill and defenceman Kell Beattie, will play under two-way deals with the Belfast Giants of the EIHL.
All three have come through the Belfast Giants’ junior system and represent a significant boost of young, home-grown talent for Pete Russell’s roster as the Lightning continue building a squad capable of competing for silverware across all competitions this season.
Forward Mack Stewart joins the Lightning after featuring in 53 games for Coventry Blaze in the Elite League during 2025/26, recording 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points.
Carter Hamill arrives off the back of a productive campaign, posting 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points in 46 games for Solway Sharks in the NIHL, while also making 19 appearances for Belfast Giants, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists.
Defenceman Kell Beattie completes the trio, having recorded 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 48 games for Solway Sharks, plus 4 appearances for Belfast Giants, contributing 3 assists.
The two-way arrangements will allow all three players to continue their development at Elite League level while gaining valuable ice time and experience with lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning throughout the 2026/27 season.
Lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning Head Coach Pete Russell said: “It’s a great opportunity for these top young players to have two-way chances. We must work hard together to develop our British talent to reach its full potential, and opportunities like playing in Belfast at the right moments will only enhance that process. It’s a win-win situation.”
Partnerships of this kind highlight the growing strength of pathways for young British and Irish talent in UK ice hockey. By working together, lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning and Belfast Giants are helping ensure promising players get the ice time, coaching and competitive experience they need to progress: a model that benefits the players, both clubs, and the wider development of the sport across the UK.
Stay connected with all the latest lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning news, signings, and match updates by visiting the official website at www.mk-lightning.co.uk. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or discovering NIHL ice hockey for the first time, Planet Ice Milton Keynes is the place to be for fast, physical, and thrilling British ice hockey in the 2026/27 season.
Tickets for Milton Keynes Lightning home games are available at www.mk-lightning.co.uk when on sale. Join thousands of passionate fans at Planet Ice Milton Keynes and experience the atmosphere that makes MK Lightning one of the most exciting clubs in the NIHL National Division.
Want to get closer to the action? Explore our player sponsorship packages and jersey Own and Loan opportunities at www.mk-lightning.co.uk/sponsorship/player-sponsorship/ and become part of the Lightning family. From rinkside advertising to personal player partnerships, there are options to suit every budget.
Keep up to date with the full lifestack MK Lightning roster, fixtures, results, and standings throughout the 2026/27 NIHL season at www.mk-lightning.co.uk/club/roster/. Follow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for behind-the-scenes content, live match updates, and exclusive club news as we chase silverware this season.
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