MK Lightning is proud to announce a significant investment into MK Storm, strengthening the junior hockey pathway that will develop the Milton Keynes players of tomorrow.
Following on from the announcement of Joe Wilson as the Director of Hockey for the MK Storm Juniors last week, we are delighted to announce another exciting appointment to the junior coaching team.Â
Ross Green joins the junior club as a the Ice Hockey Development Co-ordinator, working under Joe’s leadership, Ross will bring his own experience and passion to developing skills in our youngest players, mentoring young athletes, and nurturing a lifelong love of the game across the U10, U12, and Learn to Play groups.
Ross is the embodiment of the very pathway this investment is designed to build. Now 34, he came up through the Milton Keynes junior system with the Storm before going on to a long and distinguished senior career, wearing the jersey across more than a decade of hockey in the city through the EPIHL and NIHL eras, as well as representing Great Britain at Under 18 and Under 20 level. His contribution to the club was honoured with the retirement of his number 21, which now hangs from the rafters as a permanent inspiration to every young player who laces up in Milton Keynes.
Truly dedicated to MK throughout his career, Ross is a natural motivator, leader and coach, and he brings hands-on skills and hard-earned experience that will have an immediate impact on the ice. Few people know the journey from MK junior hockey to the senior game better than Ross, and he now returns to help the next generation take those same first steps. Together, Joe and Ross give the junior programme a coaching partnership with real quality and a shared commitment to MK talent, and having Ross back on the ice in Milton Keynes is something the whole hockey community can be excited about.
MK Lightning Director Tom Roberts added: “Ross is an MK legend in every sense. His number hangs in the rafters for a reason, and there’s no one better to inspire our youngest players and show them exactly what’s possible if they work hard and stay dedicated to their hockey. To have someone of his standing giving back to the club that he gave so much to as a player is really special, and our young players are incredibly lucky to have him.”
Ross Green said:”Milton Keynes Storm is where I started, and everything I achieved afterwards came from what I learned here as a junior. Coming back to help the next group of young players find that same love of the game is genuinely a privilege. Joe and I both want the same thing: a pathway where MK kids can go as far as their talent takes them. I’m excited to bring my what I’ve learnt on and off the ice to help make that happen I can’t wait to get started.”
Joe Wilson said: “Thrilled to welcome Ross on board! Ross is a guy who truly bleeds the MK colours. From coming through the junior system himself to eventually having his jersey retired by the club, his journey is something every young player can look up to. He’s a fantastic role model and someone who understands exactly what it means to represent MK and what is required both on and off the ice. Having worked with Ross previously, we shared a real passion for developing players and the game, and always got on extremely well. I’m delighted to be renewing that relationship and I’m really looking forward to working together as we continue to grow, strengthen and develop the MK junior system.”
George Gavriel, MK Storm Chairperson, said: “Ross is a fantastic addition to the Storm coaching team. He knows this club and this pathway better than most, having come through the MK junior system himself before going on to play for MK Lightning. His journey is a great example of what can be achieved, and he’s a brilliant role model for the young players coming through Storm who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game. We’re really looking forward to Ross working alongside our new Director of Hockey, Joe Wilson, to drive the junior club forward and strengthen the pathway for players to progress into Lightning, Thunder and Falcons.”
Together, these two appointments mark a real step forward for junior hockey in MK. By investing in leadership and coaching, MK Lightning and MK Storm are working side by side to give every young player the best possible start, and to build a pathway that keeps the best local talent developing right here in MK.
We can’t wait to see what Joe, Ross, and everyone involved in the junior programme achieve in the seasons ahead.
