MK Lightning players and Head Coach Pete Russell have taken to the ice with Storm Juniors as part of a new weekly Development Session designed to bring the junior and senior programmes closer together.
The initiative provides Storm’s junior players with additional ice time and, crucially, the opportunity to learn directly from players representing their local senior team, alongside Pete Russell, Head Coach of MK Lightning and current Great Britain Men’s Head Coach.
The sessions focus on developing fundamental hockey skills, introducing players to the four key roles of hockey and giving young athletes the opportunity to learn through practical drills, demonstrations and individual coaching.
For many of the junior players, the opportunity to train alongside current Lightning players provides the chance to work with the players they look up to and see as role models within the local hockey community.
MK Lightning Head Coach Pete Russell said:
“It’s a very positive step for the Lightning to lead this weekly development session for our juniors, showcasing our commitment to supporting and nurturing young talent. With a focus on skill enhancement and introduction to the four roles of hockey, we engaged the Lightning players to demonstrate drills and techniques.
“The professional athletes shared their experiences and offered individual tips, creating an encouraging atmosphere where the kids felt motivated to learn and improve. This unique opportunity not only provided valuable insights into the game but also fostered a sense of community and passion for the sport among the young participants.”
The initiative was developed following discussions between Russell and Storm Director of Hockey Joe Wilson, who was keen to make the most of the available ice allocation and create greater links between the junior and senior programmes.
Wilson said:
“When we looked at our ice allocation for this season, I was keen to involve the senior team and Pete as much as possible. Speaking directly with Pete, it was clear that he shared my passion for developing our junior players, and together we have created a Development Session.
“This provides our players more opportunities to develop the fundamental skills of the game. It gives our players the opportunity to be coached by members of their local senior team. For our younger players in particular, these are the players they look up to and see as their heroes. To then have the opportunity to work alongside them, learn from them and receive coaching from current Lightning players, as well as Pete, the current Great Britain Men’s Head Coach, is an incredible opportunity.”
The benefits extend beyond the players, with Storm’s coaching staff also able to work alongside the Lightning team and learn from different coaching approaches and Russell’s extensive experience of coaching at the highest levels of the game in the UK and across Europe.
Wilson added:
“The aim is to create a genuine development environment where everyone benefits—the players, the coaches and the senior team. By bringing the junior and senior programmes closer together, we can create a stronger pathway for our young players and ensure they have access to the best possible coaching, role models and development opportunities.
“Ultimately, this is about creating a clear connection between our junior and senior programmes, giving our young players the opportunity to learn from those already playing at the highest level and helping to create the next generation of players.”
The weekly sessions form part of MK Lightning’s wider commitment to supporting the development of hockey within Milton Keynes and creating a clear pathway for young players aspiring to progress through the sport.
From Storm Juniors to MK Lightning — the next generation starts here.
