Returning for a second season with Smith Recycling Milton Keynes Lightning is shot-stopper Brandon Stones who joined us at the beginning of last year from Sheffield.  Brandon played 21 times for MKL, posting a .894 save percentage last season which was disrupted by an injury a couple of months into the schedule.  Despite this, he was a tremendous presence in the locker room and around the club and won the Coach’s Player of the Year at the end of season awards. Nottingham born Stones played his junior hockey in that city before spells across Sheffield, Edinburgh and Coventry in the Elite League, and a number of EPIHL and NIHL seasons at Sheffield via Telford.  He has represented GB at under 18 level. Brandon is the first of our netminding tandem to be revealed this year, and Head Coach Lewis Clifford is delighted to have him back for a second year: “Stonesy is the type of guy you would always want in your team, a [...]

There will be no re-retirement of the famous MKL number 9, as club legend Grant McPherson has signed for the 2020/21 season.  By very popular demand, Grant will be once again pulling on the Lightning jersey after last season reaching the tremendous milestone of 500 League games played for the team.  He was also voted as the Players’ Player of the Year, emphasising his role in the team and the respect he has earned from his peers. G himself is pretty chuffed to sign saying: “I am delighted to be back in Lightning colours for the up and coming season. By the sounds of things, Cliff is putting together a strong roster and although we’re not entirely sure when the new season will get underway, I can only but assure you, when it does, we will be ready to go. Lightning Head Coach Lewis Clifford underlined the role that G will play in the team: “As I have said before, leadership is one of [...]

We are delighted to reveal a brand new player for Smith Recycling Milton Keynes Lightning. Please welcome Edgars Bebris to the club. 28-year-old Bebris was born in Latvia but spent his junior development years in Sheffield so qualifies to play as a Brit. At 6’4” and 198lbs he brings a strong physical dimension to his attack and critically picks up a significant points haul. Last year he bagged 32 goals and 33 assists for 65 points in 50 games, and 46 minutes in penalties. This put him 15th in the overall league scoring table. Head Coach Lewis Clifford has been clear that he wants to drive consistency and continuity in his squad for 2020/21 and so far we have revealed the return of five of last year’s team. However, the chance to pick up Bebris was a great opportunity because he’s a player Cliff has followed for years: “I have said a few times I don’t want to make too many changes to [...]

After three D men, it’s time to add some more up front firepower to our squad.  We’re delighted to say that this player brings goals and assists and is also is a true leader in our team to drive us forwards in our next campaign.  Please welcome back your Captain, Russell Cowley. MKL Head Coach Lewis Clifford picks up the story: “This time last year when I signed Cowls I knew I was getting a top end performer at this level, and he did nothing but impress me week by week.”  That meant a points haul of 16+37 for 53 points in 34 games – an impressive return, in particular in a season interrupted by an injury.  Overall Cowley was our 4th highest point scorer last season. But it’s not just points scoring.  On and off the ice, Cowley’s impact was felt in his Captaincy role and Cliff talks about the importance of this: “Strong leadership is something that is hard to come by.  [...]

Welcome back to Sam Russell whose return to UK hockey last year following a stint in North America the year before was spectacular, with him picking up international honours with GB Under 20s at the World Championships, establishing himself as a regular fixture in the MKL defence corps as well as a few shifts up front from time to time.  That’s why we are delighted to see Sammy put pen to paper for 2020/21. This time last year, we were writing that this was to be a breakthrough year for Sam and he really stepped up and adjusted well in his first year of senior Ice Hockey.  Cliff picks up the story: “I’m really happy to have Sammy back in the team. Last season I was excited to see him in his first season as a senior after coaching him as a very young man before he went overseas and he really didn’t disappoint.” Sam had this to say about his return: “To say [...]