Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the return of fan favourite James Griffin for the 2026/27 NIHL National season. A cornerstone of the Lightning blue line for over a decade, Griffin heads into another campaign in Milton Keynes after once again proving his value to the team throughout the 2025/26 season. The experienced defenceman has built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest competitors and most reliable defensive players, combining leadership, physicality, and relentless work ethic every night.  The Swindon-born blueliner continues to be a key presence both on and off the ice, bringing experience and intensity [...]

Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to announce the return of forward Toms Rutkis for the 2026/27 season. A proven difference-maker in Lightning colours, Rutkis returns to MK determined to make his mark after an injury-hit campaign last year. Once back on the ice, the talented forward quickly reminded fans exactly what he brings, pace, power and a nose for goal. Across three seasons with the Lightning, the Riga-born forward has racked up 113 regular season appearances, scoring 45 goals and adding 45 assists for 90 points, underlining his reputation as one of the club’s most reliable offensive weapons. Standing [...]

Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to confirm the return of fan favourite Elliot Lewis for the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old forward heads back to MK after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he iced in 53 games for the Lightning, posting 12 goals and 11 assists. Lewis also stepped up to the Elite League with Guildford Flames, making five EIHL appearances and finding the net once. Known for his relentless energy, physical edge and larger-than-life personality, Lewis brings plenty to the Lightning line-up both on and off the ice. A powerful skater with a right-handed shot, “Elz” has become [...]

Milton Keynes Lightning are pleased to announce the return of promising young defenceman Archie Salisbury for the 2026/27 season. Salisbury, who continues to establish himself as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects, returns following a strong 2025/26 campaign in the NIHL National Division. The Peterborough-born blueliner featured in 47 games last season, recording 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points, while also contributing a physical edge with 61 penalty minutes. Still only 19, Salisbury has already demonstrated significant growth since joining the Lightning setup from the Peterborough Phantoms in 2023. A former Great Britain U18 captain, [...]

Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the return of dynamic forward Jordan Cownie for the 2026/27 season. Cownie, a highly skilled and experienced British forward, returns to MKL following another impressive campaign in the NIHL National Division. During the 2025/26 season, he registered 75 points (28 goals, 47 assists) in 44 league appearances. A proven performer at multiple levels of the game, Cownie brings a wealth of experience to the Lightning line-up. Across his Elite League career, he has accumulated 186 points (54 goals, 132 assists) in 375 appearances, showcasing his ability to produce at a high level [...]

Milton Keynes Lightning are absolutely delighted to announce that club legend Lewis Christie will continue behind the bench as Assistant Coach for the 2026/27 season, working alongside Head Coach and Director of Hockey Pete Russell. Christie, a cornerstone of the Lightning organisation, officially rejoined the team in September 2025 as Assistant coach. A long-time figure within the club, he holds the distinction of having iced more games than any player in Milton Keynes Lightning history, a huge 621.  Christie celebrated with his testimonial in April 2023, 12 years after making the move from Scotland down to Milton Keynes.   During [...]