Welcome to Pete Russell as Head Coach and Director of Hockey for MK Lightning
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Russell as Head Coach and Director of Hockey, for the Team. Russell is no stranger to MKL and is one of the most respected figures in British ice hockey. He returns to Milton Keynes following several successful years coaching in Europe and on the international stage with the Great Britain men's national ice hockey team. The Scottish-born coach previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell behind the bench in Milton Keynes, guiding the Lightning through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his previous tenure [...]
Lewis Christie has agreed to take on the role of Interim Head Coach at MK Lightning
Lewy is no stranger to the Lightning faithful, having iced more games than anyone else in club history in an MKL jersey before retiring from playing at the end of the 2024 season. He rejoined the club’s coaching staff as Assistant Coach in September 2025 and has already demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the team, even lacing up his skates once again when injuries left the squad short-handed earlier in the season. All at MK Lightning will fully support Lewy with his new interim role, and we hope our fans will get right behind the team as we head [...]
Lightning Strikes Again: Mac Howlett Brings High-Speed Firepower to MKL
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of forward Mac Howlett until the end of the 27/28 season NIHL National Division season. Howlett arrives in Milton Keynes after an outstanding run in the NIHL National Division with Leeds Knights, bringing elite skating ability, high-end playmaking skills, and a proven scoring touch to the Lightning lineup. The 26-year-old English forward has been a consistent offensive threat in the NIHL. In the 2024/25 NIHL National Division regular season with Leeds Knights he recorded 25 goals and 22 assists for 47 points in 54 games, along with strong contributions in the [...]
Blue Line Boost: Bailey comes to MK Lightning
Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to announce the signing of promising young defenceman Bailey Thomas for the remainder of the 2025/26 NIHL National Division season. The 17-year-old England-born defender joins the Lightning from the Deeside Dragons, bringing youthful energy, defensive grit, and strong long-term potential to MKL’s blue line. Thomas, who spent the early part of the season with Deeside in NIHL Division 1, registered two goals and four assists in 21 appearances, showcasing his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice while playing a robust, ice-aware game. Bailey has already featured in four appearances for Milton [...]
Lewis Christie to Ice for MK Lightning
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted, and hugely grateful, to welcome Lewis Christie back onto the ice this weekend, providing vital support for the team while several players continue their recoveries. Last weekend saw Lightning battle through with just four defencemen. They performed superbly under pressure, but the demands of 30-plus minutes a night are not something the club wishes to make a habit of. Bringing in Lewy from the bench gives the blue line the depth and stability it needs at a crucial moment in the season. Head Coach Tim Wallace said:"I am very thankful that Lewy was willing [...]
Lightning Strikes: MK welcome Adam Rosbottom to electrify the 2025/26 season
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of forward Adam Rosbottom for the 2025/26 season. The addition of Rosbottom brings proven consistency, tenacity and offensive upside to the Lightning forward group. Rosbottom, 29, arrives from the Berkshire Bees, where in 2024/25 he posted 9 goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 37 NIHL National League games, along with a further goal and an assist in the National Cup. Over the preceding 2023/24 campaign he recorded 11 goals and 14 assists, finishing with 25 points in 45 games. His combination of offensive production, defensive responsibility, and willingness [...]
MK Lightning Sign Smooth-Skating Talent Andrew Heath for 2025/26
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of forward Andrew Heath for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Heath returns to the UK after several years developing his game in North America and will join the Lightning as a versatile addition to the forward group. Andrew Heath, 19, is a London-born forward whose recent seasons in North American junior leagues showcased his potential. In 2024-2025 with the Binghamton Buzz (NA3HL), Heath played 38 games, recording 7 goals and 13 assists for a total of 20 points. His development pathway has seen him progress through a range of [...]
MK Lightning Lock In Griffin for 2025/26 Season
Milton Keynes Lightning are proud to announce that James Griffin will return to the club for the 2025/26 season. Fresh off a campaign that saw him lift the Playoff trophy and celebrate his Testimonial year, Griffin brings back his trademark blend of physical play, speed, and goal-scoring flair to the Lightning blue line. A true leader both on and off the ice, his presence in the dressing room and on the rink will once again be pivotal as the team eyes more silverware this season. Last season, Griffin scored the opening goal in the Playoff Final in Coventry, setting [...]
Lightning Bolster Attack With Experienced Finnish Forward Janne Jokinen
Milton Keynes Lightning are pleased to announce the acquisition of Finnish right-winger Janne Jokinen ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 25‑year‑old arrives from six seasons in Finland’s highly competitive Mestis league, most recently captaining Hokki, and brings proven offensive production, and a hard-nosed playing style. In the 2024–25 season alone he posted 9 goals and 15 assists over 49 games. Over his Mestis tenure, Jokinen has demonstrated versatility, competing in all game situations — even strength, power play, and penalty kill. Janne said “Nice to get new experiences after five Mestis seasons, I feel that MK Lightning is a good place [...]
Lightning Strikes with Korenchuk: MK’s New Power Forward Joins the Charge!
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of dynamic forward Illia Korenchuk for the 2025/26 season. Renowned for his explosive speed and powerful shot, Korenchuk is set to thrill Lightning fans and bring an imposing physical edge to the ice. Illia joins MKL from Zagłębie Sosnowiec in Poland, where he recorded 9 goals and 20 assists in 40 games last season. He's also represented Ukraine at the International level since 2019, and at this year’s World Championships, scored 2 goals in 6 international appearances. Born in Ukraine, the 30-year-old forward has built much of his career playing [...]
