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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]