Lightning Strike: Austin Osborn Signs with Milton Keynes for 2025/26 Season
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of forward Austin Osborn for the 2025/26 season. The 20-year-old forward arrives back in the UK after developing his game in North America for the past 3 seasons USPHL Premier. Osborn, who stands at 6’1” and weighs 183 lbs, hails from Haywards Heath and began his hockey journey in Scotland with Inverness before continuing his development with the Guildford Flames Juniors. Head Coach Tim Wallace is excited to add Osborn to his roster, stating: “Austin is a big, strong player who skates well and does a great job protecting the [...]
Saunders Storms In: MKL Lands Dynamic Defender for 2025/26
Milton Keynes Lightning is delighted to announce the signing of defence stalwart Joshua Saunders, who joins the club ahead of the 2025/26 season. A commanding presence on the blue line, Saunders brings elite experience and a proven track record of strong performances in the UK’s top-tier leagues. Saunders, born in Edinburgh on 27 February 2006, stands at 183 cm and weighs 84 kg. Most recently skating for the Dundee Stars in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), he appeared in 7 league games this past season, contributing solid defensive play. His EIHL debut was for the Fife Flyers further showcased his adaptability [...]
Milton Keynes Lightning Confirms Goaltender Jordan Hedley for year two of his contract
Milton Keynes Lightning is delighted to confirm that goaltender Jordan Hedley will continue with the club for year 2 of his two year contact signed in 24/25. Jordan, born in Walsall and developed through the Milton Keynes youth system, has established himself as a prominent figure in British ice hockey. Known for his reliability and commanding presence in net, the 191 cm goaltender recorded a .904 save percentage during the regular season. He was also instrumental in securing our playoff victory in Coventry this past April. Speaking about his return, Hedley said:"I can’t wait to be back for this [...]
Spadafore Sparks: Defensive Dynamo Returns to Double-Down in MK
Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to announce the return of tough-as-nails defenceman Jordan Spadafore for the 2025/26 NIHL National season. A fan favourite thanks to his tenacious play, relentless energy, and unwavering grit, Spadafore is poised to sharpen MKL’s physical edge on the blue line. Joining MKL last season, the 24-year-old Canadian proved his worth through sheer work‑rate and determination. Across 48 appearances, he contributed 5 goals and 32 assists, totaling 37 points, while racking up 109 penalty minutes—a testament to his physical presence and commitment to the team’s hard-hitting identity. Spadafore, reflecting on his return, shared: “Last season, [...]
MK Lightning Home Fixtures for the 25/26 Season
Milton Keynes Lightning are pleased to confirm the fixture schedule for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The League campaign will begin on home ice at Planet Ice Milton Keynes on Saturday 20th September, with a 7:00pm face-off against the Bristol Pitbulls. The team will then travel to Telford on Sunday 21st September with face-off scheduled for 6pm. As in previous seasons, the majority of MK Lightning home fixtures will take place on Saturday evenings, with a small number of exceptions throughout the calendar. Wednesday 29th October vs Basingstoke Bison (Half term) Sunday 2nd November vs Sheffield Steeldogs Sunday 7th December [...]
Planet Ice NIHL National League Fixtures Confirmed for 2025/26 Season
The wait is over for ice hockey fans across the UK as the 2025/26 PINIHL National League fixtures are officially released today. This season’s PINIHL National Cup will follow the same successful format as last year, with each team playing five home and five away games, providing even more high-level competition throughout the season. The top four teams will then progress to home and away semi-finals, with the top seed selecting their opponent. The winners will go on to face each other in a two-legged final. The regular season gets underway on the weekend of 20th/21st September, launching what promises to be [...]
Franklins Solicitors Announced As Official Player Sponsor of Toms Rutkis For 25/26 Season
Franklins Solicitors LLP, a leading local law firm, is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Milton Keynes Lightning Ice Hockey Team for the 2025/26 season. This marks our third year of partnership with the team, and we are especially proud to support Toms Rutkis, Number 10, as part of our commitment to the local community and sports excellence. At Franklins Solicitors, we are not just legal experts, we are an award-winning team of experienced professionals, delivering a friendly, efficient, and results-driven service to businesses and individuals alike. With offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton, our firm has been [...]
Hunt Heads back to MK, and joins the Lightning
Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to announce the signing of centre Jarvis Hunt for the 2025/26 season. Born 16 January 2002 in Aylesbury, Hunt returns to his roots, and his hometown, as a key centreman to the Lightning’s roster for the upcoming campaign. Standing 184 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, Hunt brings a powerful combination of size, skill, and experience. Last season with the Peterborough Phantoms, he played 48 regular-season games in the NIHL National Division, notching 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points, along with 43 penalty minutes, including eight power-play tallies and one shorthanded strike. Lightning Head [...]
Power Surge: Elliot Lewis Joins MK Lightning for 2025/26 Season
Milton Keynes Lightning are thrilled to announce the signing of forward Elliot Lewis for the 2025/26 NIHL National season. The 23-year-old Hedge End native joins MKL after a standout season with the Bristol Pitbulls, bringing size, strength, and scoring touch to the Lightning lineup. Lewis, a 6'1" power forward, tallied 12goals and 6 assists over 52 games during his tenure with the Bristol last season, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while playing a physical, hard-nosed game. Speaking about his move to Milton Keynes, Lewis expressed his enthusiasm: “When speaking to Tim about the opportunity to become a Lightning [...]
Bolt from the Blue: Josh Kelly Joins the Lightning
Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of defence‑man Josh Kelly for the 2025/26 NIHL season. The 25‑year‑old, standing 180 cm and weighing 78 kg, brings a blend of size, skating, and grit to bolster our blue line. Formerly with the Berkshire Bees in the NIHL National Division, Kelly made 54 league appearances in 2024/25, registering 9 assists and 52 penalty minutes. His discipline and work rate mark him out as a reliable, tough‑as‑nails presence in the defensive zone. “Looking forward to getting started in MK,” said Kelly. “It’s always been a tough rink to go into as opposition so [...]
