Following last week’s signing of James Griffin, we’re delighted to reveal a further strengthening of our defensive capabilities with the re-signing of last season’s Defenceman of Year Leigh Jamieson.  A long-time servant of the club, 34-year-old Leigh celebrated his 500th league appearance for MKL towards the end of last season, as part of a career which also includes Elite experience and international honours at World Championships and Olympic qualifier levels.  Leigh is MK born and raised and started his hockey career in the MK junior system playing for the Storm.

He’s a dominant physical presence on the ice, with sharpshooting abilities gaining him 13 goals and 53 points last year.  But the stats don’t tell the whole story.  Very much a leader in the club, Jimba as he’s known to his teammates is a valuable addition to our team on and off the ice as Lightning Head Coach Lewis Clifford shares: “Obviously it goes without saying that I’m delighted to have Jimba back in the lineup.  He’s a guy who does so much for the team on and off the ice and someone who I completely trust to always have the best interest of the team and his teammates at heart.”

Acknowledging Jimba’s experience and last season’s career milestone, Cliff went on to say: “Jimba is massively experienced across different leagues and at the highest levels of the game in this country.  Although he’s one of the older players on the team and celebrated his 500th league game with us last year, he is a player who contributes hugely to the team in all situations.  There are not many players in the league who can do what he does as demonstrated by finishing as the second-highest point-scoring D man in the league last season.”

Leigh shared his thoughts, looking ahead to 2020/21: “I’m thrilled to be back with the Lightning next season. This was an easy decision for me after speaking to Cliff about his plans for next season and the team he is putting together.  I’m looking forward to building on last season and believe we will be challenging for silverware.  It’s a privilege and honour to play for such a great club with a fantastic fanbase.”

Cliff is very happy to have secured Jimba’s services and the role he will continue to play in the team and finished by saying: “Jimba knows what it means to be a Lightning player and he will continue to be what he’s always been, a great team guy and an asset to the club on and off the ice.”

Above all though, Jimba himself reflected what we are all thinking in his final comments saying: “I can’t wait for the season to start but for now stay safe and see you all next season.”

Jamieson will wear his familiar number 19 jersey which is now available for Own and Loan.

Please give a warm welcome back to club hero Leigh Jamieson

You can now apply for the Leigh Jamieson  “Own and Loan” jersey by emailing dave@b2promodesign.com – please indicate which jersey you would like.

Remember this is purely on a first come, first served basis:

HOME JERSEY: £200

AWAY JERSEY: £200

WARM-UP JERSEY: £125

Payment in full due by 1st October 2020

Visit https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/sponsors/own-loan/