We’re pleased to share with you Smith Recycling Milton Keynes Lightning’s second signing for the 2020/21 season.  James Griffin – Griff – has committed to a sixth successive season in an MK shirt.  27 year old Oxford born Griff has been a hugely popular figure in the MKL team since his arrival, and brings speed, excitement and energy onto the ice along with great entertainment through his physical play.  Last season, despite suffering from a couple of nasty injuries, he posted 8 goals and 10 assists and 72 penalty minutes in 35 games.  He was our Assistant Captain and a great leader on and off the ice.

MKL Head Coach Lewis Clifford tells us about one of the first players he got to put pen to paper: “I’m delighted to have Griff back on the roster and he is a key resigning.  He was hit with a few injuries last season, but that’s not unexpected for a player who plays the way and puts as much into every shift as he does.  A fully fit Griff is one of the very top defencemen in this league and I’m really happy that it’s our jersey he pulls on every weekend.”

Griff’s role was broader than just on the ice last season, thanks to his day job with our Official Digital Partner 123 Internet Group.  He not only created the Zeus logo and brand, but also produced virtually all the graphics you see around the club, numerous advertising boards and campaigns and was part of the team that built out the website.  All in a day’s work for Griff and 123!

The man himself is pleased to continue his MKL role saying: “I’m delighted to be back with Lightning for another season. Last year was a rollercoaster with injuries, but towards the end of the season we really hit our form. I’m looking forward to carrying on from where we left off and challenging for some silverware. I’ve loved my time in Milton Keynes so far, the fans and staff are what makes this club so amazing and I am always proud to pull on that jersey. I can’t wait for the new season to get started!”

For the fans, Griff delivered a number of key moments last year, and ‘Griff scored a goal’ was sung so many times it was wonderful!  Two of his best goals were one on one with the goalie, securing an overtime win with a deke in Basingstoke in front of the away fans, and then deftly slotting in a penalty shot against Sheffield in our last home game.  Smooth as you like!

Cliff gave the last word by reiterating how big a deal Griff is, saying: “Although he seems like part of the furniture now, you can never underestimate how big of a signing Griff is for us.  He’s one of the top D men in the league and adds so much to our game in all situations.”
He’s certainly one of the fastest, most skilful bits of furniture we’ve ever seen!

 

Welcome back Griff – great to have you here.

 

You can now apply for the James Griffin “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.

Full details here