Dynamic D-Man Griff is back with Lightning
Club favourite and dynamic defensive dynamo James Griffin has committed to AIB MK Lightning for the 2021/22 season. We are thrilled by this massive signing of a player who brings Elite League experience and MKL heart through and through.
28 year old James was born in Oxford and developed through the Swindon junior system. He made his Elite League debut in 2010-11 for Coventry and spent the following 4 seasons there before moving to MK in the 2015-16 season. Since then he has made over 250 league appearances including 35 in 2019-2020 when he picked up 8 goals and 10 assists.
He’s well respected by his MK peers and loved by the fans as MKL Head Coach Lewis Clifford explains: “I don’t think I need to say too much about Griff as everyone already knows what he does for us on the ice, how much we value him and how much we miss him when he’s not there.”
Talking about is role in the team, Cliff went on to say: “If I had to list all the attributes I want in a Defenceman to play in this league, Griff would tick all of the boxes, skating ability, physicality, transition game, PP, PK, 5 on 5 – he can do it all. Griffs last season with us was interrupted by injury, however I think strangely enough not playing for a long time may have been a positive for him as he’s fit, healthy and chomping at the bit to get going again.
James told us how he’s feeling: “I can’t wait to get back on the ice! It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to play competitive hockey, and I’ve really missed it. The roar of the crowd and the feeling of playing to win as a team is something you really can’t beat, and I’m raring to go to get back out there.”
He went on to say “The fans in MK have always been so supportive of us as a team, and myself as a player and we will all work as hard as we can to put in great performances on this ice.”
Cliff echoed this: “Griff is loved by the fans here in MK, he’s loved by his teammates and as a coach I honestly couldn’t put a value on him as I don’t think there’s another D man in the league who I could bring in to do all the things he does for us.”
We’re excited to see you back out there. Griff wants a goal!
Please welcome back for 2021/22 James Griffin. He will wear his familiar number 15 shirt for which the Own and Loan will roll over for the person who grabbed it for the 2020/21 season – Dave Bunyan will be in touch shortly!
We have two other ways you can support James and the club too! You can become James’ sponsor with your name or company name read out every time James is mentioned. Get the details here.
Or why not sponsor James on the kit grid, with options starting at just £10.
Check out the full roster here
