Milton Keynes Lightning:
2025 Playoff Champions
MK Lightning have done it — Playoff Champions 2025!
After an electric weekend at the Coventry Skydome, MK Lightning were crowned Playoff Champions, defeating both the Leeds Knights and Peterborough Phantoms to claim one of the most prestigious honours in the ice hockey calendar.
SEMI FINAL VICTORY OVER LEEDS KNIGHTS
Lightning opened their Playoff Weekend with a commanding 5-4 (OT) win over Leeds Knights in the semi-final. Goals came from Jordan Cownie, Dillon Lawrence (x2), Mack Stewart and Ross Venus setting the tone for a championship run. The game winning goal in overtime came from Dillon Lawrence, who sneaked it past netminder Sam Gospel on the backhand – and sent the MKL fans into raptures.
FINAL GLORY AGAINST PETERBOROUGH PHANTOMS
In the Playoff Final, MK Lightning battled long-time rivals Peterborough Phantoms. Fuelled by incredible support from the MKL fans – who proudly Pinked the Rink in support of Breast Cancer Now – and steely determination, MKL secured the win with goals from James Griffin, Ben Solder, Jordan Cownie, Ross Venus (x2) and Harry Gulliver. A standout performance from netminder Jordan Hedley, who pulled off some highlight-reel saves, helped anchor the team in key moments.
When the final buzzer sounded, MK Lightning were Playoff Champions once again, writing a new chapter in the club’s proud history.
CAPTAIN GRIFFIN LIFTS THE TROPHY
Photo credit: Blueline Photography
In an emotional moment and in his Testimonial year, Captain James Griffin lifted the Playoff Trophy in front of a roaring MK crowd — beginning celebrations that will be remembered for years to come. Players sprayed champagne, hugged, sang with the MKL fans and soaked in the incredible achievement.
Later that evening, the team returned to Planet Ice Milton Keynes, where fans packed the rink to welcome the Playoff Champions home. Chants echoed through the building as the trophy made its victorious return to MK. It was a homecoming fit for heroes and memories that the players, staff and fans alike will treasure forever.
PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS ONCE MORE
The last time MK Lightning were Playoff Champions was back in 2017 — and this year’s title was just as sweet. With Head Coach Tim Wallace leading the charge (aka Super Timmy’s MK Army), and fans showing unmatched support, this team showed what makes Lightning special.
From the Coventry ice to the heart of Milton Keynes, this was a season finale for the history books.
With thanks to Tony Sargent for the photos.
