Man of the Match honours last weekend went first to Jordan Cownie in Coventry. Jordan lit up the opening stages with two quick goals to put Lightning in front and continued to be lively across all three periods, giving the Blaze defence problems throughout. Back on home ice against Tilburg, the award went to Harry Gulliver, who showed determination and persistence to grab Lightning’s only goal of the night in what proved to be a tough game against the Dutch visitors.

Overall, it was a good workout and there were a lot of positives from the weekend. One area we need to focus on is fitness and conditioning. It’s still early in the year, so that’s expected, but we did notice a bit of a drop-off in both third periods. That will be our focus this week. We also saw flashes of really good things, and in the game against Coventry, we were close to finding a way to win, which is a great sign this early on. The group is buying in, the effort is there, and with time, we’ll keep building toward where we want to be.

Joshua Kelly – Defence (#7)

English defenceman Joshua Kelly joins the Lightning blue line for 2025/26, bringing with him solid NIHL National experience and a reputation as a reliable, defensive-minded presence. The 25-year-old from Basingstoke has developed through the Guildford and Okanagan programmes before stepping into senior hockey with Basingstoke Bison and later icing for Bees and Berkshire Bees. Known for his calmness under pressure and disciplined play, Kelly keeps things simple in his own end, making smart first passes to spark transition and doing the hard work in front of his net. With his steady approach and strong work ethic, number 7 adds depth and resilience to MK’s defensive core and is a trusted option on the penalty kill.

View from the Coach “Josh is a defenceman who plays with maturity. He’s calm with the puck, responsible without it, and he’s only going to get better,” said Tim Wallace.

Quick Facts Age: 25 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Left 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, Berkshire Bees): 24 GP – 0 G – 2 A – 2 PTS Style: Steady, defensive defenceman and PK specialist One to watch: A disciplined blueliner who provides depth and composure"

Tjay Anderson, donning the number 98 jersey, is a formidable presence for the Romford Raiders. Known for his offensive prowess, Anderson has consistently demonstrated his ability to influence the game from the forward position. Last season, he was instrumental in the Raiders' campaign, amassing an impressive 76 points in 54 games, showcasing his playmaking skills with 25 goals and 51 assists (2024-2025 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 54, G–A–P 25–51–76, PIM 47).

Anderson's journey through the ranks has been marked by a steady rise in performance, reflecting his dedication and skill development. His tenure with the Romford Buccaneers in the NIHL 1 league further highlights his scoring ability, where he notched 13 points in just four games during the 2023-2024 season. This knack for finding the back of the net has made him a key player to watch in any matchup.

As the Raiders prepare to face off against the Milton Keynes squad at Planet Ice, Anderson's experience and scoring touch will be crucial. His ability to read the game and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a constant threat on the ice. Fans should keep an eye on his dynamic play, as he is likely to be a pivotal figure in the upcoming clash. With a career total of 447 points across 338 games, Anderson's impact on the ice is undeniable, and his contributions will be vital for the Raiders' success this season.

Shaun Miller, wearing jersey number 95, is a formidable presence for the Romford Raiders. With a knack for finding the back of the net, Miller's scoring prowess was on full display last season. He racked up an impressive 96 points in 46 games, showcasing his ability to both score and assist (2024-2025 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 46, G–A–P 42–54–96, PIM 90). His journey through various leagues has honed his skills, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming clash at Planet Ice, Milton Keynes.

Miller's career began with promising performances in the Nova Scotia leagues, where he demonstrated his potential early on. His transition to the QMJHL with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and later the Cape Breton Eagles saw him develop into a well-rounded forward. His time in the USports league with Dalhousie University further refined his game, particularly his playmaking abilities.

Now, as he gears up for another season with the Raiders, Miller's experience and skill set make him a critical asset. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly in both regular season and cup competitions adds depth to the Raiders' offensive lineup. As the Raiders face off against their opponents, Miller's influence on the ice will undoubtedly be a focal point for both teams.

Jarrett Baker, donning jersey number 67, is set to make his mark with the Romford Raiders this season. Known for his robust defensive play and ability to contribute offensively, Baker brings a wealth of experience from his time in the QMJHL and USports. His tenure with the Cape Breton Eagles in the QMJHL was particularly impressive, where he tallied 39 points in the 2019-2020 season, showcasing his playmaking skills from the blue line (2019-2020 • QMJHL • Cape Breton Eagles: GP 59, G–A–P 6–33–39, PIM 58).

Baker's journey through the ranks has been characterised by his physical style of play, evidenced by his substantial penalty minutes, particularly during his university years at Dalhousie. Despite this, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to balance aggression with scoring, as seen in his 2022-2023 season where he notched 18 points in 28 games.

As he steps onto the ice at Planet Ice, Milton Keynes, Baker will be eager to establish himself as a key figure in the Raiders' defence. His experience and tenacity will be crucial against opponents, and fans will be keen to see how his game translates to the NIHL. With a fresh start in British ice hockey, Baker's debut promises to be an exciting addition to the league, and his performance could be pivotal in the Raiders' campaign.

The MK Lightning Supporters Club run our ever-popular match night competitions, giving fans the chance to win fantastic prizes while supporting the team.

• Tickets & Ducks: Just £1 each for every competition.

• When: All draws and events take place during the second-period break.

• Where to Buy:

  • At the entrance as you arrive

  • At the Supporters Club stand

  • From our sellers, who will be walking around the rink and in the bar throughout the night

• Look Out For Sellers: They’ll be easy to spot in their different colour hi-vis jackets.

Competitions include:

• 50:50 Raffle – one lucky fan takes home half the prize pot.

• Shirt Off His Back – your chance to win a game-worn jersey from one of the players.

• Ollie’s Grid – pick a square for the chance to win a jersey.

• Chuck a Duck – buy your duck at either end of the rink, and see if you can land it closest to centre ice to claim a prize.

Get involved, support your club, and you could walk away a winner!