Saturday night’s Man of the Match was Toms Rutkis, who delivered a superb hat trick to help secure a dominant 8-4 victory over the Peterborough Phantoms. A standout performance from the forward in a thrilling derby win!

In front of a packed house, I was happy with the work ethic, and intensity against a team that has been playing good hockey to start the year. From the start, we were focused and played fast, in-your-face hockey. The second period was one of the best we’ve had in a long time. This victory is a significant step in the right direction. Looking ahead, we have a huge test this weekend against two good teams. We need to stay committed to a productive week of practice and taking it one period at a time.

Harry Gulliver – Forward (#71)

Energetic and skilful, Harry Gulliver brings a spark to the Lightning’s forward lines every time he hits the ice. The 25-year-old forward contributed 21 goals and 30 assists across 54 games in the 2024/25 season, underlining his importance as a consistent point producer. Gulliver skates with speed and confidence, able to carry the puck through tight spaces and create opportunities for teammates. His willingness to play with intensity also makes him a reliable two-way forward, adding value in every zone. At just 25, he is entering his prime and looks set to push his game to even greater heights this year. Fans know that number 71 can be counted on to bring energy, creativity, and commitment every shift.

View from the Coach “Harry is a player who brings energy and pace. He can make plays at high speed, and he has the work ethic to go with his skill. He’s someone who lifts the whole team with the way he plays,” said Tim Wallace.

Quick Facts Age: 25 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Right 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 54 GP – 21 G – 30 A – 51 PTS Style: Creative two-way forward with pace and playmaking ability One to watch: A versatile sparkplug who drives tempo in all situations"

Sam Gospel remains Leeds’ backbone. Now in his sixth season with the Knights, the goaltender’s consistency has been the foundation of their rise. Across 44 league games in 2024–2025 (2024–2025 • NIHL • Leeds Knights: GP 44, G–A–P 0–0–0, PIM 0), his calm presence under pressure helped Leeds stay composed when games tightened. With nearly 500 career appearances to his name (career totals: GP 489, G–A–P 0–0–0, PIM 0), Gospel brings the poise of a player who has seen almost everything this league can throw at him.

Finley Bradon is one of the league’s brightest young forwards and proof that Leeds develop talent as well as they recruit it. After a breakout 2024–2025 campaign where he hit 57 points in the NIHL (2024–2025 • NIHL • Leeds Knights: GP 50, G–A–P 26–31–57, PIM 21), Bradon’s confidence and energy make him dangerous in transition. His strong start this year, with six goals and four assists in his first six games, shows he’s carrying that momentum straight into the new season — a livewire presence MKL will need to contain.

Experience and craft come through Matt Bissonnette, a forward whose vision shapes the Knights’ attack. His 2024–2025 season was typically productive, amassing 89 points (2024–2025 • NIHL • Leeds Knights: GP 54, G–A–P 22–67–89, PIM 16). That playmaking touch, honed across more than 790 career games (career totals: GP 796, G–A–P 321–621–942, PIM 628), gives Leeds a constant outlet in possession. Expect him to dictate tempo, link up the lines, and punish any lapse in MKL’s defensive shape. (Photo credit: Ben gordon/Knights Media)

Halloween Jerseys are available to order now.   All orders musts be received by 18th October at 11pm to arrive in time for the Halloween game on the 2nd November.

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