Rio Grinell-Parke – Forward (#89)

London-born forward Rio Grinell-Parke brings energy, tenacity, and a willingness to battle every shift. In 2024/25 he played 45 games for the Lightning, scoring 5 goals and adding 5 assists. Known for his high work rate and fearless approach, Grinell-Parke is a player who does the hard graft to create chances and keep opponents under pressure. His skating and determination make him a disruptive presence on the forecheck, and he’s always ready to step up in big moments. Number 89 is a player fans can rely on to bring intensity, hustle, and heart whenever he pulls on the black, gold, and white.

View from the Coach “Rio is the kind of player every team needs,” said Tim Wallace. “He plays with energy, forechecks hard, and never takes a shift off. His effort lifts the whole team and he sets the tone with the way he competes.”

Quick Facts Age: 26 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Left 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 45 GP – 5 G – 5 A – 10 PTS Style: High-energy forward with speed and tenacity One to watch: A relentless skater who lifts the team with his work rate"

George Norcliffe is a familiar NIHL face who has settled quickly back into Bison stripes, bringing direct entries and a tidy release that suits their transition game. His best Basingstoke return came in a balanced, top-six role, and the signs this autumn are that he’s leaning into that same blend of pace and graft. Expect him to drive the middle and make himself available in the soft areas between MK’s lines. (2022–2023 • NIHL • Basingstoke Bison: GP 55, G–A–P 24–33–57, PIM 20)

From the blue line, Thomas Relf offers steadiness and simple first passes that keep Basingstoke moving north. He’s been used to heavy defensive minutes in recent seasons and reads the rush well, rarely overplaying when the safer percentage is on. With Romford he showed he can chip in as a distributor from the point, and Bison will lean on that same low-risk, high-clearance profile to exit cleanly and kill MK momentum. If Lightning leave him time, he’ll pick the seam. (2021–2022 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 41, G–A–P 2–23–25, PIM 50)

Watch the newcomer, Brendan Sellan. A straight-line winger with OHL pedigree, he brings a north-south motor and a quick trigger that translates to the NIHL pace. The book on him is uncomplicated: attack space, arrive on time, and make defenders turn. That OHL season in Erie is a useful marker for his ceiling—production that came from work rate as much as skill—and early touches here suggest he’s happy to drive the net front and contest second pucks. If Bison find zone time, he’ll be on the end of it. (2021–2022 • OHL • Erie Otters: GP 66, G–A–P 20–20–40, PIM 26)

A truly special night in the MK Lightning calendar is always our Remembrance Game, taking place this year on Friday 8th November as Lightning face the Hull Seahawks.

Join us for a moving pre-game ceremony, featuring distinguished guests including Lt Col Thao Nguyen, who will perform the National Anthem, along with the poignant playing of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths by Team Captains.

Our fantastic Supporters Club will once again be fundraising throughout the evening in support of the Royal British Legion (RBL) — an opportunity for us all to come together to honour and remember those who served.

We hope as many of you as possible will join us for what promises to be a truly special and memorable night.