On Saturday night vs Solway Sharks, Sean Norris took the award after an exceptional display, scoring twice - including the all-important game-winning goal in a tightly contested battle. Sean worked tirelessly at both ends of the ice, driving the team forward and making a decisive impact throughout the night.

On Sunday the team travelled north to face Leeds Knights. Up in Leeds, it was Janne Jokinen who claimed the accolade. Janne opened the scoring for MKL and delivered an immense two-way performance, battling hard in both the offensive and defensive zones. Despite being short benched and missing key players, Lightning pushed Leeds all the way and were unfortunate to leave without a point. Janne’s determination and work rate were clear to see from start to finish.

I am proud of the way we played this weekend with the amount of guys missing. We deserved 4 points but that’s hockey. Saturday we stuck with it and did what was necessary to pull away in the end. We lost focus in certain parts but that’s what happens when you are tired. It was a solid team performance in front of a great crowd. Sunday was arguably our best game of the year, the puck just wouldn’t go in. Their goalie played light out and it just didn’t fall our way. Those games are tough to swallow when you give it your all and you don’t get the results. We will rest up and keep playing as a team.

Joshua Saunders – Defence (#26)

Scottish defenceman Joshua Saunders arrives at Milton Keynes Lightning for the 2025/26 season after progressing through the Fife and Kirkcaldy systems and earning valuable EIHL experience with the Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars. Still just 19, Saunders has already shown his potential at senior level, combining size and composure with a willingness to play physically. He was also part of the Great Britain U18 squad, gaining international experience on the world stage. With a strong shot from the blue line and a solid defensive game, Saunders is expected to continue developing into a reliable two-way presence in the NIHL. Lightning fans can look forward to watching number 26 grow into a key part of the team’s future.

View from the Coach “Josh is a big, strong player with a heavy shot and a physical edge to his game,” said Tim Wallace. “He’s got some real poise and maturity in how he plays, and I see a ton of potential in him. This is a big move for Josh, but he’s committed to doing whatever it takes to improve and help us win hockey games.”

Quick Facts Age: 19 | Nationality: Scottish | Shoots: Right 2024/25 Stats (SNL, Kirkcaldy Kestrels): 17 GP – 5 G – 13 A – 18 PTS Style: Tall, composed defender with strong gap control One to watch: A blue-liner with poise, punch and boundless upside

Through clever positioning and a direct north–south game, Ivan Björkly Nordström (#72) has become a reliable driver of Sheffield’s five-on-five production this season. Comfortable carrying the puck through the neutral zone or finding soft ice for a return pass, he plays with a calmness that disguises how hard he is to keep off the scoresheet. His recent NIHL form underlines just how involved he is in everything the Steeldogs do in the offensive zone (2025–2026 • NIHL • Sheffield Steeldogs: GP 20, G–A–P 12–18–30, PIM 4). Denying him time between the circles will be a priority for the Lightning defence.

Photo credit: Peter Best Photography

Built for tempo, Bair Gendunov (#11) brings a direct, high-energy presence to Sheffield’s top-six rotation. He attacks with intent, pushes defenders back and is quick to turn loose pucks into immediate danger. While creative enough to make plays in traffic, his real value is in forcing mistakes and keeping shifts alive with repeat efforts around the net and along the boards. That ability to tilt ice at even strength is clear in his current NIHL output (2025–2026 • NIHL • Sheffield Steeldogs: GP 19, G–A–P 12–18–30, PIM 8), making him one of the key disruptors MK will need to track closely on the backcheck.

Photo credit: Peter Best Photography

Still developing his senior identity, Liam Steele (#3) adds youthful mobility and smart puck movement from deeper areas. Comfortable joining the rush or stepping into the play late as a passing outlet, he reads pressure well and moves the puck quickly to break defensive structure. His background across junior, international and North American pathways is evident in the confidence of his decision-making and the tidy support lines he takes up in transition. That consistency is reflected in his current Steeldogs campaign (2025–2026 • NIHL • Sheffield Steeldogs: GP 20, G–A–P 6–14–20, PIM 16), and MK’s forwards will need to be alive to his second-wave involvement.

Photo credit: Peter Best Photography

Get ready, Lightning fans — it’s almost time for our traditional Air the Bear night! One of the most exciting and heart warming nights in Milton Keynes ice hockey is back, and you won’t want to miss it.

Here’s how you can be part of the magic:

• Bring a brand-new teddy bear to the arena
• Make sure your bear is sealed in a plastic bag
• Then, when the Lightning score their first goal, launch your bear onto the ice and watch the arena light up with joy!

Every bear you donate goes to local charities — including the Childrens’ Ward at Milton Keynes Hospital as well as other smaller charities — helping children, young carers, and families who need a smile most.

Make a difference, have fun, and cheer on your team in style! Can we beat last year’s impressive total of 532 bears?