Saturday’s Man of the Match was Sean Norris, who delivered an excellent all-round performance. Norris was a constant threat, contributing a goal and an assist, and driving the offence with his trademark speed and creativity. His work rate was relentless, generating several chances and making an impact at both ends of the ice.

On Sunday, the honours went to Elliot Lewis, whose two-goal performance shone brightly. Lewis showed great composure and finishing ability, capitalising on his opportunities and never giving in. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a well-deserved Man of the Match award.

This weekend, we faced significant adversity, but the team’s effort was commendable. On Saturday, we played hard and stayed resilient. We played well with the lead in the third giving them limited opportunities, but one mistake allowed them to tie it up. We battled through overtime and had several chances, but ultimately fell short in the shootout.

On Sunday, we had a decent start, but mental errors and turnovers led to three easy goals. Penalties added to the challenge, and we found ourselves scrambling to kill off those penalties. Although we were fatigued, we showed determination, and I’m proud of the effort.

In the end, it’s important that we stick together and keep pushing forward. We’ll learn from these experiences and come back stronger.

Jordan Hedley – Goaltender (#1)

Jordan Hedley brings elite-level experience and proven pedigree to the Lightning crease. The 29-year-old Coventry-born netminder spent several years in the Elite League with Coventry Blaze and represented Great Britain internationally before becoming a key figure for MK. Standing 6’3, Hedley uses his size and positioning to good effect, combining calmness with the ability to make big saves when his team needs him most. Since arriving in Milton Keynes, he has grown into a leader both on and off the ice, providing consistency and a reassuring presence behind the defence. With his mixture of experience, composure, and competitive edge, fans can expect Hedley to continue delivering match-winning performances in 2025/26.

View from the Coach “Jordan gives us a calm presence in the crease,” said Tim Wallace. “He’s experienced, he’s composed, and he makes the saves you need when the game is on the line. Having a goalie like him gives the team real confidence to play their game.”

Quick Facts Age: 29 | Nationality: English | Catches: Left 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 23 GP – .900 SV% – 3.12 GAA Style: Tall, composed goaltender with elite-level experience One to watch: A trusted netminder with EIHL and GB pedigree

Arriving in Bristol with proven NIHL finishing touch, Jake Bricknell remains one of the league’s most forceful all-round forwards. His 2024–2025 season at Swindon showed exactly how dangerous he can be in this division, producing a standout return for the Wildcats (2024–2025 • NIHL • Swindon Wildcats: GP 54, G–A–P 57–50–107, PIM 72). That form has travelled well; early Pitbulls numbers underline both his shooting confidence and ability to drive attacks through the middle. With a career totals line that already reflects major mileage across North America and Europe (gp=647 | g=217 | a=276 | pts=493 | pim=1034), he offers Bristol a Blue-chip spearhead whose direct style always demands tight marking.

Photo credit: Pete Fears

Moving the puck with trademark patience, John Dunbar gives Bristol a creative axis who can unpick defensive structures at pace. His production last year for Solway was again among the sharpest in the NIHL, highlighting his playmaking instincts across a full schedule (2024–2025 • NIHL • Solway Sharks: GP 54, G–A–P 27–63–90, PIM 14). Now in Pitbulls colours, his early-season return shows the familiar blend of awareness, tempo control and smart distribution. Dunbar’s long career has taken in the AJHL, NCAA, EIHL and Germany, reinforced by a substantial career totals record (gp=937 | g=333 | a=686 | pts=1019 | pim=461). When he is allowed time on the puck, Bristol’s offence becomes far more dangerous.

Photo credit: Pete Fears

Experience defines Josh Batch, who brings Bristol a steadying presence on the back end. He has logged years of top-flight EIHL shifts with Cardiff and arrives in the NIHL as a defender who reads the game astutely and leans on his size when needed. A recent EIHL campaign again showed his comfort in heavy minutes and special-teams situations (2024–2025 • EIHL • Cardiff Devils: GP 34, G–A–P 0–6–6, PIM 8). That translates usefully at NIHL pace, where his positioning and reliable first pass give the Pitbulls structure in transition. His extensive career totals line (gp=1114 | g=128 | a=260 | pts=388 | pim=1255) illustrates just how much elite-level experience he brings into this fixture.

Photo credit: Pete Fears

With the season around halfway through, we’re already receiving lots of enquiries about part-season tickets and full season tickets for next year.

Our Season Ticket holders mean a huge amount to us at MK Lightning, and we’re committed to keeping the Season Ticket as the best-value way to experience hockey in Milton Keynes.

Part Season Tickets will go on sale on the 1st December 7pm until the 12th December at 11.45pm – applications will be processed on a first come first served basis.

The Part Season Ticket will cover 12 games from the 27th December, until the end of the regular season.  Any cup/ play off games will be an additional cost, but your seats will be reserved for you to purchase at a discounted price.

Please note there is no availability for Part Season Tickets for the Accessible ramp and Standing spots in the rink.  For full season tickets next season 26/27, a waiting list will be started for these locations (more details will follow in due course).

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