It was a standout weekend for Illia Korenchuk, who claimed Man of the Match honours in both games thanks to two exceptional performances.

Across the weekend, Korenchuk totalled 5 goals and 3 assists, including a hat trick on Sunday night. His impact was felt all over the ice — combining blistering speed, sharp decision-making, and clinical finishing.

On Saturday, his contributions were key in helping Lightning secure a valuable overtime point, with Korenchuk driving the offence throughout. He carried that momentum into Sunday’s home game, where he led the charge in an impressive 8–3 win over the Bristol Pitbulls, once again proving why he’s one of the team’s most dynamic imports.

A superb weekend from the Ukrainian forward, whose determination and quality were on full display.

Last Saturday on the road in Bristol, we had a decent start. The guys played pretty hard, though some took a little longer to get going, and it was challenging to get the job done without everyone fully committed. We managed to find some goals through individual performances. Unfortunately, it ended in a tough loss, which challenged everyone mentally.

This carried over into Sunday’s game, but it also sparked the best performance of the year. The first period was the strongest I’ve seen in a long time with this group, and everyone really dug in. With the limited bodies playing, that game was a true test of character. We just have to remain consistent and keep that momentum going.

Archie Salisbury – Defence (#4)

At just 18, Archie Salisbury has already shown he belongs at senior level with his fearless, physical approach to defending. Strong through his core and eager to engage, he relishes contact and is quick to close down space in his own zone. As his reads and puck movement continue to develop, Salisbury’s blend of size and bite make him a difficult match-up for opposing forwards. He’s the kind of young blue-liner who energises a building with a big hit or a timely block. Number 4 is one of the most exciting prospects on the Lightning blue line.

View from the Coach “Archie plays with real bite for a young defenceman. He competes, he finishes checks, and he’s eager to learn. His ceiling is high if he keeps building good habits,” said Tim Wallace.

Quick Facts Age: 18 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Left 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 46 GP – 1 G – 3 A – 4 PTS Style: Physical, no‑nonsense defender who closes quickly One to watch: Raw tools, big engine, and growing confidence

Kieran Brown remains the focal point of everything Leeds do offensively: a winger who can finish, create off the rush, and punish poor line changes. Last season in the NIHL he delivered triple-digit production again, driving play over a full schedule and drawing a heavy share of attention from opposing defences (2024–2025 • NIHL • Leeds Knights: GP 48, G–A–P 53–49–102, PIM 75). If Milton Keynes lose track of him for a shift, the damage tends to show up quickly on the scoreboard.

Bálint Pákozdi adds a layer of edge and control through the middle of the ice, blending puck movement with a clear appetite for the physical side of the National League. His early numbers with Leeds this season underline that mix of offence and confrontation (2025–2026 • NIHL • Leeds Knights: GP 22, G–A–P 9–19–28, PIM 48). Pákozdi’s importance goes beyond the scoresheet: he is often the link out of the defensive zone, the extra man on the forecheck, and the player trusted to keep the tempo high when games threaten to drift.

Sam Gospel continues to define Leeds’ defensive platform through consistency and workload, along with headline statistics including a 93.06 saves percentage. He has again shouldered starting duties across the current NIHL season, leading in the league Goalie stats and providing stability behind a fast-moving defence group. Gospel’s influence is felt in the small details: early saves that settle his bench, smart handling to relieve pressure, and an ability to reset quickly after breakdowns in front of him. In tight games, that reliability, coupled with huge saves, often proves decisive.

Next week’s home game against the Swindon Wildcats on Sunday 21st December, with a 5:30pm face-off, marks our annual Collection for the Homeless, supporting Unity MK.

Each year, our incredible Lightning community steps up and makes a genuine impact. Unity MK have shared just how grateful they are for your continued kindness and generosity.

If you’re able to contribute, Unity MK would be extremely thankful for donations of the following items: