Jordan Cownie takes home Man of the Match honours once again after a dominant all-action performance in the Lightning’s 6–2 victory over the Sheffield Steeldogs. Cownie was simply everywhere on the ice, combining his trademark power and pace to devastating effect as he finished the night with a goal and three assists. Driving the play shift after shift, he set the tempo offensively, creating chances at will and playing a key role in breaking down the Steeldogs’ defence. Already no stranger to this accolade, Cownie once again showed why he is such a vital presence for the Lightning and making a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

Saturday was our standard. Urgency, structure, and focus for sixty minutes. When we play that way, we’re hard to beat.

Sheffield is a dangerous team, and shutting them down five-on-five takes commitment from everyone. Our guys defended hard, competed for every inch, and buried our chances. That’s winning hockey.

From here on out, there are no easy nights. We’ve been through a lot this season, now it’s about turning that adversity into strength and bringing that same push every single game.

"Joshua Kelly – Defence (#7)

English defenceman Joshua Kelly joins the Lightning blue line for 2025/26, bringing with him solid NIHL National experience and a reputation as a reliable, defensive-minded presence. The 25-year-old from Basingstoke has developed through the Guildford and Okanagan programmes before stepping into senior hockey with Basingstoke Bison and later icing for Bees and Berkshire Bees. Known for his calmness under pressure and disciplined play, Kelly keeps things simple in his own end, making smart first passes to spark transition and doing the hard work in front of his net. With his steady approach and strong work ethic, number 7 adds depth and resilience to MK’s defensive core and is a trusted option on the penalty kill.

View from the Coach “Josh is a defenceman who plays with maturity. He’s calm with the puck, responsible without it, and he’s only going to get better,” said Tim Wallace.

Quick Facts Age: 25 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Left 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, Berkshire Bees): 24 GP – 0 G – 2 A – 2 PTS Style: Steady, defensive defenceman and PK specialist One to watch: A disciplined blueliner who provides depth and composure"

Saturday’s Valentine’s night clash at Planet Ice pits Milton Keynes Lightning against a Romford Raiders side carrying pace and punch through the middle. Among the visitors, Tjay Anderson sets the tempo, blending creativity with persistence and a willingness to attack inside ice. He has grown into a reliable driver of offence at NIHL National level, able to extend shifts in the offensive zone and find late options when coverage collapses. Anderson’s game isn’t flash-first; it’s built on reads, timing and repeat pressure, which is why he features on key units and stays involved deep into games (2024–2025 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 54, G–A–P 25–51–76, PIM 47).

Power runs through Adam Laishram’s game, and the former Lightning forward remains a problem to manage when Romford get momentum. He plays with edge, protects pucks well along the boards and doesn’t need much space to turn possession into a chance. Laishram’s output last season underlined how quickly he can tilt a matchup, combining finishing with playmaking while staying physically engaged throughout the night. Discipline around him matters; give him extended zone time and he will make defenders pay, whether by shooting through traffic or drawing coverage to free a teammate (2023–2024 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 47, G–A–P 46–43–89, PIM 50).

Discipline will also be tested by Jarrett Baker, whose arrival has added bite and balance to the Raiders’ blue and yellow. A defenceman comfortable moving the puck, Baker supports the rush selectively and keeps plays alive at the line, forcing opponents to reset under pressure. He brings structure rather than risk, favouring first passes and smart angles over forcing offence, but he’s capable of contributing when lanes open. His NIHL National debut season has shown a steady influence on possession and transition, particularly against forechecks that overcommit (2025–2026 • NIHL • Romford Raiders: GP 40, G–A–P 15–28–43, PIM 34).

SATURDAY 21st FEBRUARY against Telford Tigers brings us our Pride Game!

The team will be on the ice in our special Pride Jerseys and we will be honouring the inclusivity of the game. Ice hockey is for everyone, and everyone has a place both on and off the ice – player and fan!

Make sure to grab your tickets now, they’re selling out incredibly fast.

🎟️ bit.ly/WatchMKL

We are pleased to announce we have 2 charity events coming up!

Sunday 8th March (MKL v Bristol Pitbulls) will be in support of Girl Pack, which is an amazing MK based and volunteer run charity, working towards ending period poverty for young girls and women. They are also the gracious sponsors of #37 Patrik Forsberg.

In celebration of International Women’s day, we will once again be hosting a collection and we would be very grateful for any donations made.

Saturday 14th March (MKL vs Basingstoke Bison) is going to be in support of Alzheimers Society, with some very special things planned in aid of another amazing charity that is working for a fantastic cause.

Make sure to get your tickets to these games when available, and come and show your support for our local charities!