A standout presence from puck drop to final buzzer, forward Dominik Gabaj earns Saturdays Man of the Match honours after an influential all-round display. Driving the tempo with his trademark energy and sharp offensive instincts, Gabaj found the net with a clinical finish before turning provider with a perfectly weighted assist, showcasing both his composure under pressure and his vision in the attacking zone. Relentless on the forecheck and disciplined in his defensive responsibilities, he battled tirelessly for every puck and set the standard with his work rate throughout. A performance full of determination, skill and leadership, Gabaj’s impact on the ice was clear for all to see.

Sundays Man of the Match honours go to Mac Howlett, whose growing influence within the line-up continues to shine through for Milton Keynes Lightning. Settling seamlessly into the squad, Howlett once again demonstrated why he is becoming such a key presence on the ice, combining composure with tenacity in every shift. Strong on the puck and intelligent in his positioning, he read the play superbly, created opportunities in the offensive zone and showed real determination in his defensive duties. His work rate and commitment never wavered, setting the tone with a performance full of purpose and professionalism. A well-earned recognition for a player who is continuing to make his mark in Lightning colours.

Eric Henderson sets the offensive tone. In 2025–2026 NIHL action he has produced 16 goals and 59 assists from 43 games, following last season’s 29–55–84 in the 2024–2025 NIHL campaign. Those numbers point to a player who can both finish and facilitate, shifting between shooting threat and primary distributor depending on the situation. His 21 penalty minutes this term also suggest he plays on the right side of the line while logging significant minutes. Give him time on entries or on the half wall and he has the vision to expose defensive gaps (2025–2026 • NIHL • Telford Tigers: GP 43, G–A–P 16–59–75, PIM 21).

David Thomson remains the direct route to goal. After posting 29–33–62 in 31 NIHL games in 2024–2025, he has followed it with 35 goals and 38 assists through 43 games in 2025–2026, underlining consistent production across consecutive National League seasons. The reduction in penalty minutes from 73 to 26 year on year indicates a player channelling his edge more efficiently while maintaining output. He plays inside the dots, hunts rebounds and does not need high volume to make a shift count. If Lightning allow second touches around the crease, he will capitalise (2025–2026 • NIHL • Telford Tigers: GP 43, G–A–P 35–38–73, PIM 26).

Rhodes Mitchell-King drives play from the back end and continues an upward NIHL trajectory. His 2025–2026 line of 12–31–43 in 42 games builds on 10–31–41 across 54 games in the 2024–2025 NIHL season, reflecting growing confidence jumping into the rush and managing the puck under pressure. Earlier, he recorded 5–23–28 in 50 NIHL games in 2023–2024, illustrating steady progression. He will close quickly in defence, but it is his first pass and willingness to activate that make him influential in transition (2025–2026 • NIHL • Telford Tigers: GP 42, G–A–P 12–31–43, PIM 23).