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.

A lot has happened over the past week, and my role as interim Head Coach is to help the players regroup and focus on what’s ahead. Winning away in Basingstoke on Thursday night was a great start. Now it’s about preparing properly for the weekend.

We’re looking forward to seeing the full support of our fans at home on Saturday and on the road on Sunday against Telford. Let's go Lightning

James Griffin – Defence (#15)

Few players embody the Lightning spirit quite like veteran defenceman James Griffin. At 32 years old, Griffin has become a cornerstone of MK hockey, renowned for his leadership, toughness, and willingness to do the hard work that keeps his team competitive. In 2024/25, he played 52 games, adding 2 goals and 3 assists while logging heavy minutes against the league’s top forwards. Strong in the defensive zone and always ready to stand up for his teammates, he provides a physical edge that makes life uncomfortable for opponents. With years of NIHL experience behind him, number 15 remains a dependable presence on the blue line and a fan favourite at Planet Ice.

View from the Coach “Griff is a warrior. He’s physical, he leads by example, and he gives everything for the team. He’s a player the guys look up to,” said Tim Wallace.

Quick Facts Age: 32 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Right 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 52 GP – 2 G – 3 A – 5 PTS Style: Hard-nosed, stay-at-home defender with veteran leadership One to watch: A defensive rock and fan favourite who leads by example"

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).

Milton Keynes Lightning and the Milton Keynes Lightning Supporters Club (MKLSC) will host a special charity fixture on Saturday 14 March 2026, raising vital funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause close to the hearts of many across the Milton Keynes community.

On the night, the Lightning will take to the ice wearing a special charity jersey, designed with a difference to help shine a spotlight on the vital work Alzheimer’s Society does to support people living with dementia and their families. Dementia remains the UK’s greatest long-term health challenge, affecting hundreds of thousands of people and their loved ones, and Alzheimer’s Society continues to lead the way in providing support, funding research, and campaigning for better care and understanding.

The event aligns with Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia campaign, which highlights the important role sport can play in tackling dementia. Sport connects people of all ages and backgrounds, helps reduce stigma, and enables people living with dementia to remain engaged with the activities and communities they love.

In recognition of the importance of this cause, both Milton Keynes Lightning and the MKLSC will be making a donation to Alzheimer’s Society via their JustGiving page, which is now live.

MKL and the MKLSC are proud to use the platform of ice hockey to support such an important cause and look forward to welcoming supporters for what promises to be a special and impactful evening.