Saturday night’s emphatic 8–2 victory was packed with standout performances, but Man of the Match deservedly went to Sean Norris. The dynamic forward delivered a superb hat-trick display, combining blistering pace with relentless determination to drive Milton Keynes Lightning forward all evening. Norris was dominant in every shift, constantly pressuring the opposition defence and showing an unshakable hunger to add to the scoresheet. His clinical finishing and tireless work rate were instrumental in securing such a commanding result, capping off a performance that perfectly embodied Lightning’s attacking intent and team spirit.

In Sunday’s away clash with the Romford Raiders, Milique Martelly once again demonstrated exactly why he is such an invaluable part of this Milton Keynes Lightning side. Dominant from the first puck drop, Martelly seemed to be everywhere on the ice — collecting passes with composure, driving play forward, and linking up seamlessly with his teammates. His vision and work ethic created countless opportunities, playing a key role in breaking down the Raiders’ defence and securing the win on the road. It was a tireless, all-action performance that underlined his importance to the team and earned him a well-deserved Man of the Match accolade.

I am extremely pleased with the boys' performance this weekend. Despite facing two strong opponents, we managed to secure 4 points and also clinch a spot in the play offs, which is a significant achievement for both the team and myself.

Our focus now is on continuing to work on ourselves and building confidence for the upcoming play offs. I believe that allowing each player to find their own rhythm has helped boost everyone's confidence, as reflected in our performance over the last 5 games. I wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible energy and support from the crowd on Saturday night. When we scored those first four goals, the atmosphere was electric, making it feel like you all were an additional player out on the ice. Thank you so much for your unwavering support.

"Joshua Saunders – Defence (#26)

Scottish defenceman Joshua Saunders arrives at Milton Keynes Lightning for the 2025/26 season after progressing through the Fife and Kirkcaldy systems and earning valuable EIHL experience with the Fife Flyers and Dundee Stars. Still just 19, Saunders has already shown his potential at senior level, combining size and composure with a willingness to play physically. He was also part of the Great Britain U18 squad, gaining international experience on the world stage. With a strong shot from the blue line and a solid defensive game, Saunders is expected to continue developing into a reliable two-way presence in the NIHL. Lightning fans can look forward to watching number 26 grow into a key part of the team’s future.

Quick Facts Age: 19 | Nationality: Scottish | Shoots: Right 2024/25 Stats (SNL, Kirkcaldy Kestrels): 17 GP – 5 G – 13 A – 18 PTS Style: Tall, composed defender with strong gap control One to watch: A blue-liner with poise, punch and boundless upside"

Jake Bricknell has been a headline act at this level for the past two seasons, and his move to Bristol has not dulled the edge. After a prolific 2024–2025 NIHL campaign with Swindon Wildcats (2024–2025 • NIHL • Swindon Wildcats: GP 54, G–A–P 57–50–107, PIM 72), he has carried that scoring touch into the current term with the Pitbulls (2025–2026 • NIHL • Bristol Pitbulls: GP 48, G–A–P 44–46–90, PIM 43). He plays with a directness that suits the smaller rinks in this league, driving inside ice and getting pucks away early. Contain his time and space through the neutral zone and you limit Bristol’s most consistent finisher.

Photo: FIyfifer Photography

Experience runs through John Dunbar’s game. His body of work across leagues underlines that he sees the ice a fraction quicker than most, and his recent NIHL seasons show sustained output. With Solway Sharks in 2023–2024 he posted (2023–2024 • NIHL • Solway Sharks: GP 54, G–A–P 23–71–94, PIM 22), before following it up in 2024–2025 with (2024–2025 • NIHL • Solway Sharks: GP 54, G–A–P 27–63–90, PIM 14). Now in Bristol colours, he continues to orchestrate from the middle, happy to distribute or delay to draw coverage. Lightning’s defensive details around the slot will be crucial when he’s on the ice.

Photo: FIyfifer Photography

Then there is Tanner Butler, a blue-liner who mixes puck movement with bite. His recent NIHL record with the Pitbulls shows steady offensive contribution from the back end, including (2025–2026 • NIHL • Bristol Pitbulls: GP 46, G–A–P 10–42–52, PIM 50). Go back a year and the edge is even clearer (2024–2025 • NIHL • Bristol Pitbulls: GP 43, G–A–P 15–36–51, PIM 144). Butler will jump into space if unchecked and is not shy about contact in front of the crease. Establishing net-front presence and forcing him to defend first should be part of MK’s plan.

Photo: FIyfifer Photography

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.

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.

Representatives from Alzheimer’s Society will also be in attendance on the night, with Forget-me-not pins available to purchase at £2 each. These pins help raise both awareness and vital funds to support research and services for people affected by dementia.

The Milton Keynes Falcons Women’s team have represented Milton Keynes in Women’s League Hockey since the club was founded in 1999, including spending three seasons competing in the top tier of UK Women’s Hockey.

Today the Falcons play fast, physical hockey in WNIHL1, the second tier of the National League, and the club has produced a number of International players, Bandy GB players, and Elite League players along the way.

Led by Head Coach and MK Lightning legend Nick Poole, the Falcons club continues to grow. The club now runs two teams, with the Falcons 2 recently stepping up into WNIHL2 South, creating a clear pathway for players in Milton Keynes by developing talent from the Junior U16 Girls programme while also pushing players up into the Falcons 1 squad competing in WNIHL1.

The club now includes over 35 players aged 14 and above, building a strong and competitive Women’s Hockey setup in Milton Keynes.

If you’re a hockey fan and want to see local competitive hockey, come down to Planet Ice Milton Keynes and check out the Falcons in action.

The Falcons run double-header home games, so you get two games back-to-back — and entry is completely free, but a suggested donation of £5 per family/group is appreciated to support growth of the women’s game.

Come down, support local hockey, and keep your hockey fix going.

Upcoming Home Games

22 March
16:25 – Falcons 2 vs Cambridge 2 (WNIHL2)
18:25 – Falcons 1 vs Cambridge 1 (WNIHL1)

19 April
16:25 – Falcons 2 vs Bristol 2 (WNIHL2)
18:25 – Falcons 1 vs Bracknell Firebees (WNIHL1)

25 April
16:25 – Falcons 2 vs Lee Valley (WNIHL2)
18:25 – Falcons 1 vs Swindon (WNIHL1)

10 May
16:25 – Falcons 2 vs Invicta (WNIHL2)
18:25 – Falcons 1 vs Streatham (WNIHL1)