The Away game against Bristol Pitbulls saw the Man of the Match award go to Toms Rutkis. Toms played a huge role in the win, delivering three excellent assists and driving the team forward all night. A standout performance and fully deserved recognition!

Sunday was our home game against the Pitbulls, and the award went to Milique. He made a huge impact on the game, recording three assists and playing a key role in helping drive the team forward throughout the night. A fantastic performance!

Once again, I am extremely proud of the way the lads performed over the weekend against a tough Bristol side. Bristol put on a good performance on Saturday to bring the game to a 4-4 tie, but the team managed to get the job done.

Sunday’s game felt more like a play-off game, which I think was important for us to play with the lead, and it was great to see.

There were a lot of great performances over the weekend, which was nice to see coming into the playoffs. Hopefully, we can continue this form.

"Harry Gulliver – Forward (#71)

Energetic and skilful, Harry Gulliver brings a spark to the Lightning’s forward lines every time he hits the ice. The 25-year-old forward contributed 21 goals and 30 assists across 54 games in the 2024/25 season, underlining his importance as a consistent point producer. Gulliver skates with speed and confidence, able to carry the puck through tight spaces and create opportunities for teammates. His willingness to play with intensity also makes him a reliable two-way forward, adding value in every zone. At just 25, he is entering his prime and looks set to push his game to even greater heights this year. Fans know that number 71 can be counted on to bring energy, creativity, and commitment every shift.

Quick Facts Age: 25 | Nationality: English | Shoots: Right 2024/25 Stats (NIHL National, MK Lightning): 54 GP – 21 G – 30 A – 51 PTS Style: Creative two-way forward with pace and playmaking ability One to watch: A versatile sparkplug who drives tempo in all situations"

Basingstoke arrive at Planet Ice with plenty of offence in the line-up, and Milton Keynes will need to be sharp against a Bison side capable of generating pressure from several lines. Much of that threat runs through Luke Spadafora, a forward who has become a key playmaker in green and white this season. His production shows both finishing touch and vision, particularly around the offensive zone where he can slow the play and pick a pass. The Canadian’s current campaign reflects that balanced output and willingness to stay involved physically when required (2025–2026 • NIHL • Basingstoke Bison: GP 49, G–A–P 23–40–63, PIM 59).

Another name Lightning supporters will recognise on the Bison teamsheet is Brendan Sellan, whose scoring touch has translated effectively to the NIHL. A product of major junior hockey with the Erie Otters earlier in his career, Sellan plays with a direct style that suits the smaller details of the British game: quick releases, strong positioning and a readiness to attack rebounds around the crease. His impact this season has been driven by consistent offensive returns and a steady presence on the puck in key areas (2025–2026 • NIHL • Basingstoke Bison: GP 50, G–A–P 31–31–62, PIM 29).

Meanwhile, Thomas Relf brings a different dimension from the blue line, offering experience and puck movement from the back end. The British defenceman has spent many seasons in the NIHL system and understands how to manage tempo, whether that means moving the puck quickly out of the defensive zone or stepping up to support the rush. His contributions with Basingstoke this season underline that dependable two-way role, adding points while maintaining a steady defensive presence (2025–2026 • NIHL • Basingstoke Bison: GP 48, G–A–P 9–15–24, PIM 32).

🏒 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙔𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙎 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝙊𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙕𝙊𝙉 🏒

The business end of the season is getting closer… and the Lightning ⚡️ will be defending our playoff title 🏆

Playoff hockey 🏒 is a different beast, it’s faster, more intense, and every moment matters. 🔥

📅 Dates will be confirmed soon… and trust us, it’s something you don’t want to miss.

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 OR 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 OR 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 OR 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹
𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 & 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵: 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗

It’s our charity game raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

We’ve got special jerseys, merch and have attendees from the charity joining us for the game.

Please donate to this special cause https://www.justgiving.com/page/mkl-1