Jake Hayward took Saturday’s Man of the Match honours after a standout performance in MK Lightning’s dominant 10-3 victory over local rivals Peterborough Phantoms. Hayward was instrumental in Lightning’s attacking display, providing three assists as the team delivered a ten-goal Halloween thriller at the Thunderdome. A fantastic contribution in a memorable derby-night performance!

David Thomson was Sunday’s Man of the Match following an impressive two-goal display on the road against Sheffield Steeldogs. Thomson proved decisive in Lightning’s three-goal victory, finding the back of the net twice to help secure another important result. A clinical performance from Thomson as Lightning took an important two points away from home.

We had an exciting weekend with two fantastic wins! First, we dominated at home against Peterborough, showcasing our offensive skills and really taking charge of the game. Then, on the road in Sheffield, we delivered a mature performance that truly reflected our control and teamwork.

I'm thrilled with our progress and professionalism. We're committed to working hard and taking it one step at a time as we continue to build on this momentum!

Bringing explosive speed, attacking flair and a proven eye for goal, Mack Stewart returns to the lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning for the 2026/27 season.

The Belfast-born forward, is a dynamic right or left winger who shoots left. Standing at 5'8" (173cm), Stewart has developed through the Belfast Giants junior system, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in British ice hockey.

Stewart first joined Lightning ahead of the 2022/23 season and quickly made his mark. Across three seasons in Milton Keynes, he became a key offensive contributor, with his standout 2024/25 campaign seeing him record an impressive 31 goals and 34 assists for 65 points in 51 regular-season games. He also added seven points during the playoffs, helping Lightning secure the NIHL Playoff Championship.

His performances earned him an opportunity in the Elite Ice Hockey League, where he spent the 2025/26 season with Coventry Blaze, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of British hockey.

Now back in Lightning colours on a two-way agreement with Belfast Giants, Stewart will be looking to bring his pace, energy and offensive ability back to the Thunderdome as Lightning chase further silverware.

Richards brings Swindon a left-shooting Canadian forward whose CV spans major-junior hockey in the WHL, university competition with Mount Royal, an EIHL stop at Nottingham and senior seasons across Germany and France. His time with Everett Silvertips and Seattle Thunderbirds supplied a demanding development base, while Tilburg Trappers preceded his move into Ligue Magnus with Briançon and Amiens. The latest confirmed campaign underlines his capacity to create as well as finish (2025-2026 • Ligue Magnus • Amiens: GP 44, G–A–P 5–19–24, PIM 57). That blend makes him relevant whenever Swindon establish controlled possession, because he can support the puck rather than waiting solely for a shooting chance. Lightning should be alert to his left-handed release and to the passing option he offers around sustained offensive-zone pressure.

Fraser offers Swindon a right-shooting Canadian forward with a record built around sustained scoring across junior, collegiate and European hockey. He developed with Calgary Buffaloes and Kindersley Klippers, then moved through the NAHL with Aberdeen Wings before establishing himself at St. Norbert College. His transition to Rostock Piranhas produced a forceful European campaign and a profile that demands attention from the opening shift (2025-2026 • Germany3 • Rostock Piranhas: GP 48, G–A–P 30–20–50, PIM 12). The selected line captures both his finishing weight and his ability to contribute in the build-up, rather than presenting him as a one-dimensional shooter. For Lightning, the priority is to deny him clean entries into dangerous ice and prevent Swindon from feeding his right-handed release. His college records also show production across successive campaigns, while his earlier Kindersley spell confirms that goals have long been central to his game. Give him space between the circles and he has the background to turn possession into an immediate problem.

Vermaeten is already giving Swindon a direct left-shooting threat in the NIHL, and his early-season return makes him impossible for Lightning to treat as a peripheral piece (2026-2027 • NIHL • Swindon Wildcats: GP 13, G–A–P 15–8–23, PIM 6). The balance is clear: he has supplied decisive finishing while still adding creation, so MK must defend both his shot and his involvement in passing sequences. Before joining the Wildcats, the Canadian forward played for Valenciennes in France, where his regular-season and cup records reinforced his credentials as a scorer. His route also includes NCAA hockey with Canisius University, the NAHL with Shreveport Mudbugs and a substantial CCHL spell at Rockland Nationals. That background matters because it combines college structure with junior production and a recent adjustment to European hockey. Lightning need tight gaps when he carries into the zone, plus quick pressure before he can set his feet. Swindon have evidence that he can punish loose coverage, and his current output makes that warning particularly relevant tonight.