MILTON KEYNES, 19 MAY 2019: MK Lightning are delighted to announce that Russell Cowley has signed for the 2019/20 season.

Previously signed under Head Coach Lewis Clifford and the former management team, Russ has now transferred to Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Club and will play for MK Lightning in the inaugural season of the NIHL National Pision.

Having just signed, Russ shared his thoughts

“With the recent negative publicity surrounding MK I wasn’t sure about committing to next season. That changed after speaking at length with Cliff and the new ownership group on the plans and direction of the club. I am extremely excited to be a part of this. As a player, you always want to be challenging for silverware and that is going to be the case for us next season.

Milton Keynes is no stranger to me throughout my playing career, and I know it has always been a great hockey city, with great fans. We want to give the fans what they deserve, a team that will have an identity and good style of hockey. I am really looking forward to getting going and being a part of something special!”

Cowley started his career at Swindon Phoenix in 2000 before moving to Coventry Blaze in 2001, playing for them in the BNL and EIHL including the Blaze Grand Slam of League, Challenge Cup and Playoffs in 2004/5. In 2006 he moved to Cardiff Devils, returning to Blaze a year later where he played a part in two more league titles in 2008 and 2010.

An England U18 and U20 player, he has also represented Great Britain in the men’s national ice hockey team. Defence-minded but highly adaptable, Cowley has played in a number of positions both as forward and defenceman.

Lewis Clifford commented on the appointment “As I’ve said before, I have been aware of Russ for some time, I’ve watched him play in the Elite League for a number of years and then saw how he applied his experience to NIHL hockey at Basingstoke last season.

As a player, I know what he will bring to the team and from our discussions it is pretty clear just how much he will offer us both on and off the ice.”

MK Lightning are thrilled that he will be with us at this exciting time for Milton Keynes Hockey and wish him all the best for the coming season.

Own & Loan Jerseys

You can now apply for the Russell Cowley “Own and Loan” jersey by emailing dave@b2promodesign.com – please indicate which jersey you would like.

Remember this is purely on a first come, first served basis:

HOME JERSEY: £200

AWAY JERSEY: £200

WARM-UP JERSEY: £125

Payment in full due by 1st October 2019.

Visit https://www.letsplayhockey.org/ownandloan2019 for more information.