As we’ve built our squad for the 2021/22 season, MKL Head Coach Lewis Clifford has worked hard to balance the priorities of building a squad for the future, performance on the ice, and working within the NIHL wage cap structures for this season.  This has meant that although a number of players have returned there are some we are saying goodbye to.  For many, this news is already out there but we wanted to say thank you ourselves for everything you’ve done for MKL.

#6 Jordan Stokes

Stokesy was a solid, stay at home D man who was consistent in his play.  Recently fully qualified as a firefighter, Jordan will play for Solihull Barons this year.  Good luck for the season Jordan.

#9 Grant McPherson

Legend.  Pure and simple.  The players player of the year and a significant contributor to MK and British ice hockey.  G grabbed points, including a the final goal of the season, but it was his contribution off the ice as well which, throughout his career made him such a massive part of the sport.  We will be rehanging G’s shirt, and look forward to working with him to celebrate this properly, so we’ll leave a fuller tribute until then.

#13 Cale Tanaka

Tank.  Terroriser in the corners, awesome protector of the puck, and our second highest points scorer.  Tank bought grit, combat and tenacity and we’ll miss his character off the ice too.  Not signed for a team since 2019/20, but always welcome back in MK whenever he’s passing.  Good luck Tank – see you soon we hope.

#14 Harry Ferguson

Harry came to us with Elite experience and has now made the step back up to EIHL level with Glasgow Clan back in his native Scotland.  Harry worked hard to expand his contribution over the year and has continued to live in MK and train with MKL until just this week.  We’ll look out for you in the EIHL games on TV Harry – good luck in Elite.

#23 Tom Carlon

TC joined us part way through the season and provided some grit, muscle and scoring.  We remember a particularly nice solo run away to Raiders.  TC will be pulling on a shirt for MK Thunder this season so we look forward to seeing him pick up the points there.  All the best TC!

#30 Robin Kovar

Skilful and super fit, Robin joined us part way through the season.  He suffered a nasty injury towards the end of the regular season which we’re pleased was recovered enough for him to play in the Streaming Series.  We look forward to seeing where Robin wherever he plays this year.  Thanks for your energy and fast hands Kovy!  All the best.

#33 Jordan Lawday

Jordan also joined MKL from Thunder and is a hard worker who studies the game of hockey in detail to improve his own performance.  He was a regular feature in our goaltending trio, and produced a strong .898 save percentage over the year.  He has joined Telford Tigers as part of their goaltending duo so we look forward to welcoming him back to the MK Arena when they visit this year.  Have a great season Jordan!

#45 Dean Skinns

Skinnsy initially joined us as injury cover for his second MKL season, and went on to form a key part of our goaltending trio after some great performances.  He returned a solid .883 save percentage and has joined Swindon as one of three goalies, so there is a good chance we will be able to welcome Skinnsy back at some point this season.  Good luck between the pipes Dean.

#49 Logan Prince

Logan made the step up from Thunder into the Lightning squad part way through the season.  He brings a great attitude and good work ethic.  Logan will develop his career further at Oxford this year and we wish him all the best for that campaign.  See you in MK some time Logan!

#71 Rio Grinell-Parke

A favourite with a number of fans, we will miss Rio’s speed and aggression up and down the ice.  He was always great with our younger fans, and was an exciting young player to watch.  We will get to see him when he returns to us with Raiders this year.  Good luck with the NIHL season ahead Rio.

#79 Tomas Kana

TK was our top points scorer in 2019/20 and was famous for his hard shot, and one particular big hit behind the goal.  Thanks for all your hard work in offence as well as on the PK.  Tomas has signed for HC Novy Jicin in the Czech 3 division and we’ll look out for him as the season progresses.  Have a good season TK.

#89 Taylor Dickin

Taylor stepped in to help us after Robin Kovar sustained an injury.  He’s a great team player and an all around good guy to have in the locker room.  We await to see where Taylor’s hockey future takes him.  Best of luck Taylor.

Streaming Series Guests

Thanks also to our special guests for the 2020 Streaming Series, Lewis Hook, Ross Venus, David Clements, Paul Swindlehurst.  Thank you for your awesome assistance and brilliant GB appearances.  Our thanks also go to 2020/21 signing Eddie Bebris, who had a brief time with MKL before returning to Swindon Wildcats for this season.

 

Thanks to all these players.  We loved having you around, and we’re delighted to have you as part of the MK Hockey Family.  Good luck, and you’re welcome back in the MK Arena any time.