Milton Keynes Lightning are proud to unveil the coaching setup for the 2025/26 NIHL season, with Tim Wallace making the full transition from player-coach to full-time Head Coach, joined once again by Assistant Coach Joe Wilson. They will be joined by MK Lightning legend, former defenceman number 66 Lewis Christie who will also be an Assistant coach.
This coaching team combines vast playing experience, tactical intelligence, and deep-rooted passion for MK hockey—all united by one clear goal: to push the Lightning to new heights.
After several seasons balancing the dual role of player and coach, Tim Wallace will now focus solely on leading the team from behind the bench.
Lightning Director Tom Roberts had this to say:
“Tim has made an incredible on-ice contribution to MK Lightning, and we are privileged to have been part of his playing career and seen him pull on a Lightning jersey nearly 250 times. We’ve been working with Tim to shape the next steps in his personal journey, and supporting him as he steps behind the bench full time is something we are excited about. This is a strong coaching team and we look forward to seeing them in action.”
Tim said: “Transitioning from being a player-coach to taking on the full-time role of head coach is a big step, but one I’m ready for and truly excited about. This move gives me the opportunity to fully dedicate myself to leading, developing, and challenging this group — helping each player grow, and ensuring we compete at the highest standard possible.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by two excellent assistant coaches in Joe Wilson and Lewis Christie. I’ve worked closely with Joe over the last few years and have seen firsthand how much he’s grown as a coach. He brings energy, a great hockey mind, and a real attention to detail. He’s always looking to improve and push himself — and that kind of mindset is exactly what we want throughout the organisation.
Then there’s Lewis — a name that’s synonymous with Milton Keynes hockey. He knows exactly what this club means to the community and what it takes to represent it the right way. He’ll play a massive role in helping set the tone for our culture. Lewis is passionate, driven, and he won’t accept anything less than full commitment. He’s going to be instrumental in holding our group to a high standard and driving the identity we want on and off the ice.
Together, we’re building a strong and unified coaching staff with one clear mission — to raise the bar in every area. It’s all hands on deck this year as we push to get the most out of our players and the entire organisation. Fun times ahead, and we’re ready to get after it.”
Joe Wilson continues as assistant coach for another season, offering tactical insight and an infectious team-first mentality.
He said:“I’m really happy to once again be back at MK. I love the club and it’s definitely becoming a second home for me and the family. Working alongside Tim is easy with us both being so similar in how we approach the game and certain situations. Then adding Lewy in for me is the perfect combination with his passion and commitment to the club. I’m really excited to get to work alongside both of them again and can’t wait to get back on the ice.
Joe went on to say: “Winning the playoffs last year was amazing, the support we had from the fans and getting back to MK was something I’ll cherish forever.
Together with Tim and Lewis we have built a team that’ll be hungry and competing for all the silverware available and I’m looking forward to helping them to achieve their full potential.”
Lewis Christie, who had his jersey retired last season after becoming the club’s all-time appearance leader, now steps behind the bench which is a fitting continuation of his legacy.
Lewy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back with MK Lightning, this time as part of the coaching team. This club has meant a lot to me for over a decade as a player and now as a coach and I am proud to be part of the journey again with such a special team and fanbase. I am committed to putting the effort to ensure we have a strong team on the ice for the 25/26 season and ensuring that we bring home some silverware the team/fans deserve!”
Please welcome your 2025/26 MK Lightning coaching team
