Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Russell as Head Coach and Director of Hockey, for the Team.
Russell is no stranger to MKL and is one of the most respected figures in British ice hockey. He returns to Milton Keynes following several successful years coaching in Europe and on the international stage with the Great Britain men’s national ice hockey team.
The Scottish-born coach previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell behind the bench in Milton Keynes, guiding the Lightning through one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his previous tenure 2015-2018, Russell helped establish Milton Keynes as a major force in British ice hockey, leading the team to Cup and Playoff victories in 16/17 and overseeing the transition into the Elite Ice Hockey League.
Following his time in the UK, Russell continued his coaching journey in Germany, working with clubs including EHC Freiburg, Ravensburg Towerstars and Augsburger Panther. His time overseas provided valuable experience in one of Europe’s strongest hockey systems while further enhancing his reputation as a player-development focused coach.
Alongside his club career, Russell has led Team GB through one of the most successful eras in the nation’s hockey history. As Head Coach, he guided Great Britain to historic promotions at the IIHF World Championships and helped re-establish the country among the world’s elite hockey nations.
Now, Russell returns to Milton Keynes with renewed experience and ambition as the Lightning look ahead to the 2026/27 season.
Pete Russell said:
“I am thrilled to return to a club that holds such a special place in my heart.
My time and journey away has provided me with invaluable experiences, many lessons both good and bad, and insights that I am eager to bring back to this team and community. This commitment also provides me with the invaluable opportunity to live at home with my family and to once again embark on a new hockey journey together.
I look forward to working with our players, our staff, fostering our growth, and continuing to build on the strong foundation that has always defined our club. Together, we will all strive for success and aim to create more memorable moments for our great MKL fans.”
MK Lightning Director Tom Roberts also welcomed Russell back to the club.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Pete back to Milton Keynes. He knows this club, he knows our fans, and he understands exactly what it takes to build a successful team here.
Since leaving the UK he has gained tremendous experience coaching internationally and in Germany, and we believe that knowledge and leadership will be hugely valuable as we continue developing the next chapter of MK Lightning.
Pete’s passion for the game and his commitment to developing players makes him the perfect person to lead our team into the 2026/27 season and beyond.”
Pete will take on full-time head coaching responsibilities ahead of the new season and is already actively building a roster designed to compete for silverware.
Russell’s return signals an exciting new chapter for Milton Keynes Lightning as the club looks to build on its proud history and continue delivering exciting hockey for its passionate fanbase.
Please join us in giving Pete a big MK Lightning welcome.
