It’s time to reveal another group of players who are joining Lewis Christie to mark his testimonial on 29th April – some names to really whet your appetite here, if this doesn’t get you rushing to book your tickets in advance we don’t know what will! Sponsored by Acute Ambulance & Medical Services, it promises to be a night not to be missed so save the date!
BARRY HOLLYHEAD
A legend between the pipes! Barry was one of the inaugural Lightning team in 2002, helping backstop MKL to the Play Off Title at their first attempt with a best-in-league save percentage of 90.9%. He was a fixture in goal across eight seasons, with visiting forwards always knowing they’d have to work extremely hard to beat him.
MACK STEWART
Elite League prospect Mack graduated from the Belfast Junior Giants U20 side into playing in the NIHL National Division with Leeds Knights in 2021-22, He helped secure a silver medal for GB at the Youth Winter Olympics in January 2020 and at the U20 World Junior Championships last summer scored four goals and five assists – the third highest points return in the entire tournament! Mack is currently on a two way contract between Lightning and his hometown club Belfast Giants.
MILIQUE MARTELLY
After spending his early hockey career in the Streatham youth system, Milique first played for Lightning in the 2021-22 season on a two-way contract with the London side, thanks to MKL’s close links with Streatham’s then player-coach Michael Farn. The arrangement was extended into the current campaign, and it’s been fantastic to watch Milique growing in confidence and picking up points regularly as part of our defence.
TOMAS KANA
Czech born Tomas signed for MKL in summer 2019 and even in a season cut short by Covid, he romped away with the honour of most points scored, thanks to 30 goals and 38 assists. As well as playing in his home country Tomas also gained experience in the US (including a handful of fixtures in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets), Germany, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Poland and Romania. Jersey Owned and Loaned already.
ANDRE SMULTER
Lightning signed fantastic Finn Andre in summer 2008 after a season played mostly in the Swedish first division – he ended his first campaign as second-highest goalscorer just behind the mercurial Gary Clarke, and in his second season in MK was a member of our League title winning side with 30 goals and 37 assists. His on-ice partnership – seemingly almost telepathic – with Monir Kalgoum was a major factor in Lightning’s success that season. ‘Smults’ went on to play and coach in Sweden and Finland for a further seven seasons after leaving MK.
JO WIKLANDER
“Wiki” arrived mid-way through the 2008-09 season as injury cover – recommended by Andre Smulter. Although he didn’t speak any English, that didn’t affect his contribution: in 29 games he averaged an immense 2 points per game, a significant factor in Lightning finishing a competitive second in the league and storming to the playoffs that season. Now living back in his Sweden, Wiki owns the Brödernas hockey team and a restaurant chain of the same name.
MONIR KALGOUM
Another real legend in the Lightning story, Swedish-born Monir joined us in 2009 and made an immediate impact, scoring a massive 93 points from 52 regular season games, a massive contribution towards MKL taking the League title that year with an eight point lead over Slough. Monir played in Lightning colours for another season before returning to Sweden. He is still very much involved in ice hockey – as an NHL agent and monitoring the career of his brother Mika Zibanejad.
If you want to Own and Loan it for £100, please send your email to Dave@b2promodesign.com.
Lewis Christie’s Testimonial, sponsored by Acute Ambulance & Medical Services, takes place at 6.45pm on Saturday 29th April at Planet Ice Milton Keynes Tickets are on sale now.
£10 per adult, £7.50 for concessions and and £5 for children.
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