As we continue to celebrate 20 years of MK Lightning hockey, there’s another significant milestone to acknowledge as Lightning’s number 21, Ross Green, will play his 500th league game for MKL.
Chelmsford born Ross, affectionately nicknamed Sloth by his teammates, came through the ranks of MK Storm and has played his entire senior hockey career in Milton Keynes, representing both the Lightning and the Thunder.
He made his senior debut for the Lightning at the age of 16 when he was called up by Nick Poole in the 2008 play-off campaign. The following two seasons saw the defenceman combine his playing time with the Lightning, Thunder, and the Storm under-18s, in those seasons Ross wore the number 19 jersey for MKL with Chris McEwen in the number 21 shirt.
He’s currently fifth for all time appearances for the Lightning and, if he were to play every game for the rest of the season and play in at least two play-off games, he will replace Grant McPherson who is in fourth place for appearances. The three other players ahead of him being Adam Carr, Leigh Jamieson, and Lewis Christie.
During this time, Ross was part of the league-winning team in 2010 and he has been part of teams to have made multiple cup and play-off finals. Ross has primarily played as a stay-at-home defenceman, allowing his line mates to go up the ice however he has contributed to several key goals over years, scoring 94 points for the Lightning.
This season is proving his most prolific with 4 goals and 15 assists, he has also not been afraid to stand up for teammates, willingly dropping the gloves on more than one occasion. Ross is also the only player to have played in every game for the team so far this season.
Ross has given a lot to MK hockey, helping to coach and develop the youngsters in the Storm set-up by helping with their training sessions, keenly watching their games before Lightning home matches and helping with summer hockey camps. He is player that gives his all on the ice and interacts with the fans, young and old, makes him an extremely popular figure within the club.
Congratulations Ross from everyone at All in Black Milton Keynes Lightning!
Written by Mike Walls
