Last weekend we celebrated Leigh Jamieson’s 600th game, and it was wonderful to see him and his family on the ice together receiving the fantastic appreciation from the crowd. Now as we head into our final home game of the year, Jimba has some news he’d like to share.
I’d like to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone involved that made Saturday night so special for my family and I. MK lightning has always been a fantastic club to be a part of and the fact it’s my home town club and I got to celebrate this amazing 600 game milestone with the best fans in the league was incredible. Saturday night was made even more special as I got to share the night with so many legends from the past who have all been a part of my journey over the last 20 years and for that I’m thankful.
It’s only fitting that following on from Saturday night, I’d like to announce my retirement from the game and that I plan to hang up my skates at the end of this season. I consider myself extremely lucky in the hockey career I’ve had, playing for some great clubs in the Elite league, and the NIHL as well as travelling the world representing Great Britain. During those times I’ve met some of the greatest people and played with some unbelievable hockey players that have given me memories I’ll never forget. There’s so many people to thank, that have been integral to my hockey career, so to everyone who has supported me over the years, thank you.
Although a time of mixed emotions, I feel the time is right for me to spend more time at home with my family and continue to watch my girls grow up off the ice. I promise not to be a stranger to the rink and very much look forward to cheering on MKL from behind the plexi with my family next season. I will give my all to this club heading into the play-offs and hopefully we can finish the season on a high by bringing silverware back to MK.
Your number 19, Jimba
Leigh was a key part of the first Lightning team, after playing for MK Kings as a teenager, and fittingly achieved his 600th appearance on 20th anniversary night.
Leigh’s impressive form in Lightning’s first season saw him attract the attention of Belfast Giants in the Elite League. He would go on to spend 5 seasons in Northern Ireland before a season at Coventry, he would return to MK in 2009 – helping MKL to their third EPL league title. In that time, he also represented Great Britain on the international stage on 26 occasions.
In the two seasons of Elite League, Leigh would play a season at Peterborough Phantoms and Streatham before returning to Milton Keynes for the NIHL National League campaign.
Leigh is second for appearances in Lightning history and third for all points with 181 goals and 370 assists. He has played as both a defenceman and forward, finishing as top scorer in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Along with lifting a league title, three play-off championships and an EPL cup with the Lightning.
We would like to thank Leigh for an absolutely incredible career and contribution to British Ice Hockey and Milton Keynes Lightning over the years. We have been lucky to see one of the very best hockey careers play out in front of us over the years, and wish Leigh a very happy retirement.
You’ll always be welcome in the MK Arena Leigh. Congratulations and thank you for all you have done.
