You’ve already met four of our MK Talent Pathway with the arrivals of Carter, Cam, Ben and Dan. So now we’d like to introduce three more of our future MK Lightning stars who will be developing as part of the Pathway this year.
Say hi to Cole, Cass and Callum, who are signed to MK Thunder for 2023/24!
Cole McCluskey is 18 and has made his way up through the MK Storm juniors (with a brief stint in Bracknell). Cole is a skilful forward who made his NIHL 1 debut with MK Thunder last year, going on to make 26 appearances and scoring 9 points. He skates well for someone his age, is skillful on the puck and dangerous around the net. Cole is a player who will give 110% every shift every night.
Cass McCormack is also 18 and has followed a similar path to Cole, coming up through the MK junior system (with a brief stint in Bracknell) and making his MK Thunder debut last year. Cass played 13 times (season cut short due to injury), and scored 1 goal. Cass will be looking to build out from his experience last year. He is strong on the puck and can protect it well when required to make a play develop, he has an amazing work ethic.
Callum Burr spent his junior career in the Bracknell development system before joining MK Storm as an under 18 in the Covid interrupted 2020 season. Now aged 20, Callum is entering his third season as a MK Thunder player, having made 52 appearances over the last 2 years. Callum is a skilful, puck moving defenceman who will benefit from training against NIHL National level players.
All three will have a training programme which will bring them into Lightning training, with a view to supporting their development towards Lightning appearances in the future.
MKL Assistant Coach Joe Wilson said: “When we first spoke about the development pathway our overall goal was to create a pathway from Storm to Thunder to Lightning.
Having seen and been on the ice for some of the Storm’s practice sessions it’s clear there is a huge array of talent, especially at the younger age groups and it should be every Storm player’s dream to one day step out in front of the amazing Lightning fans.
The development pathway will allow all 3 to skate with the Lightning at least once a week and develop their skills under not only Eliott but myself and Tim to help push them to the next step in their careers.
Speaking with Eliott and Lauren these 3 young men fit the mould of the players we are trying to create, they are all extremely hard working and will give all they can for the name on the front of the jersey. This has made them very popular players and we are thrilled they have chosen to stay at MK.
Having spoken with all Cole, Cass and Callum they are all thrilled to be joining the program and can’t wait to get started.”
Eliott from Thunder said “I’m really excited for Cal, Cole and Cass to have their hard work and dedication recognised and the subsequent opportunities opening up for them through the MK Talent Pathway.
I think it’s important that younger up and coming players use these guys as role models, they have brilliant attitudes, work ethics as well as innate skill. There is no unrealistic expectations that anything is owed to them, and they have to continue working if they want to continue improving and rising through the ranks. This would not have been possible without the support of their parents and a plethora of different coaches going back to Nick Poole.”
We’re delighted to see the next prospects from the MK junior system start to make their way in the MK Talent Pathway. Remember these names!
