It’s the end of an era at Milton Keynes Lightning as veteran defenseman and Assistant Captain, Ross Green, announces his retirement from professional ice hockey following his Testimonial match this Saturday. Green, who has been with the Lightning for over 16 years, has decided to hang up his skates at the age of 32 to focus on personal pursuits.

Ross Green, a Chelmsford native, has been a stalwart on the ice, appearing over 500 times for Milton Keynes Lightning. Throughout his career, Green has been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing significantly both as a player and a mentor. His leadership was evident both on and off the ice.  

Ross came through the junior system of MK Storm under the guidance of Nick Poole, where he played all his games. Ross represented GB at both U18 and U20 level.

During the 2023-2024 season, Green showcased his skill and dedication on the ice, scoring 5 goals and assisting on 18 others over 51 games, maintaining his reputation as a solid and reliable defenseman, scoring the same number of points as 22/23, his second highest in his career, only 2016/17 was higher by 1 point!

As Ross Green prepares to say goodbye, he leaves behind a legacy of determination and team spirit that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players, from his coaching over many summers with the juniors.  

Ross Green’s journey from a young fan in the stands to a celebrated player for Milton Keynes is a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams.

Ross shared his thoughts on his retirement in this heartfelt announcement.

“This has been an incredibly hard decision for me, one that I have pondered over for a couple of months now. But I have chosen to call time on my playing career and focus more time on areas of my life that have often gone neglected as I pursued my dreams.

I pursued my dreams, and I got to achieve them! Since first learning to play and joining the junior club, all I ever wanted to do was play for the Lightning. From opening the gate for the players at warm-up, sitting in the stands, I would imagine what it felt like to be in the changing room, pulling on the jersey for the first time, skating out to your name being announced, and skating out onto the ice. Nick Poole was the man who made that dream a reality, and I will forever be grateful for giving me that opportunity. After that, I only ever wanted to play for Milton Keynes, and I’m incredibly proud that I got to do that over 500 times.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their incredible support over the last 16 years. It’s been an honour to pull on the shirt and play in front of you on Saturday nights; you truly are the best fan base in the league.

To all the coaches I have worked with, it’s been an honour to work with such great people. You have all contributed to my own professional and personal development, not just as a player but as a person too, so thank you.

To Sophie and Henry, thank you for allowing me to pursue my dreams for so long and the sacrifices you have had to make along this journey with me. But now it’s time to close the book on this chapter, and I’m excited to start writing our next.

To Big TG and Claire, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: thank you for everything you gave up to make my dreams a reality when I was younger.

To all the players that I have played with, I’ve shared some incredible memories and times that I will always be grateful for, and I’m lucky to call so many of you friends.

Good luck to Tom, Vicki, JP, Dave, and the whole organisation as they build for the future, and I can’t wait to watch the success from the other side.

I hope I will be remembered as someone who has made a positive impact in helping grow this club to the position it is today, that I have helped foster and instil the Milton Keynes culture for the next generation of players coming through to the Lightning, and that along the way, I have inspired some of the kids out there in the Milton Keynes hockey community to give them something to achieve. “

Ross Green’s impact on Milton Keynes Lightning and its community will be celebrated this Saturday during his testimonial match, marking a fitting tribute to a remarkable career.

We wish Ross all the best as he enters this new chapter of his life, please come and give Sloth the MKL send off he deserves on Saturday.

Ross Green Testimonial

Saturday 4th May

Doors open 6.30pm

Players welcomed onto the ice from 7.15pm.  

Get tickets here