Its time to tell you some of the great players who will be joining James Griffin for his Testimonial game on the 26th April 25.
Details of whose jerseys are available for Own and Loan are included below – please follow the instructions at the bottom of the post.
JORDAN HEDLEY
Another dyed-in-the-wool Milton Keynes player, Jordan has made the MK goal a place where opposition forwards fear to tread, with the second highest save percentage this season – regularly ‘standing on his head’ to stop the puck passing. He’s also represented Great Britain at U18, U20 and senior men’s level and he’s overcome a shoulder injury earlier this season to return in great form for us. AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
JORDAN SPADAFORE
Uncompromising D-man Jordan is enjoying his first season in MK colours after signing from Evansville Thunderbolts in the US. He learned the game in his native Canada and as well as his role in defence is showing himself more than capable of helping set up goals as top point-scoring Defenceman so far this season. AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
TOMS RUTKIS
Born in Latvia but registered as a Brit, Toms signed for the Lightning bringing with him the experience of six seasons having played at Elite level, with the Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze and Dundee Stars, and a knowledge of NIHL hockey too from a decade within the Swindon organisation. Toms’ skill has also seen him previously wear GB colours at both U18 and U20 levels. In this, his first season with MKL, he’s proved his worth by picking up 35 points in 44 games, as skilful at assisting goals as he is scoring them! Own and Loan ⚪️
Rio has pulled on an MKL jersey in five of the last six seasons – the lure of the Lightning pulling him back up the M1 from Raiders after a season there in 2021-22. After missing games due to injury at the start of the season, Rio – who’s also represented GB at U18 level – is making his presence felt once again. Own and Loan ⚪️
RUSS COWLEY
One of the most experienced players in our league, Canadian-born Russ made 78 regular season appearances over 3 campaigns for Lightning and before that became a legend for Coventry Blaze after 15 seasons in their colours. He represented GB at U18, U20 and senior level with 1 bronze, 3 silver and 1 gold medal to his name. Welcome back to MK, Russ! Own and Loan 🟣 AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
LEWIS CHRISTIE
Our captain for the last two seasons of his career, Lewy celebrated playing a massive 600 games in Lightning colours and was awarded a testimonial game in April 2023. From signing for MKL at just 20 years old, he became one of the senior figures in the club, setting an example for younger players coming through the ranks. Lewy currently holds the club all-time record for the highest number of regular-season appearances, amassed over no fewer than 14 seasons! AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
ROSS BOWERS
‘Rosco’ spent all but two seasons of his 20 year playing career in Milton Keynes having iced for the Kings before moving to MKL. Whilst longer-standing fans will remember his no-nonsense attitude on the ice, more recent supporters will have seen him on the bench as Assistant Coach before he hung up his skates. AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
ADAM LAISHRAM
Ontario-born Adam signed for MKL in 2021 bringing a wealth of experience from the Canadian junior leagues, bringing “a whole lot of talent and a relentless work ethic” – and becoming a fans’ favourite! Since leaving MKL he’s played in Romford Raiders colours – where he is currently player-coach, with Raiders progressing to the NIHL League Cup Final against Leeds, pushing the reigning league champions all the way and losing only narrowly. Welcome back to MK! Own and Loan 🟣 AVAILABLE FOR PLAYER SPONSORSHIP
Kindly written By Tracey Richardson.
Own and Loan will be £125 each, please email dave@b2promodesign.com from 9.30am Wednesday 19th Feb (First come first served)
James Griffin’s Testimonial, takes place on Saturday 26th April 25 at Planet Ice Milton Keynes
Stay up to date with all the news about James’s Testimonial by joining the mailing list here on social media and the MKL website
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