On March 29, 2025, the Milton Keynes Lightning will honour two of its most distinguished players, Lewis Christie and Ross Green, by retiring their jerseys in a ceremony that celebrates their remarkable contributions to Milton Keynes Lightning.
Both Lewy and Ross retired at the end of the 2024 season, after careers of over 600 and 500 games respectively for MKL.
Join Us for the Celebration
The jersey retirement ceremony promises to be an emotional occasion, commemorating the careers of Lewy and Ross. They will be joined by their family and friends to mark this occasion, and we would love for as many fans as possible to join us as we give these two players Legend status and hand their jerseys in the rafters.,
Jon Payne, Director of MKL said “We’re delighted to have the honour of retiring both jerseys, and to recognise and celebrate the fantastic careers that both Lewis and Ross have had in a Lightning shirt over the years. Their jerseys hanging in the rafters will be a constant reminder of their dedication to the club and what they have achieved. To have their jerseys up there alongside the other legends of Lightning history is thoroughly deserved. Enjoy your evening gents, and thanks for everything you have done for MKL over the years!”
#66 Lewis Christie
Lewis Christie, wore #66, will have his jersey retired in recognition of his exceptional career spanning over 16 seasons with the Lightning. Joining the team in 2008 after stints with the Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals, and Belfast Giants, Christie quickly grew into a cornerstone of the MK Lightning and became respected league wide as a consistent stay at home defenceman who put the team first before himself.
With an impressive record of 621 appearances—the most in MK Lightning history—Christie’s combination of skill and leadership shone brightly during his final playing season, where he captained the team to a National Cup victory in 2024. And whether he’s been captain or not, its been clear to see Lewy’s influence on team culture and his support and mentorship of younger players as they progress.
Reflecting on his journey, Christie remarked, “It’s an absolute honour to have my shirt retired up in the rafters, especially as it is going to be up there alongside some of my teammates who I played with for most of my career. Milton Keynes will always hold a special place in my heart, and that is due to the incredible fans, the players, and the owners of the team. I am forever grateful for the team and the opportunities it has given me, not only to have been out there week on week playing the sport I love but also for the lifelong friendships I have made.
I look forward to being able to come and watch the team play and support from the stands.”
#21 Ross Green
Ross Green, will also see his number head to the rafters after a fantastic 16 year tenure and over 500 appearances for the club.
A Chelmsford native, Ross’s journey began with the junior ranks of MK Storm under the guidance of coach Nick Poole (who’s number 91 jersey also hangs in the rafters), where he developed his talent and passion for the game. Throughout his career, he proudly wore the Lightning jersey, and became known for an all round game of smooth skating, puck movement and always stepping up for his team mates when needed. . Each goal he scored was celebrated by his dad buying a round in the bar after the game and he achieved this 5 times in his final season which along with 18 assists was his second highest season points tally ever.
In a moving farewell message, Green expressed gratitude for the support he received from fans and acknowledged the various people who played a pivotal role in his development. “To have my jersey retired by Milton Keynes Lightning is an incredible honour—one that I could never have imagined when I was a kid sitting in the stands, dreaming of one day playing for this club. From opening the gates for the players during warm-ups to finally pulling on the jersey myself, every moment has been a privilege.
I’ve been lucky enough to play over 500 games for the team I grew up supporting, and to have that journey recognised in this way means the world to me. Milton Keynes Lightning has been such a huge part of my life for so many years, and I hope that in some way, I’ve helped to shape the club’s culture and inspire the next generation of players coming through.
I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, owners, and, of course, the incredible Lightning fans for their unwavering support throughout my career. It’s been an amazing ride, and I can’t wait to celebrate this special moment with you all.”
Together, these two legends represent the spirit and tenacity of the Milton Keynes Lightning. Their jersey retirements serve not only as a celebration of their individual careers but also as a reminder of their unique contributions to the fabric of the club’s history.
We are privileged to play our part in honouring the careers of #66 Lewis Christie and #21 Ross Green.
