We are delighted to reveal a brand new player for Smith Recycling Milton Keynes Lightning.

Please welcome Edgars Bebris to the club.

28-year-old Bebris was born in Latvia but spent his junior development years in Sheffield so qualifies to play as a Brit. At 6’4” and 198lbs he brings a strong physical dimension to his attack and critically picks up a significant points haul. Last year he bagged 32 goals and 33 assists for 65 points in 50 games, and 46 minutes in penalties. This put him 15th in the overall league scoring table.

Head Coach Lewis Clifford has been clear that he wants to drive consistency and continuity in his squad for 2020/21 and so far we have revealed the return of five of last year’s team. However, the chance to pick up Bebris was a great opportunity because he’s a player Cliff has followed for years: “I have said a few times I don’t want to make too many changes to the roster from last season, and I will only make changes that will improve the team. I have been a big admirer of the way Eddie plays for a long time, ever since he started playing in the EPL for Sheffield.”

Talking about his game, Cliff said: “Eddie is an offensively talented player, a guy who plays hard, a big physical presence and he can play in a number of situations.  I’m looking forward to working with him when the season starts and seeing him pull on the MKL shirt for the first time.”

Eddie himself had this to say about his arrival: “I’m extremely excited to join the MK Lightning organisation and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone down there. I can’t wait to start competing again and help the club win silverware.”

He joins us from Swindon Wildcats where he spent two seasons following spells at Coventry, Peterborough, Manchester, and Sheffield as well as 3 seasons in Latvia. He paid tribute to the Swindon organisation which is renowned as a top-quality setup on and off the ice: “I’d like to thank the Swindon Wildcats players, staff and fans for two great seasons and wish them nothing but the best” he said.

Eddie will join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season later in the year, but for now urged fans to continue to follow government guidelines so we can get back to hockey as soon as possible by saying: “Stay safe and see you when the season starts”.

Welcome to MK, Eddie. We’re delighted and excited to have you joining our team and looking forward to seeing you on the ice.

Edgars Bebris jersey is now available for Own and Loan. His squad number has not yet been finalised and we will share this as soon as possible.

Please give a warm welcome to Edgars Bebris

You can now apply for the Edgars Bebris “Own and Loan” jersey by emailing dave@b2promodesign.com – please indicate which jersey you would like.

Remember this is purely on a first come, first served basis:

DARK JERSEY: £200

LIGHT JERSEY: £200

WARM-UP JERSEY: £125

Both light and dark jerseys will be worn for half the season at home switching around mid-season.

Payment in full due by 1st October 2020

Visit https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/sponsors/own-loan/

Photo Credit: Kat Medcroft