Its time to tell you the final players and the bench coaches who will be joining James Griffin for his Testimonial game on the 26th April 25.
JOE WILSON
Lightning’s Assistant Coach Joe Wilson learned his hockey in his home town of Peterborough. There he came up through the youth ranks as a forward, then played for the NIHL2 Islanders until 2017. After a season coaching in Peterborough he became Head coach at Chelmsford Chieftains, making an immediate impact – in his very first season he led the team to the southern conference playoff title! In 2022 he stepped up a level to join the Lightning and is about to complete his third season as Assistant Coach. Please give him a rousing reception as he laces up his skates for Griff’s big night!
CAMERON HAMILL
Cam saw action in a Lightning jersey a season before his brother Carter joined us – Cameron arriving towards the end of the 22-23 season on a two way deal with Solway Sharks, Prior to that he’d also played for our NIHL rivals Hull Seahawks, having learned his skills with the EIHL Belfast Giants organisation. last season he played for Bristol Pitbulls. Cam pulled on the GB colours for 4 games at U20 level this year, having previously iced at U18 level.
MIKEY POWER
Mikey was signed by Lewis Clifford mid-way through the 2021 season to drive additional depth and firepower and immediately added a very physical presence to our forward lines. He learned his hockey in Romford, Slough and Swindon as well as three seasons with the prestigious Okanagan academy. Following three seasons in the US he came back to the UK with Bees then MK and before joining Raiders, and now back with Lewis Clifford in Chelmsford.
VITO RAUSAÂ
Vito Rausa was one of the founders of the MK Lightning when the team began in 2001 and remained at the helm of the club as General Manager, for 15 years together with Nick Poole and Harry Howton. During that period the team became one of the most successful teams at EPL level having won a number of trophies and league tittles. Vito was part of the Management team that helped to drive the redevelopment of the rink which I know he is really proud of. Vito also coached a number of players at Junior level including Lee Jamieson, Eddie Knaggs to name a few.
Kindly written By Tracey Richardson.
James Griffin’s Testimonial, takes place on Saturday 26th April 25 at Planet Ice Milton Keynes
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