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.
See Blow for what players are available for Own and Loan – and see how to apply at the bottom of the post.
COREY MCEWEN
Although Corey began his hockey career in Peterborough before moving to Canada, honing his skills over seven seasons before making his British second tier debut in 2015. Centreman Corey returned to the Phantoms for four more seasons before making the move to Lightning for the current season, where he’s become an integral member of our team. PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
ED KNAGGS
Like Ross Green, Ed is another current Lightning player who began his hockey career with MK Storm. He made his Lightning debut in the 2014-15 season, this year marking his eighth in MKL colours – patrolling the blue line subtly but very effectively.
WILL KERLIN
Although 23-year-old Will joined us from Bristol Pitbulls, his roots are local – he was born in Bedford and iced for MK Storm U16’s! After a brief spell with the Guildford youth system, he spent four years honing his skills at the Ontario Hockey Academy and he’s also backstopped Great Britain at U18 and U20 levels. When Jordan Hedley picked up an upper body injury earlier this season, Will stepped into the crease and put in some top performances between the pipes. This season he’s earned the nickname “The Kerlin Wall”! ⚪️ Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
ROSS VENUS
Ross is currently enjoying his second full season in MK colours – he bagged over a century of points last season and has been lighting the lamp again regularly this season! His leadership on and off the ice is invaluable, and his experience brings a steadying influence to the roster. ⚪️ Own and Loan Available
BEN SOLDER
Like Will Kerlin, Chelmsford-born Ben is another product of the Ontario Hockey Academy, and another player to be selected for GB at U18 and U20 levels.. After two seasons playing collegiate hockey in the US, he combined EIHL experience at Manchester Storm with NIHL hockey courtesy of Leeds Knights & Bristol Pitbulls. ⚪️ Own and Loan Available
MICHAEL FARN
D-man ‘Farny’ played for eight seasons in MK, part of the team that won Cup & Playoff double in his last season with us. Like Adam Carr, Farny learned his skills in their native north east of England before signing at Swindon in 2007 then Milton Keynes two years later. After MK he signed at Streatham ending his career there as a successful player-coach. He’s now hung up his skates and we know you’ll give him a fantastic welcome back to our barn! PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
BEN RUSSELL
Ben is MK born and bred and another product of the Milton Keynes hockey system – so he knows how much every win means to our fantastic fans after playing five seasons in our colours! Ben is in his second season with Chelmsford Chieftains playing for former MKL Head Coach, Lewis Clifford. PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
DEAN SKINNS
Basingstoke-born Dean is a respected and well-liked player around British hockey, and fans were thrilled when he agreed to join Lightning for the 2015-16 season from his hometown team, the Bison. Dean honed his hockey skills with the Bison organisation as a junior, also spending time with Bracknell, Slough, Guildford and Swindon before Lightning gained the benefit of his skill between the pipes. After a season in our colours he moved on again – but by 2019 “Skinnsy” was back in black and gold for one more season. This season he’s given the benefit of his more than 700 games’ experience to the Bristol Pitbulls, and we know you’ll give him a warm welcome when he returns to MK again this Saturday! 🟣 Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
ASHLEY TAIT
Ash Tait is a Team GB and EIHL legend who we were proud to see skate in our colours for the 2017-18 season, bringing his vast experience to the team. After leaving Lightning he played three seasons for the Basingstoke Bison and we’re delighted to welcome him back for Griff’s big night! 🟣 Own and Loan Available
Kindly written By Tracey Richardson.
Own and Loan will be £125 each, please email dave@b2promodesign.com from 9.30am Wednesday 12th March (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
See the James Griffin Testimonial website here
https://www.instagram.com/15_testimonial
