He’s our second netminder signing and completes our team between the pipes. Please give a massive MK welcome to Matt Smital!
22 year old Matt was born in Brno in the Czech republic and by virtue of his junior experience with Bracknell qualifies as a ‘British Trained Player’ under league rules. Matt joins us from Slough Jets where he spent the 19/20 regular season and 20/21 cup series, turning out 39 times over the two years. He posted a 90.5% save percentage in the regular season, and an impressive 5 shut outs across the 10 games of the cup series. Matt’s previous experience includes spell with Bracknell and Swindon.
Lightning Head Coach Lewis Clifford told us about Matt: “I’m really happy to bring Matt to Milton Keynes. Since the first time I spoke to him I was massively impressed by his attitude and how driven he is to achieve his potential.”
A commanding presence in the crease at 6’ 4”, Cliff told is what this might mean for how he will play: “Matt is a big guy, covers a massive amount of net, and has no problem at all with his mobility around the crease. His physical size makes him imposing for opposition shooters and his technique makes him safe and sound between the pipes.”
Matt will join Brandon Stones in our goalkeeping team, and Cliff sees a really high quality partnership forming: “We’ve got a great pairing in goal, and I know that Matt is keen to develop his game and push to be a number 1. From what I’ve seen and heard from him I have absolutely no doubt that this is within his grasp and he and Brandon will be fantastic for us.”
New to the MK organisation, Matt let us know how he’s feeling about the move: “I’m very excited to be part of the MK lighting this upcoming season! When Cliff contacted me a few months back it really wasn’t hard to make a decision as I only heard good things about the MK organisation.”
He’s also seen the amazing MK faithful: “I know from playing against MK how great the fan base is! They create amazing support/atmosphere for the boys throughout the season home or away. I’m very much looking forward to the new challenge and I cannot wait to get started in September.”
Matt’s jersey number will be number 32, and the Own and Loan is now available. Please email dave@b2promodesign.com for details!
We have two other ways you can support Matt and the club too! You can become Matt’s sponsor with your name or company name read out every time he is mentioned. Get the details here.
Or why not sponsor Matt on the kit grid, with options starting at just £10.
Check out the 21/22 Team Roster here
