Our sixth signing of 2022/23 brings back a young All In Black MK Lightning stalwart with Sam Russell returning to his hometown club.  Sam is working to get back to fitness following some surgery over the summer and is as dedicated and committed to his performance as ever!

21 year old Sam split his time between AIB MKL and Coventry last year, making 20 appearances for Lightning and 17 for the Blaze, a number of which came in the latter part of the season when he stepped up into their forward lines for a run of fixtures.  Traditionally a defenceman, Sam has shown that he’s more than capable of playing up front, where his combination of good skating athleticism and size make him great on the forecheck.

All In Black MKL’s Tim Wallace picks up the story: “Sammy is a great talent and brings a number of strengths to our team.  I like his versatility and can see that once he’s back with us he will be an asset at both ends of the ice.  He’s a great skater, with the ability to pressure our opponents all over the ice. His game fits in how we need to play, which is fast and hard to play against. We are supporting Sammy through his surgeries this summer, and are already preparing a rehabilitation and return to play plan which we can help him with.  He’s a great guy with a fantastic attitude and I’m really looking forward to working with him and enabling his development over the next year.”

Sammy is delighted to be returning to MKL for 2022/23 saying: “That anticipation we all feel in the off-season is back and stronger than ever. As a group we felt our momentum silenced through covid and having lost in the playoff finals this year we know we have something to prove to ourselves, the fans and this league what it means to play for Milton Keynes. It’s been my family since I first learnt how to skate and to put pen to paper and be a part of what Timmy is building brings a different feeling of love for the game. Having 2 surgeries this summer won’t be easy, quick or simple but they’re helping me raise my game to another level for the success our team so strongly craves. Timmy’s approach and methods to this group will be second to none. We’re hungry and cannot wait to show everyone what’s coming this year!”

Please welcome back Sam Russell.  He will wear the number 39 shirt.  The own and loan is now available so if you’re interested please email Dave Bunyan dave@b2promodesign.com

We have two other ways you can support Sam and the club too!  You can become Sam’s sponsor with your name or company name read out every time Sam is mentioned.  Get the details here.

Or why not sponsor Sam on the kit grid, with options starting at just £10

See your AIB MKL Team Roster here