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.
ARCHIE SALISBURY
Archie is coming to the end of his first season with the Lightning after playing the majority of his youth hockey in his hometown of Peterborough. Our assistant coach, Joe Wilson, had spoken very highly of Archie to Head Coach Tim Wallace – who needed little convincing of the D-man’s ability, having monitored him for a couple of seasons. Last season he earned his debut in GB colours with the U18 squad and he has enjoyed a solid first season in the black and gold here in MK.
DILLON LAWRENCE
Toronto-born Dillon joined us in 2023 after spending five of the previous six seasons in the Elite league – and in his debut season with us was our second highest goal-scorer! He suffered a shoulder injury mid-season in the current campaign but it was fantastic to cheer his return to action in February.
MACK STEWART
Elite League prospect Mack graduated from the Belfast Junior Giants U20 side into playing in the NIHL National Division with Leeds Knights in 2021-22, He helped secure a silver medal for GB at the Youth Winter Olympics in January 2020 and at the U20 World Junior Championships last summer scored four goals and five assists – the third highest points return in the entire tournament! Mack is currently on a two way contract between Lightning and his hometown club Belfast Giants. ⚪️ Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
CARTER HAMILL
Belfast-born Carter joined MKL for the 23-24 season after winning silverware last year with the Leeds Knights. Whilst injury has limited the number of appearances he’s been able to make for us so far we know the promise is there, and he proved it wearing GB colours earlier this year – with three goals and two assists for Great Britain U20’s at the World Championships, and we can’t wait to see what he can do for Lightning in the remainder of this season! ⚪️ Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
LEWIS HOOK
‘Hooky’ learned his skills in the Peterborough junior system and was already a regular pick for Great Britain at U18 and U20 levels when he signed for Lightning in 2014. He spent four successful seasons here before crossing the water to Belfast Giants, then moving to Guildford Flames, and made 13 appearances for the GB men’s senior team. 🟣 Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
NICK POOLE
he original Lightning legend. His #91 shirt was the first raised to the rafters and retired, having represented MK Kings as well as Lightning. Calgary born Nick signed to the Lightning in our inaugural season of 2002, remaining for 11 seasons as a player-coach, followed by two as Head Coach and one as General Manager. Over 464 league games he led the Lightning to three league titles and four playoff trophies, making Lightning the most successful UK team outside the Elite League, and scoring more assists than any other MK Lightning player. PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
TOM CARLON
Another hugely-experienced player, Tom’s career spanned two decades – the majority of it with his hometown Telford Tigers before moving to Peterborough Phantoms then – after a spell in Abu Dhabi – to Lightning. A popular figure with MKL supporters, these days TC monitors the development of the next generation of hockey players, as older son Louie plays for Coventry Blaze juniors – with younger son Ollie also showing an aptitude! PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
GARETH O’FLAHERTY
It’s no surprise that at some point in Flatsy’s so called ‘hockey career’ he crossed paths with Griff. After playing together for Coventry in 2015, they ended up living just around the corner from each other. Whilst Griff spent most of the time playing against the suitcase, off the ice they became close friends through weddings, having kids and the ‘occasional’ beverage at the infamous Hanson Cab. 🟣 Own and Loan Available and PLAYER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE
Kindly written By Tracey Richardson.
Own and Loan will be £125 each, please email dave@b2promodesign.com from 9.30am Wednesday 5th 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
