In Town This Saturday
We welcome the Milton Keynes Lightning to the Link Centre for their first visit this season and over the summer there was a change at the helm, after joining as a player last year Tim Wallace has now taken over the head coaching duties in addition to remaining an active player on the roster.
Wallace is occupying one of the import slots and the other has been filled by Latvian signing Deivids Sarkanis, he has played the majority of his career in Latvia and has even played some games in the KHL. However, he has yet to make his debut for the Lightning due to visa issues but given MK’s perfect start to the season so far, his addition will only make them an even stronger outfit on the ice.
In goal there is one returnee, Matt Smital is back again for the Lightning and this season he will be sharing his duties with former Wildcat Jordan Hedley who has dropped down from the Coventry Blaze in the Elite League. This pairing is incredibly strong and will really help Milton Keynes in their push for trophies this season.
On defence there is a really strong core that has to go down as arguably the best defence in the entire league. They are led by veterans Leigh Jamieson, Lewis Christie, Ben Russell, James Griffin and Ross Green. These three are then backed up by some very good young players including Ed Knaggs and Milique Martelly.
In addition to the stacked defensive group the Lightning also boast some of the best forwards in the league. The pair leading the way are Liam Stewart, the One to Watch this evening, and Bobby Chamberlain. These two are high scoring British forwards and in the case of Chamberlain he is also a tough character who will always stick up for himself and his team.
In addition to the pair above Milton Keynes also have a pair who are among the best forward prospects, Sam Talbot and Sean Norris, in the league and both are coming into this season after having breakout years last season where they recorded 69 and 68 points respectively.
In addition to the above they will be ably supported by a very talented group of young players including Callum Field, Zaine McKenzie and Mack Stewart.
The roster that has been assembled is, on paper, the best in the league and the record that the Lightning have in the league already backs this up. Milton Keynes come into their game in Swindon on the back of a 7-game winning streak and present a very tough test for the Wildcats on Saturday evening. Tickets for the game can be purchased here.
