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{{Pro hockey team
{{Pro hockey team
| text_color = #D1BD80
| text_color = #FFFFFF
| bg_color   = #000000
| bg_color   = #000000
| team        = Milton Keynes Lightning
| team        = Milton Keynes Lightning
| logo        = MKL_Logo.png
| logo        = MKL_2019_Logo.png
| logosize    = 209x155px
| logosize    = 200px
| city        = [[Milton Keynes]], Buckinghamshire
| city        = [[Milton Keynes]], Buckinghamshire
| league      = [[English Premier Ice Hockey League|EIHPL]]
| league      = [[National Ice Hockey League|NIHL]]
| founded    = 2002
| founded    = 1st franchise 2002. 2nd franchise 2019
| name1    = Milton Keynes Lightning
| name1    = Milton Keynes Lightning
| dates1    = 2002 – present
| arena      = [[Planet Ice Milton Keynes|The MK Arena]]
| capacity    = 3000
| colors      = White, Black & Gold <br /> {{color box|white}} {{color box|black}} {{color box|#D1BD80}}
| reg_season_titles  =  3 (03/04, 04/05 & 09/10)
| championships =  4 (02/03, 03/04, 04/05 & 05/06)
| website = [http://www.mk-lightning.com/ mk-lightning.com]
| }}


The '''Milton Keynes Lightning''' are a semi-professional [[ice hockey]] team from [[Milton Keynes]], Buckinghamshire, currently playing in the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]]. The team was founded in 2002 to replace the defunct [[Milton Keynes Kings]]. Their home rink is the refurbished & renamed MK Arena, known locally as the Thunderdome. It has a capacity of about 2,500.
| dates1    = 2002 - present
| arena      = [[Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes]]
| colors      = Black, Grey & Gold <br /> {{color box|black}} {{color box|grey}} {{color box|gold}}
| affiliates  = [[Milton Keynes Thunder]], <br>
Milton Keynes Storm
| 1st franchise reg_season_titles  =  3 (03/04, 04/05 & 09/10)
| 1st franchise championships =  5 (02/03, 03/04, 04/05, 05/06 & 16/17)
| website = MKLightning[https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk]
| |division=National League}}
 
[[File:MKL_Logo.png|thumb|200px]]
The '''Milton Keynes Lightning''' are an [[ice hockey]] team founded in 2002 and then again in 2019 in [[Milton Keynes]], Buckinghamshire. The Lightning (2nd franchise) currently play in Britain's second-tier professional league, the [[National Ice Hockey League]] (NIHL), since the 2019–20 season. The Lightning (1st franchise) previously turned up in the top tier [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] (EIHL) from 2017–2019 , and the tier-3/tier-2 [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] (EPIHL) from 2002–2017. Their home rink is 2,200-seat [[Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes]], known locally as the MK Arena or the Thunderdome.
 
==Club history==
 
===Foundation===
Founded in 2002, MK Lightning moved into the empty space left by the departure of the [[Milton Keynes Kings]]. The MK Kings were involved in a dispute with rink operators Planet Ice, which led to their relocation to [[Solihull]] in May 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/MK-Kings-live-on-.245451.jp |title=MK Kings live on in Solihull|publisher=Milton Keynes Citizen|date=May 2002}}</ref> There they became the [[Solihull MK Kings]] before being wound up in April 2003, after a single season.<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/Solihull-MK-Kings-finally-call.430975.jp "Solihull MK Kings finally call it a day"], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', April 2003]</ref>
 
===2002–2006: The early years===
The demise of the [[Ice Hockey Superleague]] in 2002/03 led to major restructuring of Ice Hockey in the UK. The Milton Keynes Lightning became a founding member of the new [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] but competed in the lower [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]]. The first Lightning squad was made up mainly of young local players, one Finnish import, Mikko Skinnari and three Canadian imports, Nick Poole as Player Coach, Claude Dumas, and Dwayne Newman. Lightning finished their maiden season in 2nd place, behind [[Peterborough Phantoms]]. The two teams met again in the playoff final, with Lightning winning. A rivalry quickly grew between them as they continued to dominate EPL Ice Hockey,<ref>[http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/phantoms-renew-lightning-rivalry-1-84718.jp "Phantoms Renew Lightning rivalry"]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Peterborough Telegraph'', September 2007</ref> MK Lightning were crowned league champions in 2003–04 and 2004–05 as well as dominating the Playoffs until 2006. During this period there was a heavy reliance on Player Coach Nick Poole and Telford born Gary Clarke for points scoring.
 
===2006–2008: League struggle===
The 2006–07 season saw Lightning struggle for the first time. A lack of quality new players, core older players leaving, predictable tactics and an improved opposition being the main drivers. The team ended the season in 5th place<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/english-premier-league-final-table-1-858560.jp "English Premier League final table"], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', March 2007</ref> and were eliminated from the Playoffs in the first round.<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/lightning-win-proves-to-be-all-in-vain-1-863155.jp "Lightning win proves to be all in vain"], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', April 2007</ref> 2007/08 saw the situation worsen, with a league finish of 6th. This resulted in a roster overhaul for the new season.<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/lightning-set-for-new-term-face-off-1-866965.jp "Lightning Set for New Term Face Off"], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', September 2008</ref>
 
===2008–2010: Return to success===
The Lightning squad for the 2008–09 season included several experienced ex-Elite League players, young British talent and new European imports including Lukas Zatopek, Andre Smulter and Joakim Wiklander as an injury replacement for Ales Perez whose career was ended by a serious shoulder injury. After a slow start the team dominated the second half of the season and finished runners-up behind Peterborough.<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/players-are-positive-after-great-finish-to-the-season-1-868745.jp "Players are positive after great finish to the season], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', April 2009</ref> They then met again in the playoff final with the Phantoms winning the encounter.<ref>[http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/lightning-fall-at-the-final-hurdle-1-868866.jp "Lightning fall at the final hurdle], ''Milton Keynes Citizen'', April 2009</ref> Lightning became the team to beat in 2009–10, despite Elite league [[Basingstoke Bison]] and [[Manchester Phoenix]] joining the EPIHL. Further squad strengthening in the form of former [[AIK]] player Monir Kalgoum and the addition of netminder Alex Mettam helped Lightning dominate and a home win against [[Swindon Wildcats]] in March 2010 saw the EPIHL league trophy return to Milton Keynes.
 
=== 2010–2015: Near misses, unexpected changes and disappointment ===
Despite the addition of Slovenian International Blaz Emersic, an inconsistent 2010–11 season saw Lightning finish 5th in the league and lose the play off final to Guildford Flames. 2011–12 fared no better, with the team again finishing 5th; having led the league in December. The team lost in the playoff quarter finals to eventual winners Slough Jets, despite taking a three-goal lead into the away leg. The 2012–13 season brought upheaval when just ten games into the season marque signing Adam Calder suffered a catastrophic hip injury which ended his career. Then in January 2013 Nick Poole who was by now considered a Milton Keynes Lightning legend unexpectedly announced his immediate retirement from playing. Lightning finished in 4th place and lost to Guildford Flames in the play off semi-finals.
 
The disruption continued in 2013–14 as home games were played in Coventry due to the renovation of the Milton Keynes rink. Due to a lack of practice ice time, the team struggled for consistency but finished in a credible 4th place. They were also the runners up to Basingstoke Bison in the cup. The 2014–15 season started with Lightning continuing to play out of Coventry. Indifferent early form left the team languishing near the bottom of the league. The refurbishment of the Milton Keynes rink was completed a month into the season and the first game back on home territory was played on 18 October 2014 against Sheffield Steeldogs in front of a capacity crowd of 2,500. Despite the return to home ice; Lightning continued to perform poorly. The loss of key players through roster changes and a series of injuries increased pressure on an already struggling team saw Lightning finish the season in 7th place, their lowest ever position. Despite poor league performances, Lightning defeated Guildford in the playoff quarter finals before losing to Manchester Phoenix in the semi-final game.
 
=== 2015–2017: Management change and new partnerships ===
At the end of the [[2014–15 Milton Keynes Lightning season|2014–2015 season]] it was announced that head coach Nick Poole would take over the duties of General Manager from Vito Rausa and be replaced by [[Great Britain men's national ice hockey team|Team GB]] coach Peter Russell. This was shortly followed by the announcement in May 2015 that Milton Keynes Lightning would be forming a partnership with [[Elite Ice Hockey League|Elite League]] side the [[Coventry Blaze]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mk-lightning.com/mkl-blaze-announce-development-partnership/ |title = MKL & Blaze announce development partnership|publisher = Milton Keynes Lightning|date =1 May 2015 |author= Tracey Richardson | access-date =1 May 2015}}</ref> This partnership lasted just one season. The 2015–16 season also saw a change from the traditional white, black, and gold colours to a white, black, and blue combination which reflected the sponsorship of local company Smith Recycling. Despite a promising start, the season ended with MKL managing just a slight improvement on their previous years final position, finishing 5th. Lightning went on to qualify for the Play Off final, losing to Guildford Flames 6–2. At the end of the season it was also announced that from the start of the 2017–2018 season, Milton Keynes Lightning would play in the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]].
 
In November 2016, Nick Poole stepped down from the role of General Manager, citing that he wanted to pursue new challenges with his family outside of hockey. Lightning secured a 2nd place league finish in their final EPL season and on 18 March 2017 won their first EPL cup in a penalty shootout against Peterborough. In the playoff campaign, Lightning finished 2nd in their group, winning 5 out of 6 games to qualify for the finals weekend. Lightning would then go on to win their 5th playoff title, beating Guildford 8–3 in the semi-final and then defeating Telford in the final 7–2.
 
=== 2017–2019: Elite League Hockey ===
Following the announcement in May 2015, Milton Keynes Lightning formally joined the [[Elite Ice Hockey League|Elite League]] for the 2017–2018 season. With this also came a change in ownership. Planet Ice, the Milton Keynes rink operators who had run the franchise since its temporary use of the Coventry Sky Dome during the 2013–2014 season sold the club to the Midlands-based husband and wife team of Graham and Monica Moody. Lightning's inaugural season in the Elite League had a promising start but poor away form and a series of disappointing results left them languishing near the bottom of the table at the turn of the new year. The situation worsened in January when US Import Matt Nickerson had his contract terminated after an altercation with a Guildford Flames fan when leaving the ice. In February 2018 it was announced that Coach Peter Russell would be leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of the season and replaced by Canadian Doug McKay. The team finished 11th in the league and outside of the play off places.
 
After a poor start to the 2018–19 season, with the team languishing at the bottom of the league, Doug McKay himself parted company with Milton Keynes Lightning in November 2018 citing 'personal reasons'. Coaching responsibilities initially passed to players Ryan Lannon and Tim Wallace, with Wallace taking sole charge for the remainder of the season in January 2019. In March 2019 it was announced that MK Lightning's two-year stay in the Elite League would come to an end and that from the 2019–2020 season the team would complete in the new National Hockey League, a two import league equivalent in the British ice hockey structure to the defunct English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL). The reason behind this return to the second tier of UK Ice Hockey was financial. Lightning finished the season a disappointing 11th, 24 points behind 10th placed Dundee Stars.
 
=== 2019–2022: Back to its Milton Keynes roots and supporters ownership ===
Soon after the completion of the 2018–2019 season and the decision to leave the Elite League, Milton Keynes Lightning announced that Lewis Clifford would be the Head Coach for the inaugural season of the new NIHL National league. Clifford had been a stalwart of the Milton Keynes Thunder team, Assistant Coach to Nick Poole at Lightning and then Head Coach at Thunder. However, before the commencement of the season, preparations were thrown into disarray with revelations of unpaid wages/reimbursements for both former players and off ice staff, outstanding debts to suppliers and poor stewardship by the owners. This led to the majority of the club's sponsors publicly denouncing the situation and declining to provide further support.
 
The rink operators Planet Ice also decided not to award the ice contract for the 2019–2020 season to Graham and Monica Moody but to the Supporters-based consortium formally known as the Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Club and colloquially as 'Lets Play Hockey' for them to ice a team in the NIHL National League. This consortium had been set up after the announcement that Milton Keynes Lightning would no longer ice in the Elite League and had, with the backing of Planet Ice unsuccessfully applied to operate a Milton Keynes [[Elite Ice Hockey League|Elite League]] franchise for the 2019–20 season. Shortly after the announcement, the [[English Ice Hockey Association]] confirmed that the team under the management of the Lets Play Hockey consortium had been accepted into the new NIHL National League. Once confirmation of the league place had been made, clarification was provided that Lewis Clifford would continue to be the coach under the new ownership regime. The new owners also confirmed that the team would continue using the Milton Keynes Lightning name. The 2019/20 season ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the team sitting in sixth position.
 
With the restrictions placed upon the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the 2020/21 season was delayed. However, Lightning participated in the Streaming Series along with [[Sheffield Steeldogs]] & [[Swindon Wildcats]] in November 2020 as part of the Return to Play programme. Full post pandemic league action commenced with the 2021/22 season. Lightning iced a strong side and whilst played some excellent hockey, failed to find the consistency required to challenge for the title. The team finished 5th after dropping off the pace with a few weeks remaining of the season. Following defeat to [[Sheffield Steeldogs]] in the play off final, it was announced that Lewis Clifford would be stepping down in his duel roles as General Manager & Head Coach following a management restructuring.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/head-coach-and-general-manager-lewis-clifford-leaves-aib-mk-lightning/ | title=Head Coach and General Manager Lewis Clifford leaves AIB MK Lightning | date=13 May 2022 }}</ref> He was replaced by player/Director of Hockey Development Tim Wallace, who returned for a second spell as Player/Coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/tim-wallace-player-head-coach/ | title=Tim Wallace is AIB MK Lightning's Player Head Coach | date=20 May 2022 }}</ref>
 
==Arena redevelopment==
In March 2013, |Milton Keynes Council approved plans to redevelop the Leisure Plaza after failed attempts in 2006 & 2011. The development of the arena was funded by Morrisons Supermarkets and took 17 months to complete. This forced Lightning to play their home games at the [[Coventry]] Sky Dome during the 2013/2014 season & part of the 2014/2015 season. The team returned to the redeveloped rink which had been renamed the "MK Arena" on 18 October 2014 against [[Sheffield Steeldogs]], in front of a sell out crowd in excess of 2,500.


==Club honours==
==Club honours==
*'''[[EPIHL]] League: 3'''
*'''[[EPIHL]] League: 3'''
::Winner (3): 2004, 2005, 2010
::Winner (3): 2004, 2005, 2010
::Runner-up (2): 2003, 2009
::Runner-up (3): 2003, 2009, 2017


*'''[[EPIHL]] Playoffs: 4'''
*'''[[EPIHL]] Playoffs: 5'''
::Winner (4): 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
::Winner (5): 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2017
::Runner-up (2): 2009, 2011
::Runner-up (3): 2009, 2011, 2016


*'''[[EPIHL]] Cup: 0'''
*'''[[EPIHL]] Cup: 1'''
::Winner (1): 2017
::Runner-up (4): 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014
::Runner-up (4): 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014
*'''[[National Ice Hockey League|NIHL]] Playoffs: 0'''
::Winner (0):
::Runner-up (1): 2022
* '''[[National Ice Hockey League|NIHL]] Cup: 1'''
::Winner (1): 2024
::Runner-up (0)


==Season-by-season record==
==Season-by-season record==
Line 68: Line 119:
| 2013–14 ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 54 || 30 || – || 20 || 4 || 64 || 198 || 181 || 4th
| 2013–14 ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 54 || 30 || – || 20 || 4 || 64 || 198 || 181 || 4th
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| [[2014–15_Milton_Keynes_Lightning_season | 2014–15]] ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 48 || 18 || – || 24 || 6 || 42 || 152 || 186 || 7th
| 2014–15 ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 48 || 18 || – || 24 || 6 || 42 || 152 || 186 || 7th
 
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2015–16 ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 54 || 26 || – || 17 || 5 || 69 || 197 || 150 || 5th
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2016–17 ||align="left"| [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] || 48 || 34 || – || 11 || 3 || 71 || 174 || 124 || 2nd
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2017–18 ||align="left"| [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] || 56 || 20 || – || 34 || 2 || 42 || 175 || 234 || 11th
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2018–19 ||align="left"| [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] || 60 || 15 || – || 41 || 4 || 34 || 148 || 246 || 11th
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2019–20 ||align="left"| [[National Ice Hockey League]] || 50 || 22 || – || 20 || 6 || 54 || 201 || 205 || 6th
|-bgcolor="#eeeeee" align="center"
| 2021–22 ||align="left"| [[National Ice Hockey League]] || 48 || 25 || – || 19 || 4 || 54 || 197 || 195 || 5th
|}
|}
<small>'''Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime Losses; PTS = Points; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against'''</small>
<small>'''Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime Losses; PTS = Points; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against'''</small>
Line 75: Line 137:
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==  
==External links==  
*[http://www.mk-lightning.com/ MK Lightning Homepage]
*[http://www.mk-lightning.com/ MK Lightning Homepage]

Latest revision as of 20:16, 4 August 2024

Milton Keynes Lightning
MKL 2019 Logo.png
City Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
League NIHL
Division National League
Founded 1st franchise 2002. 2nd franchise 2019
Home arena Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes
Colors Black, Grey & Gold
              
Affiliates

Milton Keynes Thunder,

Milton Keynes Storm
Franchise history
2002 - present Milton Keynes Lightning

main

MKL Logo.png

The Milton Keynes Lightning are an ice hockey team founded in 2002 and then again in 2019 in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The Lightning (2nd franchise) currently play in Britain's second-tier professional league, the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL), since the 2019–20 season. The Lightning (1st franchise) previously turned up in the top tier Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) from 2017–2019 , and the tier-3/tier-2 English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) from 2002–2017. Their home rink is 2,200-seat Planet Ice Arena Milton Keynes, known locally as the MK Arena or the Thunderdome.

Club history

Foundation

Founded in 2002, MK Lightning moved into the empty space left by the departure of the Milton Keynes Kings. The MK Kings were involved in a dispute with rink operators Planet Ice, which led to their relocation to Solihull in May 2002.[1] There they became the Solihull MK Kings before being wound up in April 2003, after a single season.[2]

2002–2006: The early years

The demise of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 2002/03 led to major restructuring of Ice Hockey in the UK. The Milton Keynes Lightning became a founding member of the new Elite Ice Hockey League but competed in the lower English Premier Ice Hockey League. The first Lightning squad was made up mainly of young local players, one Finnish import, Mikko Skinnari and three Canadian imports, Nick Poole as Player Coach, Claude Dumas, and Dwayne Newman. Lightning finished their maiden season in 2nd place, behind Peterborough Phantoms. The two teams met again in the playoff final, with Lightning winning. A rivalry quickly grew between them as they continued to dominate EPL Ice Hockey,[3] MK Lightning were crowned league champions in 2003–04 and 2004–05 as well as dominating the Playoffs until 2006. During this period there was a heavy reliance on Player Coach Nick Poole and Telford born Gary Clarke for points scoring.

2006–2008: League struggle

The 2006–07 season saw Lightning struggle for the first time. A lack of quality new players, core older players leaving, predictable tactics and an improved opposition being the main drivers. The team ended the season in 5th place[4] and were eliminated from the Playoffs in the first round.[5] 2007/08 saw the situation worsen, with a league finish of 6th. This resulted in a roster overhaul for the new season.[6]

2008–2010: Return to success

The Lightning squad for the 2008–09 season included several experienced ex-Elite League players, young British talent and new European imports including Lukas Zatopek, Andre Smulter and Joakim Wiklander as an injury replacement for Ales Perez whose career was ended by a serious shoulder injury. After a slow start the team dominated the second half of the season and finished runners-up behind Peterborough.[7] They then met again in the playoff final with the Phantoms winning the encounter.[8] Lightning became the team to beat in 2009–10, despite Elite league Basingstoke Bison and Manchester Phoenix joining the EPIHL. Further squad strengthening in the form of former AIK player Monir Kalgoum and the addition of netminder Alex Mettam helped Lightning dominate and a home win against Swindon Wildcats in March 2010 saw the EPIHL league trophy return to Milton Keynes.

2010–2015: Near misses, unexpected changes and disappointment

Despite the addition of Slovenian International Blaz Emersic, an inconsistent 2010–11 season saw Lightning finish 5th in the league and lose the play off final to Guildford Flames. 2011–12 fared no better, with the team again finishing 5th; having led the league in December. The team lost in the playoff quarter finals to eventual winners Slough Jets, despite taking a three-goal lead into the away leg. The 2012–13 season brought upheaval when just ten games into the season marque signing Adam Calder suffered a catastrophic hip injury which ended his career. Then in January 2013 Nick Poole who was by now considered a Milton Keynes Lightning legend unexpectedly announced his immediate retirement from playing. Lightning finished in 4th place and lost to Guildford Flames in the play off semi-finals.

The disruption continued in 2013–14 as home games were played in Coventry due to the renovation of the Milton Keynes rink. Due to a lack of practice ice time, the team struggled for consistency but finished in a credible 4th place. They were also the runners up to Basingstoke Bison in the cup. The 2014–15 season started with Lightning continuing to play out of Coventry. Indifferent early form left the team languishing near the bottom of the league. The refurbishment of the Milton Keynes rink was completed a month into the season and the first game back on home territory was played on 18 October 2014 against Sheffield Steeldogs in front of a capacity crowd of 2,500. Despite the return to home ice; Lightning continued to perform poorly. The loss of key players through roster changes and a series of injuries increased pressure on an already struggling team saw Lightning finish the season in 7th place, their lowest ever position. Despite poor league performances, Lightning defeated Guildford in the playoff quarter finals before losing to Manchester Phoenix in the semi-final game.

2015–2017: Management change and new partnerships

At the end of the 2014–2015 season it was announced that head coach Nick Poole would take over the duties of General Manager from Vito Rausa and be replaced by Team GB coach Peter Russell. This was shortly followed by the announcement in May 2015 that Milton Keynes Lightning would be forming a partnership with Elite League side the Coventry Blaze.[9] This partnership lasted just one season. The 2015–16 season also saw a change from the traditional white, black, and gold colours to a white, black, and blue combination which reflected the sponsorship of local company Smith Recycling. Despite a promising start, the season ended with MKL managing just a slight improvement on their previous years final position, finishing 5th. Lightning went on to qualify for the Play Off final, losing to Guildford Flames 6–2. At the end of the season it was also announced that from the start of the 2017–2018 season, Milton Keynes Lightning would play in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

In November 2016, Nick Poole stepped down from the role of General Manager, citing that he wanted to pursue new challenges with his family outside of hockey. Lightning secured a 2nd place league finish in their final EPL season and on 18 March 2017 won their first EPL cup in a penalty shootout against Peterborough. In the playoff campaign, Lightning finished 2nd in their group, winning 5 out of 6 games to qualify for the finals weekend. Lightning would then go on to win their 5th playoff title, beating Guildford 8–3 in the semi-final and then defeating Telford in the final 7–2.

2017–2019: Elite League Hockey

Following the announcement in May 2015, Milton Keynes Lightning formally joined the Elite League for the 2017–2018 season. With this also came a change in ownership. Planet Ice, the Milton Keynes rink operators who had run the franchise since its temporary use of the Coventry Sky Dome during the 2013–2014 season sold the club to the Midlands-based husband and wife team of Graham and Monica Moody. Lightning's inaugural season in the Elite League had a promising start but poor away form and a series of disappointing results left them languishing near the bottom of the table at the turn of the new year. The situation worsened in January when US Import Matt Nickerson had his contract terminated after an altercation with a Guildford Flames fan when leaving the ice. In February 2018 it was announced that Coach Peter Russell would be leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of the season and replaced by Canadian Doug McKay. The team finished 11th in the league and outside of the play off places.

After a poor start to the 2018–19 season, with the team languishing at the bottom of the league, Doug McKay himself parted company with Milton Keynes Lightning in November 2018 citing 'personal reasons'. Coaching responsibilities initially passed to players Ryan Lannon and Tim Wallace, with Wallace taking sole charge for the remainder of the season in January 2019. In March 2019 it was announced that MK Lightning's two-year stay in the Elite League would come to an end and that from the 2019–2020 season the team would complete in the new National Hockey League, a two import league equivalent in the British ice hockey structure to the defunct English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL). The reason behind this return to the second tier of UK Ice Hockey was financial. Lightning finished the season a disappointing 11th, 24 points behind 10th placed Dundee Stars.

2019–2022: Back to its Milton Keynes roots and supporters ownership

Soon after the completion of the 2018–2019 season and the decision to leave the Elite League, Milton Keynes Lightning announced that Lewis Clifford would be the Head Coach for the inaugural season of the new NIHL National league. Clifford had been a stalwart of the Milton Keynes Thunder team, Assistant Coach to Nick Poole at Lightning and then Head Coach at Thunder. However, before the commencement of the season, preparations were thrown into disarray with revelations of unpaid wages/reimbursements for both former players and off ice staff, outstanding debts to suppliers and poor stewardship by the owners. This led to the majority of the club's sponsors publicly denouncing the situation and declining to provide further support.

The rink operators Planet Ice also decided not to award the ice contract for the 2019–2020 season to Graham and Monica Moody but to the Supporters-based consortium formally known as the Milton Keynes Ice Hockey Club and colloquially as 'Lets Play Hockey' for them to ice a team in the NIHL National League. This consortium had been set up after the announcement that Milton Keynes Lightning would no longer ice in the Elite League and had, with the backing of Planet Ice unsuccessfully applied to operate a Milton Keynes Elite League franchise for the 2019–20 season. Shortly after the announcement, the English Ice Hockey Association confirmed that the team under the management of the Lets Play Hockey consortium had been accepted into the new NIHL National League. Once confirmation of the league place had been made, clarification was provided that Lewis Clifford would continue to be the coach under the new ownership regime. The new owners also confirmed that the team would continue using the Milton Keynes Lightning name. The 2019/20 season ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the team sitting in sixth position.

With the restrictions placed upon the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the 2020/21 season was delayed. However, Lightning participated in the Streaming Series along with Sheffield Steeldogs & Swindon Wildcats in November 2020 as part of the Return to Play programme. Full post pandemic league action commenced with the 2021/22 season. Lightning iced a strong side and whilst played some excellent hockey, failed to find the consistency required to challenge for the title. The team finished 5th after dropping off the pace with a few weeks remaining of the season. Following defeat to Sheffield Steeldogs in the play off final, it was announced that Lewis Clifford would be stepping down in his duel roles as General Manager & Head Coach following a management restructuring.[10] He was replaced by player/Director of Hockey Development Tim Wallace, who returned for a second spell as Player/Coach.[11]

Arena redevelopment

In March 2013, |Milton Keynes Council approved plans to redevelop the Leisure Plaza after failed attempts in 2006 & 2011. The development of the arena was funded by Morrisons Supermarkets and took 17 months to complete. This forced Lightning to play their home games at the Coventry Sky Dome during the 2013/2014 season & part of the 2014/2015 season. The team returned to the redeveloped rink which had been renamed the "MK Arena" on 18 October 2014 against Sheffield Steeldogs, in front of a sell out crowd in excess of 2,500.

Club honours

Winner (3): 2004, 2005, 2010
Runner-up (3): 2003, 2009, 2017
Winner (5): 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2017
Runner-up (3): 2009, 2011, 2016
Winner (1): 2017
Runner-up (4): 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014
Winner (0):
Runner-up (1): 2022
Winner (1): 2024
Runner-up (0)

Season-by-season record

Milton Keynes Lightning season-by-season record
Season League GP W T L OTL PTS GF GA League Position
2002–03 English Premier Ice Hockey League 42 34 3 5 – 62 269 113 2nd
2003–04 English Premier Ice Hockey League 32 28 2 5 – 56 175 87 1st
2004–05 English Premier Ice Hockey League 32 23 3 6 – 49 149 75 1st
2005–06 English Premier Ice Hockey League 48 25 10 13 – 60 201 121 3rd
2006–07 English Premier Ice Hockey League 44 28 2 14 – 58 187 132 5th
2007–08 English Premier Ice Hockey League 40 22 – 16 2 46 160 121 6th
2008–09 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 34 – 14 6 74 221 149 2nd
2009–10 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 42 – 10 2 86 218 144 1st
2010–11 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 31 – 21 2 64 219 160 5th
2011–12 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 32 – 20 2 66 176 145 5th
2012–13 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 32 – 20 2 66 170 145 4th
2013–14 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 30 – 20 4 64 198 181 4th
2014–15 English Premier Ice Hockey League 48 18 – 24 6 42 152 186 7th
2015–16 English Premier Ice Hockey League 54 26 – 17 5 69 197 150 5th
2016–17 English Premier Ice Hockey League 48 34 – 11 3 71 174 124 2nd
2017–18 Elite Ice Hockey League 56 20 – 34 2 42 175 234 11th
2018–19 Elite Ice Hockey League 60 15 – 41 4 34 148 246 11th
2019–20 National Ice Hockey League 50 22 – 20 6 54 201 205 6th
2021–22 National Ice Hockey League 48 25 – 19 4 54 197 195 5th

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime Losses; PTS = Points; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against

References

  1. ↑ "MK Kings live on in Solihull". Milton Keynes Citizen. May 2002. http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/MK-Kings-live-on-.245451.jp. 
  2. ↑ "Solihull MK Kings finally call it a day", Milton Keynes Citizen, April 2003]
  3. ↑ "Phantoms Renew Lightning rivalry"(dead link), Peterborough Telegraph, September 2007
  4. ↑ "English Premier League final table", Milton Keynes Citizen, March 2007
  5. ↑ "Lightning win proves to be all in vain", Milton Keynes Citizen, April 2007
  6. ↑ "Lightning Set for New Term Face Off", Milton Keynes Citizen, September 2008
  7. ↑ "Players are positive after great finish to the season, Milton Keynes Citizen, April 2009
  8. ↑ "Lightning fall at the final hurdle, Milton Keynes Citizen, April 2009
  9. ↑ Tracey Richardson (1 May 2015). "MKL & Blaze announce development partnership". Milton Keynes Lightning. http://www.mk-lightning.com/mkl-blaze-announce-development-partnership/. 
  10. ↑ "Head Coach and General Manager Lewis Clifford leaves AIB MK Lightning". 13 May 2022. https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/head-coach-and-general-manager-lewis-clifford-leaves-aib-mk-lightning/. 
  11. ↑ "Tim Wallace is AIB MK Lightning's Player Head Coach". 20 May 2022. https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/tim-wallace-player-head-coach/. 

External links

Preceded by
Invicta Dynamos 		EPIHL Playoff Champions
2002–2006 		Succeeded by
Bracknell Bees
Preceded by
Peterborough Phantoms 		EPIHL Champions
2009–2010 		Succeeded by
Manchester Phoenix


Ice hockey in Great Britain
Elite Ice Hockey League (2003-present)

Belfast Giants - Cardiff Devils - Coventry Blaze - Dundee Stars - Fife Flyers - Glasgow Clan - Manchester Storm - Nottingham Panthers - Sheffield Steelers

National Ice Hockey League (1997-present)

National League: Berkshire Bees - Bristol Pitbulls - Hull Seahawks - Leeds Knights - Milton Keynes Lightning - Peterborough Phantoms - Raiders - Sheffield Steeldogs - Solway Sharks - Swindon Wildcats

North Division 1: Billingham Stars - Blackburn Hawks - Nottingham Lions - Solihull Barons - Sutton Sting - Whitley Warriors

South Division 1: Cardiff Fire - Chelmsford Chieftains - Invicta Dynamos - Milton Keynes Thunder - Oxford City Stars - Raiders 2 - Slough Jets - Solent Devils - Streatham IHC

North Division 2: Altrincham Aces - Blackburn Hawks 2 - Bradford Bulldogs - Deeside Dragons - Hull Jets - Sheffield Senators - Telford Tigers 2 - Widnes Wild

South Division 2: Basingstoke Buffalo - Guildford Phoenix - Haringey Huskies - Invicta Mustangs - Lee Valley Lions - Peterborough Phantoms 2 - Solent Devils 2 - Streatham Hawks - Swindon Wildcats 2

Scottish National League (2000-present)

Aberdeen Lynx - Dundee Comets - Dundee Tigers - Edinburgh Capitals - Kilmarnock Thunder - Kirkcaldy Kestrels - North Ayrshire Wild - Paisley Pirates

Other current competitions

League Championship - Playoff Championship - Challenge Cup - British Universities Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey Varsity Match - Northern League - Women's Elite Ice Hockey League - Scottish Cup

Defunct competitions

Airlie Trophy - Ahearne Cup - Anderson Trophy - Autumn Cup - Association Cup - Bairns Trophy - British Hockey League - British Home Tournaments - British National League (1954–1960) - British National League (1996–2005) - Christmas Cup - Coronation Cup - Coronation Gold Cup - English Club Championship - English League - English League North - English National League - English Premier Ice Hockey Cup - English Premier Ice Hockey League - Findus Challenge Cup - Ice Hockey Superleague - Inter-City League - London Cup - Millenium Cup - Mitchell Trophy - Northern League (1966-1982) - Northern League (2005–2011) - Planet Ice Challenge League - President's Pucks - Scottish Canada Cup - Scottish Cup (1930s-1950s) - Scottish League Flag Trophy - Scottish National League (1929–1954) - Scottish National League (1981-1982) - Scottish Premier Hockey League - Southern League - Winter Cup

Defunct teams

Aldershot Bullets - Amateur Skating Club - Argyll Ice Hockey Club - Ayr Bruins - Ayr Scottish Eagles - Blackburn Eagles - Blackpool Seagulls - Brighton Ambassadors - Brighton Ice Hockey Club - Brighton Tigers - Cardiff Rage - Castlereagh Knights - Dumfries Vikings - Dunfermline Vikings Dundee Rockets - Durham City Wasps - Durham Wasps - Earls Court Rangers - Edinburgh Capitals (SNL) - Flintshire Freeze - Fylde Flyers - Harringay Greyhounds - Harringay Racers - Hull Pirates - Hull Stingrays - Hull Thunder - Humberside Seahawks - Kilmarnock Storm - Lancashire Raptors - Liverpool Leopards - London Canadians - London Lions - London Knights - London Racers - Manchester Minotaurs - Manchester Phoenix - Manchester Rapids - Manchester Storm - Medway Bears - Milton Keynes Kings - Moray Typhoons - Murrayfield Racers - Murrayfield Racers (2018-2022) - Newcastle Jesters - Newcastle Vipers - Niagara Ice Hockey Club - Oxford Blades - Oxford Canadians - Peterborough Pirates - Princes Ice Hockey Club - Richmond Flyers - Richmond Hawks - Royal Engineers Ice Hockey Club - Sheffield Lancers - Sheffield Scimitars - Slough Jets ENL - Southampton Vikings - Sunderland Chiefs - TDC Northern Stars - Wembley Lions - Wembley Monarchs - Wightlink Raiders - Wightlink Tigers

Governing bodies

English Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey UK - Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Association - Scottish Ice Hockey - British Ice Hockey Association (defunct) - National Ice Skating Association (defunct)

Other

British National Team - Women's British National Team - British Junior National Team - British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame - Ice Hockey Journalists UK

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