Lightning Talks | The Milton Keynes Lightning Preview

Send us Fan MailJordan Cownie joins Lightning Talks to discuss his return from injury, staying ready through six weeks out, the culture at MK Lightning and the team success he values above personal points.The hosts look back at Swindon and Peterborough, discuss David Thomson and Liam Stewart, and recognise the travelling support. They then round up the league and cup picture before previewing the Basingstoke double-header, including Mac Howlett’s form, players to watch and the goaltending matchup.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Lightning Talks02:26 Swindon review07:27 David Thomson16:57 Peterborough review23:04 Liam Stewart26:12 Derby fans29:25 Jordan Cownie returns32:57 Staying ready through injury36:42 Trying commentary38:25 Culture and Pete Russell43:59 Depth, points and trophies48:08 What the fans mean50:52 Trophy memories53:01 Around the league56:12 A tight league table57:35 Cup and playoff permutations1:01:05 Basingstoke double-header preview1:02:52 Mac Howlett’s form1:04:03 Basingstoke players to watch1:05:58 The goaltending matchup1:10:54 Closing thoughts and the weekend aheadWatch the full video on LightningTV: https://youtu.be/gayeAgQFX1YThanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailHarry Gulliver joins Pimmy and Harrison on Lightning Talks to talk about life at Milton Keynes Lightning, the depth in this season’s squad and the fan chant that has people asking him to sell their cars — even though he does not sell cars.Harry also discusses his role on the power play, why he keeps coming back to MK, his dream Lightning power-play unit and the nerve-racking overtime penalty box moment from the playoff semifinal against Leeds.The hosts look back on a four-point weekend: a 10–3 Halloween derby win over Peterborough and a 3–0 shutout in Sheffield. After Harry’s interview, they run through a busy week around the league and look ahead to a challenging weekend against Swindon and Peterborough with several Lightning players away with Great Britain.There is also a look ahead to the Remembrance games and what makes the occasion so important to the club and its supporters.Subscribe to LightningTV for more Lightning Talks, MK Lightning interviews and coverage.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome: a four-point weekend for Lightning01:18 Ten goals in the Halloween derby14:17 A shutout and a different test in Sheffield25:30 Harry Gulliver joins Lightning Talks32:10 Why Milton Keynes feels special33:00 The fan chant Harry cannot explain36:39 Harry picks his dream Lightning power play38:34 The Leeds playoff semifinal and overtime nerves42:57 Around the league: a busy week of results50:10 GB call-ups and the Swindon challenge57:53 Remembrance weekend and Peterborough awayThanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailMilique Martelly joins Harrison Mills and Aaron Viles for a look at life on the MK Lightning blue line. He discusses building confidence, learning from Pete Russell, using speed to defend and his partnership with Archie Hazeldine, as well as the coaches and teammates who have shaped his game.The hosts review Lightning’s 12–1 victory over Bristol Pitbulls, including Carter Hamill’s hat-trick, and the 5–4 shootout defeat at Swindon Wildcats. There is also a roundup of the NIHL National and a preview of the Halloween home derby against Peterborough Phantoms and the trip to Sheffield Steeldogs.Recorded on 26 October 2026. Results, standings and fixture discussion reflect the recording date.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailA split weekend against Hull gives the hosts plenty to unpack: a 3–1 home win on Saturday followed by a 5–1 defeat away on Sunday. They revisit special teams, Jarred White’s winning goal, Hull’s pressure and the video-review debate, before rounding up the league and looking ahead to Swindon and Bristol. A hosts-only edition of Lightning Talks, recorded on 19 October 2026.PODCAST AUDIO CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:16 Welcome01:33 Saturday review07:16 Special teams08:41 Jarred White’s winner12:17 Sunday away14:50 Video reviews22:19 Hull pressure and lessons28:36 League roundup41:40 Swindon preview48:45 Bristol preview53:26 League fixtures01:01:03 ClosingThanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan Maillifestack co-founders Steven Bianchi and Claire Alvis join Tom Roberts to talk about the people and ideas behind Milton Keynes Lightning’s title partnership.Steven looks back on growing up with hockey in Guelph, his connection to Milton Keynes and a wedding day that included photos on a Zamboni. Claire shares her first experience of watching Lightning and explains why lifestack helps business owners build companies that give them their time back.They discuss the pressures of being the person every decision runs through, the “owner’s tax”, and why the partnership is about contributing to the club’s players, volunteers, supporters and wider community.There is also more on the lifestack Business Club and The Owner’s Night Off, giving local business owners a chance to switch off and enjoy a night at the rink.Plus, Harrison and Pimmy review Lightning’s 7–3 win over Sheffield Steeldogs and 3–2 shootout defeat in Romford, round up the NIHL National League and preview the home-and-away double-header against Hull Seahawks.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailCarter Hamill joins Chris and Harrison after another perfect four-point weekend keeps Milton Keynes Lightning unbeaten at the top of the NIHL National League.We look back at the emphatic 8–2 victory at Leeds Knights and the hard-fought 5–4 win over Solway Ice Hockey Club before sitting down with Lightning’s #24.Carter discusses his flying start, summer training with Belfast, the lessons from his time at Solway and returning to Milton Keynes under Pete Russell. He also reflects on junior coaching, Belfast’s hockey community, his long-term ambitions and the travel and changing routines behind a two-way deal.Plus, Carter reveals who started Lightning’s post-game dance competition, while Chris and Harrison round up the league and preview Country Night against Sheffield Steeldogs and the trip to Romford Raiders.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailJames Griffin joins Chris and Harrison following another four-point weekend that keeps Milton Keynes Lightning unbeaten and top of the NIHL National League.We look back at the 4–2 win against Romford Raiders and the 5–3 victory away at Bristol Pitbulls before sitting down with one of Lightning’s longest-serving players.Griff discusses the squad’s chemistry under Pete Russell, the importance of everyone buying into the team’s system, and why there are no easy nights in an increasingly competitive league.Now in his 12th season with Lightning, he reflects on how his game has evolved, why Milton Keynes feels like family, and balancing hockey with work and fatherhood. He also shares an insight into his role behind the scenes, helping shape the club’s branding and digital marketing, and explains why he’s taking his playing future one year at a time.Plus, we round up the weekend’s results across the NIHL National League and preview Lightning’s upcoming trip to Leeds Knights and Sunday’s home clash with Solway.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailJordan Headley joins Chris and Harrison following Milton Keynes Lightning’s perfect four-point opening league weekend.We look back at the 2–1 overtime win against Leeds Knights and the emphatic 6–1 victory away at Telford Tigers before sitting down with Lightning’s #1.Jordan discusses the changes under Pete Russell, his relationship and competition with Jared Whale, balancing hockey with work and family life, and why the development of British netminders remains such an important issue.He also reflects on growing up watching hockey in Milton Keynes, his decade with the Lightning and his desire to spend the rest of his career with the club — before making a special announcement about his upcoming testimonial.Plus, we round up the opening weekend across the NIHL National League and preview Lightning’s upcoming games against Romford Raiders and Bristol Pitbulls.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailPre-season is complete and now the real thing begins.Harrison Mills and Mike Walls return to look back on a perfect weekend against the Peterborough Phantoms, as MK Lightning completed pre-season with two victories over their closest rivals — an overtime thriller in Milton Keynes followed by a nine-goal performance at Bretton. We break down both games, including Peterborough’s clinical finishing, Lightning’s response when falling behind, an impressive penalty kill, Kel Beattie’s overtime winner and another huge third-period performance on Sunday. We also pick out some of the players who have impressed us most across pre-season. Then attention turns to the 2026/27 NIHL National season.Lightning face a huge opening weekend, welcoming reigning playoff champions Leeds Knights to Planet Ice Milton Keynes on Saturday before travelling to one of the league’s toughest away rinks to face the Telford Tigers on Sunday. We look at how both teams have changed over the summer, their pre-season form and the players to watch as the first league points go on the line. Pre-season is over. It’s time for the real thing.Thanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.

Send us Fan MailThe 2026/27 season is underway, and there’s plenty to talk about after the MK Lightning’s opening pre-season weekend against the Rostock Piranhas.Harrison Mills and Mike Walls look back at both games against the German visitors, from Saturday’s physical 4–3 battle to Sunday’s emphatic 7–0 Lightning victory. They discuss the players who caught the eye, the early chemistry developing across the lines and what we learned from two very different performances.Then, Lightning’s new number six Danny Weight joins the podcast after a whirlwind first 48 hours in Milton Keynes. Danny talks about flying in from New York and scoring on his debut just hours later, growing up around professional hockey, playing alongside the likes of Jack Hughes, Matt Boldy and Trevor Zegras, his first impressions of British hockey and his ambitions for the season.Finally, attention turns to an old rivalry as Lightning prepare for a pre-season double-header against the Peterborough Phantoms. Harrison and Mike break down the changes to the Phantoms roster, their new arrivals and departures, and what to expect from another chapter of the Ashes Derby.There might not be league points on the line yet, but there’s never a friendly between Milton Keynes and Peterborough.In this episode:• Rostock Piranhas weekend review• Early standouts from the new-look Lightning roster• Danny Weight interview• His journey from US hockey to Milton Keynes• Playing alongside future NHL stars• First impressions of MK and the Lightning fans• Peterborough Phantoms roster breakdown• Ashes Derby weekend previewThanks for listening to Lightning Talks!Lightning Talks is the official podcast of the Milton Keynes Lightning, bringing you closer to the players, coaches and people behind the club.Stay connected with the Lightning:Podcast website: https://podcast.mk-lightning.co.ukOfficial club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.ukWatch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.streamWatch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTVFollow Milton Keynes Lightning on social media for the latest news, match updates and behind-the-scenes content.Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast on your favourite platform, leave us a rating or review, and share it with fellow Lightning fans.Lightning Talks is produced by Lightning TV.