Lightning Talks

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Sean Norris and Liam Stewart join the Lightning Talks podcast for a candid conversation ahead of the new season. The fan favourites discuss their off-season preparations, Stewy's return to Milton Keynes for one last dance, and the excitement of being reunited on the same roster.

The pair reflect on last season, share their thoughts on Pete Russell's fast-paced new-look squad, and explain the roles they hope to play both on and off the ice. They also open up about their careers, the coaches and mentors who shaped them, the importance of hard work, and the advice they'd give to the next generation of players.

Plus, hear their thoughts on the new signings, the strength of this year's team, life away from the rink, and why the MK Lightning fans remain some of the best in British ice hockey.

Don't forget to subscribe to Lightning Talks and the Lightning TV YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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.

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Two of the newest additions to the Milton Keynes Lightning join Harrison and Mike on Lightning Talks ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Jake Hayward discusses returning to British hockey after four years in North America, his experiences with Great Britain and what he hopes to bring to the Lightning defence. David Thomson looks back on his journey through Canada and Europe, his time with the Telford Tigers and why the opportunity to join Milton Keynes was the right move.

The pair also discuss the growing standard of the NIHL, playing in front of the Lightning faithful, their competitive styles on the ice and preparations for the new season. David also talks about his work towards a career in psychotherapy, while Jake discusses completing his personal training qualifications alongside hockey.
Plus, find out why opposition players might want to prepare themselves for plenty of chirping when Jake and David hit the ice together.

Lightning Talks is brought to you by Lightning TV.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

Archie Salisbury and Ed Knaggs join Chris and Harrison for the latest episode of Lightning Talks as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.

The pair discuss their paths to Milton Keynes, the lessons they've learned throughout their careers, and how they're preparing for what promises to be an exciting campaign under Pete Russell. They also reflect on team culture, the strength of this year's roster, representing Great Britain, and the unique atmosphere created by the MK Lightning supporters.
It's an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation with two key members of the Lightning squad as anticipation builds for the new season.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

Chris "Dicko" Dickens and Harrison Mills catch up with new MK Lightning imports Jarred White (forward) and Jared Whale (goaltender), former teammates at Alaska Anchorage. 

The pair reflect on their NCAA careers — White recalling a freshman year behind future Stanley Cup winner Brandon Bussey, and both praising college hockey's relentless pace as ideal pro prep. White describes his shift from winger to a gritty, two-way centre; Whale opens up on recovering from injury and learning from British netminder Jordan Hedley. 

They swap banter on music, style, and NHL loyalties (Oilers vs. Flames), and both say they can't wait for the famously loud Lightning crowd. They touch on the club's rebuilt roster and expectations for the season.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

Lightning Talks: The Northern Irish Takeover

This week, Pimmy and Harrison are joined by the Northern Irish contingent – Mac Stewart, Kell Beattie, Carter Hamill and Cam Hamill.

The four best friends chat about growing up together in Belfast, finally reuniting at Milton Keynes Lightning, returning to MK, playing under Pete Russell, their ambitions for the new season, and plenty of stories from life away from the rink.

It doesn't take long before the conversation goes completely off the rails, with debates over who's best at padel, dressing room music, Christmas videos, and who'll be the first to drop the gloves this season.

Fair warning: they're not wrong.

Get your tickets 🎟️ when they go on sale 1 August 2026 at 10:00am for the opening home games:
https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk/tickets/match-tickets/

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

This week, Dicko and Harrison Mills sit down with two of Lightning's freshest signings — Bradey Johnson and Archie Hazeldine — ahead of their first season pulling on the MK jersey.

From off-season training grounds to the paths that brought them here, Bradey and Archie open up on their hockey journeys so far — and what's got them fired up to hit the ice in Milton Keynes.

New rink. New chapter. Same Lightning ambition.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

Lightning Talks: Episode 2
Building the Roster

Aaron Viles sits down with Head Coach and Director of Hockey Pete Russell and Club Director Tom Roberts to lift the lid on the MK Lightning off-season.

From recruitment strategy to line-by-line roster breakdown, they talk through how the 2026/27 squad has been built, the returning faces, the new signings, and the thinking behind every position on the ice.

Coach. Director. Full transparency on the season ahead.

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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 Mail

The debut episode of Lightning Talks, MK Lightning's new podcast, sees host Chris "Dicko" Dickens sit down with newly appointed Head Coach and Director of Hockey, Pete Russell.

Russell previously coached the Lightning from 2015-2018, leading the club to cup and playoff success, before going on to coach in Germany and lead the Great Britain men's national team. He's now back at MK ahead of the 2026/27 season, and in this first chat with Dicko he talks about what brought him home and his early plans for the club.

Milton Keynes Lightning play their home matches on Saturday nights (mostly) between September and April.  For tickets and info - www.mk-lightning.co.uk

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.uk
• Official club website: https://www.mk-lightning.co.uk
• Watch Lightning games live: https://mk-lightning.stream
• Watch match highlights:https://www.youtube.com/@LightningTV

Follow 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.