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Lightning Talks

Lightning TV

Welcome to Lightning Talks, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with lifestack MK Lightning.

We're an Ice Hockey club based in Milton Keynes, and this is where you'll hear it all - game reviews breaking down the wins, the losses, and everything in between, plus the players themselves, introduced in their own words. We're bringing you closer to the club than ever before.

This is Lightning Talks. Let's get into it.

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17 episodes
weekly
Avg 55 min
English

Episodes 17

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S1 · E9
Tuesday · 1 hr 8 min
Milique Martelly: On Pete Russell, Speed and Confidence | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail Milique 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.
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S1 · E8
October 20 · 1 hr 3 min
Hull split weekend: White’s winner and the response ahead | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail A 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 CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:16 Welcome 01:33 Saturday review 07:16 Special teams 08:41 Jarred White’s winner 12:17 Sunday away 14:50 Video reviews 22:19 Hull pressure and lessons 28:36 League roundup 41:40 Swindon preview 48:45 Bristol preview 53:26 League fixtures 01:01:03 Closing
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S1 · E7
October 13 · 1 hr 4 min
lifestack: More Than a Name on the Shirt | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail lifestack 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.
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S1 · E6
October 6 · 1 hr 8 min
Carter Hamill: You Have Got to Earn It | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail Carter 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.
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S2026 · E5
September 29 · 1 hr 5 min
James Griffin: 12 Seasons, One Lightning Family
Send us Fan Mail James 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.
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S2026 · E4
September 22 · 1 hr 4 min
Jordan Hedley: Lightning for Life
Send us Fan Mail Jordan 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.
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S2026 · E3
September 15 · 1 hr 2 min
Pre-Season Perfected: Peterborough Recap & Opening Weekend Preview | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail Pre-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.
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S2026 · E2
September 8 · 55 min
Rostock Recap, Danny Weight Interview & Peterborough Preview | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail The 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 preview
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S2026 · E1
September 1 · 1 hr 32 min
Lightning Talks | The Milton Keynes Lightning Preview
Send us Fan Mail Hockey is back - and so is Lightning Talks for the 2026/27 season. Mike and Harrison take an in-depth look through the Milton Keynes Lightning roster ahead of the opening pre-season weekend, discussing the returning players, new arrivals and what the new-look squad could bring this season. Assistant coach Lewis Christie joins the podcast to discuss his eventful 2025/26 season, his move back into the assistant coach role, working alongside Pete Russell and the competition for places across a deep Lightning roster. Christie also gives his thoughts on the opening weekend and what he expects from the new group. Finally, we preview Lightning’s first games of the season as German Oberliga Nord side Rostock Piranhas visit Planet Ice Milton Keynes for a two-game pre-season series, including some of the Piranhas players to watch and the challenge they’ll pose for Pete Russell’s side. Lightning Talks is brought to you by Lightning TV.
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S1 · E8
August 25 · 43 min
Episode 8: The Reunion - Stewy and Seany
Send us Fan Mail 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.
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S1 · E7
August 18 · 43 min
Jake Hayward & David Thomson | Ready for the New Season | Lightning Talks
Send us Fan Mail 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.
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S1 · E6
August 11 · 45 min
Archie Salisbury & Ed Knaggs Preview the 2026/27 Season
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.
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S1 · E5
August 4 · 47 min
Lightning Talks Episode 5: Meet the New Imports – Jarred White & Jared Whale
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.
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S1 · E4
July 28 · 48 min
The Northern Irish Takeover
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/
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S1 · E3
July 21 · 35 min
Episode 3: Chris Dickens and Harrison Mills Talk to Archie Hazeldine and Bradey Johnson
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.
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S1 · E2
July 18 · 56 min
Episode 2: Aaron Viles talks to Head Coach Pete Russell and Director Tom Roberts
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.
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S1 · E1
July 18 · 14 min
Episode 1: Chris Dickens talks to Pete Russell, Head Coach and Director of Hockey MK Lightning
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
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