The wishes of MK Lightning fans for a boost in firepower receive a major boost this week with news that the club has signed hot-shot forward Adam Calder for the 2012-13 season.  The move puts an end to a summer of speculation about Calder's intentions after it was announced he would not skate in Slough Jets colours next term.

Like head coach Nick Poole, Adam is a Canadian who honed his hockey skills icing for a US university team.  After four seasons representing the University of North Dakota, he spent four seasons with ECHL side the South Carolina Stingrays and one with Wichita Thunder, where he established a reputation as a formidable playmaker as well as a frequent goalscorer.

In 2004 Adam signed with Elite League side the Coventry Blaze and was an instant hit, in his first season becoming top goalscorer and second highest points scorer. In the following five seasons with Blaze he cemented a place in supporters' affections, the 2007 season standing out thanks to a stellar 105 points in 54 games.  He has twice taken the title of the Elite League's top goalscorer and to this day retains the title of all-time top points scorer at that level.

After a brief spell in Italy, the 2010 season saw Adam make his EPL debut with league champions Slough, and he made his mark by scoring 31 goals in just 23 games. In the season just ended he amassed 87 points which included 39 league and four play-off goals, helping the Jets to win the coveted play-off trophy.

"I am pretty excited about joining the Lightning as I've heard nothing but good things about the guys that are returning, coach Poole, the organisation and the MK fans!", said the team's newest recruit.  "I'm looking forward to winning trophies this year and to getting the season going in September with the group that Nick has put together.  The new season can't come soon enough!"

Nick Poole commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to have signed a player of the pedigree of Adam Calder.  We had tried to sign him several times before, as he's a player that we have much admired - but it never suited his situation.  When looking to improve our team we felt it was important that we get a player who can improve our powerplay and give us more firepower up front, and Adam certainly ticks both of these boxes.  He is a proven winner as he has won trophies from his university days right the way through his career in Europe.

"Adam will give us that little bit extra that we lacked last year and help us turn some of the tight games that we ended up losing into wins. I know he will fit very well into our team and all the guys are very excited to have him on board."

Adam Calder takes over the import slot left vacant at MKL by the departure of Finnish forward Tuomas Tikkanen, who joined the club in January.

Sponsorship of Adam Calder's home, away and warm-up shirts is now available - get your name seen not just on the player's shirt but also in our matchnight programme and on the Planet Ice digital message board for every home league game during the 2012-13 season - or sponsor a shirt to promote your business!  At the end of the season the shirt is yours to keep. For more details email  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Shirt sponsorship is dealt with on a 'first come, first served' basis.