Milton Keynes Lightning’s double header against Guildford Flames this weekend will produce fireworks between the two teams that could far outshine any outside, according to Lightning’s player-coach, Nick Poole.

The two sides head into this weekend’s double header both with shock defeats to Telford and Peterborough under their belts; but whilst Guildford have the second highest goal tally in the EPL thanks to fixtures which have seen them put seven goals past four teams already this season, Lightning have by far the meanest defence in the league.

Despite the Flames’ play-off success last April the Surrey side lost several key players soon afterwards – with netminder Miroslav Hala, forwards Martin Masa, Lukas Smital, Rob Lamey and defenceman Joe Graham all leaving town.  However James Hadfield arrived from Swindon as second choice goaltender, forward Andrew Hemmings returned to his Spectrum roots after two seasons in Basingstoke, and Canadian Greg Chambers moved to Guildford from the Elite League’s Coventry Blaze.  But perhaps the Flames’ most notable capture of the summer was that of Curtis Huppe, second-highest EPL goalscorer for 2010-11.

Nick Poole says that while keeping the Flames at bay will be tough, he’s confident that the Lightning have the composure and ability to capture the two points on the day.  “No doubt about it, Guildford are flying, they’ve put a lot of goals away already this season – but we aren’t going to be their next scalp. 

“We know what Curtis Huppe and Nathan Rempel are capable of, from their stats last season – 118 goals between them says it all.  We took on Guildford in that incredible play-off final in April, and I felt that for a lot of that game and certainly until their penalty shot, that we were by far the better team.  This season, Alex Mettam is in amazing form and he and our D have absolute confidence in each other.  We’re going to get a work-out against the Flames, but we’ve held out against the likes of Slough and Manchester, and I know we have the ability to see it through this time, too.

“We have unfinished business with Guildford, following that game in April – we’re ready for the battle.  Who needs fireworks outside – there’ll be plenty indoors!”

The puck drops against Guildford at the Thunderdome on Saturday 5 November at 7pm, then at the Spectrum in Guildford on Sunday 6 November at 6pm.