Long-standing friendships off the ice won’t deprive supporters of a battle for four points on it – that’s the view of Milton Keynes Lightning’s Michael Wales, speaking ahead of this coming weekend’s double-header against his former team, the Basingstoke Bison (home leg at Planet Ice Milton Keynes, Sunday 23 October at 5.30pm).

Affectionately known to everyone in the Lightning set-up as ‘Muzzy’, the Kent-born forward gained valuable Elite league experience in 20 fixtures whilst on loan to the Bison, in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.  “A lot of players in this fixture that are friends and you’ll more than likely see them having a beer together in the bar afterwards - but you would never suspect that, watching these games!  It’s going to be a very tough, probably rough but definitely exciting weekend.”

In their first confrontation of last season, the Lightning enjoyed a 5-0 shutout over Steve Moria’s team; honours were even over the six league fixtures between the teams, but Nick Poole’s side won both legs of the EPL play-off quarter finals against Bison in April with an aggregate 7-5 final scoreline, progressing to the finals in Coventry.  Bison finished fourth in the final EPL table. 

Despite Moria being the oldest player in the league, Wales warned against the risk of complacency when taking on the Hampshire team’s player-coach and his roster.  “I know Mo will be looking forward to our opening fixtures – he still has the fitness of a first year rookie, and along with players like Nicky Chinn, Tony Redmond and Ollie Bronniman, he’s put together a side with a great mix of youth and experience – I’m sure they’ll be in contention for silverware along with ourselves, come the end of the season.”

Following in the footsteps of several other Lightning players over the years, young Jacob Heron moved to Basingstoke in the summer and has already made an impact, scoring two goals in his first four games.  “He’s definitely started well!”, said Muzzy – “I’m sure he’ll be looking to have an impact on our games against them this year.”

Heron was joined in Basingstoke by three new imports - Slovakian defenceman Marcel Petran, and two former NHL draft picks: another Slovakian, forward Marek Dubec, and Daniel Volrab from the Czech Republic.  Joe Miller also signed from Manchester Phoenix after failing to make an impact following his mid-season move there last term.  Players leaving the Bison included former Lightning defenceman ‘Mindy’ Keiras who this season ices with Slough Jets, forward Ben Davies - picking up Elite league experience with Cardiff Devils – and import defenceman Rick Skene who moved to Peterborough Phantoms.

Concluding his look ahead to the weekend’s fixtures, Muzzy predicted that fans of both teams were set to enjoy two action-packed games: “I’m sure there’ll be plenty of hits, goals and there’s always a good chance of some overtime hockey when we play Bison.   One thing is for sure – whichever team you support, this is not a weekend to miss.”