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Lightning Keep Captain Carr |
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 At the heart of every truly competitive team is a strong leader, so Milton Keynes Lightning is delighted to announce the re-signing of pivotal MKL stalwart, skipper Adam Carr.
Durham-born Carr, who celebrates his 27th birthday next week, played in all but three matches of the 2010-11 season and was the team’s third highest scorer, regularly making his presence felt throughout the campaign. He played his junior hockey in his native north-east, but it was a successful spell with Isle of Wight Raiders in the 2002 season which brought him to the attention of Lightning management. He signed for Milton Keynes the following summer, and was promoted to team captain at the start of the 2009 season – a season which saw Lightning storm to the league title. And “Captain Carr” is yet another of the Lightning roster with Team GB experience, having represented his country at U18 and U20 levels.
Even after so long with Lightning, Adam’s enthusiasm for the club is undiminished: “I love this club”, he commented. “As long as they want me back I will come back and I’ll always do my best to help Lightning win trophies. Last year was difficult at times, but in the play-offs we showed exactly what this club is all about and we were very unlucky not to add another trophy to our cabinet. But I know that everyone who puts on the Lightning shirt will do everything they can to win every trophy that’s put in front of us.
“Nick Poole is putting together another strong, competitve team for next season and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. The league will be stronger again next year which makes it a lot more fun to play when you know you have to be at your best every matchnight. It’ll be another really challenging year but I can’t wait to get started!”
Lightning’s head coach Nick Poole was not short of praise for a player he views as crucial to the team’s success, saying “Adam has become the central figure on our team, both as a leader and also the player you can build a team around. He does everything so well, and can be used in any situation. In my view he’s the most complete British player in our league and we are thrilled to have him back.“
As well as the retention of their influential captain, Lightning’s supporters will be buoyed by news that the team’s coaching staff will be bolstered this season by the addition of Lewis Clifford, currently head coach at MK Thunder. Lewis moves to Lightning to broaden his experience by working with the coaching team there. Lewis said, “I’m sad to be leaving the Thunder after nine years, but looking forward to working with Nick and everyone at Lightning, and improving as a coach. I’ve had some memorable times with Thunder but I feel it is time to move on.” Nick Poole said he has high hopes for the benefits that Lewis’s appointment will give his team: "Having Lewis on the bench will make absolutely sure we always have an eye on the bigger picture in every game, as well as helping us go through drills in our training sessions, and is another step forward in our push for silverware. We wish Thunder every success in their search for a new coach." |
