Milton Keynes Lightning have begun shaping their squad for the 2011-12 season with the announcement today that player-coach Nick Poole has committed himself to another season with the 2011 play-off finalists.

Nick first came to Milton Keynes in 1998 when he was on the roster of London Knights who used Planet Ice for training sessions, and in 1999 he signed for MK Kings, becoming the team’s top point scorer in his debut season. When Kings folded and Lightning were formed, he took on the role of player-coach and since then has been a constant presence for the team, successfully combining his coaching duties with an influential role on the ice.

The signing of a fifth import for Lightning in January of last season gave Nick the opportunity in the second half of the season to coach from the bench, but spending more time in a suit rather than match kit – especially in the recent play-off campaign where Lightning came so close to winning - has simply made Poole hungrier than ever to get back onto the ice and lead from the front as Player-Coach for Lightning in the coming season.

MK Lightning’s General Manager Vito Rausa said it was appropriate to begin the announcements of Lightning’s 2011-12 signings with news that the Canadian has committed to Milton Keynes for another season.  “Nick’s experience and leadership have been absolutely vital to the enormous success that the Lightning have enjoyed over the years, and we’re thrilled that yet again he’ll be with us to guide the team both on and off the ice.

“It’s easy for everyone at Lightning to take it for granted that Nick will just always be here for us – but he’s a coach and player we know many other teams would love to have, so we’re very fortunate that he’s chosen to stay with us for the foreseeable future.  Nick's record in the EPL is second to none and we know for a fact that a number of players sign for us on the back of not only the coaching they receive on and off the ice, but also due to the very positive ethos that he creates in the changing room."

“Not only is he a key player whenever he’s on the ice, but in my opinion – and I know many supporters will agree – he’s an outstanding coach, and brings out the best in his players, year in and year out.”

Looking towards next season's prospects Nick Poole commented, "I am really excited about next season's team.  This past year has been a bit frustrating as I felt we only played to our potential in patches - however I don't believe we need to tinker too much with the group of players we have.  Our success has always been because the group over-achieves through hard work and team spirit.  As a group this happened in the final weeks of the season when we made the final four and put ourselves in a good position to win the final."

"Our fans were brilliant over the course of last season with unwavering support that was crucial in helping us get to Coventry. They can be confident in the fact that all the players want to come back and that we will do everything in our power to make sure they are once again proud of the team we put on the ice."