In a move which will bolster the team's attacking options and on-ice experience, Milton Keynes Lightning are pleased to announce that Nick Chinn has signed for the club for the 2012-13 season, following a three-year spell with the Basingstoke Bison.

 Well known to UK hockey fans as a no-nonsense forward prepared to make his presence felt to get the best outcome for his side, 'Chinny' brings a wealth of experience to the Lightning, at both domestic and international level.

 He began his career with his hometown side Cardiff Devils, staying for 12 seasons before joining the Sheffield Steelers in the British National League, where he played for three seasons before returning to the Devils in 1998.  After a brief spell with the London Knights he signed with Guildford Flames, followed by periods with Basingstoke Bison and Nottingham Panthers in the Elite league. In 2006 he moved to Slough Jets and stayed for three seasons.

 In 2009 he returned to the Bison as captain, and in the three seasons that followed, earned a reputation as a proven playmaker who would stand up for his team-mates - qualities which player/coach Nick Poole hopes will help the Lightning mount a sustained challenge for silverware in the coming season.

 "Nick is a player I've always admired, and is one of the few real characters left in the British game.  We were very surprised when the opportunity came up to sign him, and he will bring another dimension to our game.  I've played against Nick for about a decade now and he's someone who brings physical presence to the game and also the benefit of a very experienced head.  He has great composure on the puck and immediately gives us more offensive options up front.

 "The bottom line is that Nick will help make us a better team, and we're very excited to have him on board.  It's always great when you can bring strong characters into the dressing room and I know he'll fit in very well here in Milton Keynes."

 Chinn said he is looking forward to becoming a part of the Lightning set-up: "I've always admired the way MK have played over the years - they always look like they enjoy their hockey and play for each other, which is something Pooley has instilled in the players he's recruited over the years. I'm very much looking forward to becoming a part of that unit, and  my aim is to help Lightning win trophies in the upcoming season".

 Sponsorship of Nick Chinn'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

(photo courtesy of www.5holephotography.co.uk)