Milton Keynes Lightning are once again delighted to start their player signing announcements with the confirmation that they will once again be led by player-coach Nick Poole. The 2012-13 season will be the Canadian's 11th consecutive season with the Lightning.

Under Poole's leadership, the Lightning has become one of the EPL's most successful teams, with seven trophies amassed during their decade in the league - including four consecutive play-off titles. And despite a frustrating season just ended, Nick said he is already looking forward leading the team in the 2012/13 season.

"I'm delighted to be back", he said.  "This club means a lot to me - it's a privilege to play and coach here, and we are all determined to get our hands on some silverware this coming season. Last season was frustrating as I felt we could have done something in the Cup and Play-offs, but we just came up a little short.  There are one or two areas where we need to improve, and we're already looking to address those.

"We have a fantastic group of players here at the Lightning and with just one or two tweaks, I feel that next season's roster will definitely be in real contention for silverware".

The club's general manager, Vito Rausa, said it was almost inconceivable to think of the Lightning without Poole as a part of it.  "Over the last decade Nick has been pivotal to the club's many successes, and it's difficult to imagine Lightning without him playing some part in it! It's not a given that ANY player will automatically return for another season so we're thrilled that Nick will once again be leading the team.

"In the season just ended Nick was as influential on the ice as ever and reminded everyone what an outstanding playmaker he is, with more assists than anyone else on the team and our third-highest points scorer overall.  And it's thanks to Nick that we're consistently able to sign and retain players of such a high quality, year in and year out - we know players come to Lightning for the quality of coaching he provides and for the team ethos he works so hard to keep.

"With Nick at the helm again, everyone at the club is excited about the shape of the team for next season and already looking forward to getting started in September".

Sponsorship of Nick Poole'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.