With many teams in the EPL taking an increasingly physical stance to help secure points, Milton Keynes Lightning has signed a much sought-after power forward who they hope will increase the team's goal count, having secured the services of Basingstoke Bison frontman Chris Wiggins.

Chris, 24, began his career in his hometown team of Guildford, learning his trade with both the Flames and the Phoenix; in the 2003-4 season he was part of the Flames side which won the BNL play-offs and two years later was on the roster which won the League title.  His goal scoring ability came to the fore in the 2004/05 season when he scored 29 goals and 18 assists in just 18 games for the Phoenix. Two seasons at EPL level with the Flames were followed by short spells with the ENL Haringey Greyhounds and Bracknell Hornets, but Chris returned to the EPL in 2009 when he signed for Basingstoke Bison - where he enjoyed three seasons bolstering his experience under the watchful eye of the highly-respected Steve Moria.

At 6ft 5ins and 225lbs, Wiggins will not only be an intimidating physical presence, but also a player who Nick Poole believes has the potential to help increase offensive output.

"Chris is a player that I tried to sign two summers ago, I'm thrilled to be bringing him to MK for the coming season", he said. "He is a unique player in Britain who combines immense physical stature with strong skating ability.  Whilst he's never going to be an out-and-out scorer I believe given a bit of confidence he can become almost unplayable.  He is a player that every defender must be wary against - I know ours were last year.  In Milton Keynes we like to be aggressive on the forecheck and that will suit Chris's game.  I believe he's a player that we can help make better, and even more importantly I believe he is a player that immediately makes us a better team.  I know this signing will raise a few eyebrows and that Chris will become a fan favourite here in MK."

Chris said he looked forward to playing his part in helping the Lightning re-stock their trophy cabinet: "I'm very much looking forward to playing for MKL this coming season. Looking at the team that Nick is putting together, I'm positive we'll be in contention for silverware!  I will certainly do my best to add my own element to Lightning's game and hopefully make a winning formula."

Sponsorship of Chris Wiggins' 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.