Confirming their stance that a good defence can win matches, Milton Keynes Lightning are delighted to conclude their defensive signing announcements for the coming season with the news that Lukas Zatopek will again play in the heart of the team’s defence.  Zatopek, 33, was voted Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season, as well as Supporters’ Club Player of the Season.

Signing for Lightning in 2008 gave the Czech native his first opportunity to play ice hockey in Britain and he made his mark immediately, becoming the team’s top goalscoring and point-scoring defenceman in his maiden season at the Thunderdome.  In his second season he helped Lightning to the league title, and last season was a pivotal part of the roster which went all the way to the EPL playoff final in Coventry.

Vito Rausa, Lightning’s General Manager, said “We know Lukas attracted a lot of interest from other teams but he told us he wanted to stay and was happy to wait until the finances were in place.  And thanks to the generosity of some of our Supporters’ Club members, those finances are now in place.  Our fans never cease to amaze us with the lengths they’ll go to, to prove their support - and they’ve proved it again by reaching into their pockets even when money’s tight for everyone, and giving us the backing to be able to keep a player of Lukas’s calibre on board.  This will be the fifth season running that the supporters have ‘adopted’ a player and we’re enormously grateful for that.  The fans who helped us can claim an assist every time Lukas plays, and if any other supporters want to be a part of ‘Lukas’s Legion’, then there’s still time.”

Zatopek said how happy he is to continue his career in Milton Keynes, commenting “I’m more than happy to stay and continue my career here with Lightning.  It’s a great club to play for and the supporters are very passionate.  We came very close to winning a trophy this season, so I want to stay and be a part of the team that goes all the way next year!”

Lightning’s Head Coach Nick Poole said, “We have always prided ourselves in having a very tight, defensive team and a lot of that is credit to the work Lukas puts in every weekend.  When he’s on the ice we’re an incredibly tough team to score against; he also brings us a two-pronged offensive threat with his big shot and excellent vision on the ice. This year we’ll have a very young and talented group of British defenceman and Lukas will  lead that core. We are thrilled to have him back!”