Harrison 1:03

So, welcome back to another episode of The Lightning Talks podcast that we're doing throughout the off season. Looking forward to the new 26th, 27th season. Today we have got some incredible guests on. First of all, I'll introduce my uh partner in Crime for today, uh, Mike Wolves, Pimmy. How are you feeling?

Mike 1:23

Hi Allison, uh, I'm good, thanks. How's the off-season going for you?

Harrison 1:27

It's going alright, going alright, but definitely looking forward to the hockey though. I don't know about that.

Mike 1:32

I know that feeling. I know that feeling. I'm ready for it now.

Harrison 1:35

So we'll start off by introducing our guests for today.

Cam 1:39

U m hello everyone. Um, it's been my second time playing for MK. Um I used to play for MK and moved away to Bristol for two years. Um, but I'm really glad to be back. Um I'm gonna be wearing number seven this year for a change. Um, it's my usual number, but I was 77 last time. Um, but I'll be representing my normal seven this year.

Mack 2:02

Mac. Uh how's it going, MK fans? Uh Mac Stuart here, or mini disco, whatever you want to call me. Uh, this this will be my fourth year, I think, with the team. Take a little took a little break last year, went to Coventry, but I'm back again.

Harrison 2:18

And welcome to the newcomer for Lightning, Kel.

Kell 2:22

Uh hi, MK fans. Um I'm Kel BD. Um, best mates of all these idiots for some reason. But um no, I'm super excited to get going. Um, I'll be wearing number 12 this season, and yeah, can't wait to get going and see you.

Harrison 2:40

Perfect. Well, thank you all for joining along and being on the the podcast. Uh there's a lot of us, so I do apologize if we all talk over each other, but it's gonna be a bit of fun either way. So, starting off, um just want to say how's uh your off season's going? So, Carter.

Cam 2:58

Um, off season's been great. Obviously, had a nice three days off after the season and cut right back at I'd I'd say, but obviously us four have been working out together quite a lot this this summer and you know training and probably about two or three weeks after the the season finished. So it's been quite full on, but it's been good for us, so we're ready for the season coming.

Harrison 3:22

Anyone else doing anything different or has it all just been the same?

Cam 3:25

I well the four of us have actually started playing paddle. Um and we just do 2v2, me and Mark against Carter and Kale. And I think it's safe to say now that me and Mark are definitely the champions. Um we hold the belt at the minute. Wouldn't say you're the champion if I'm still undefeated. You can check the stats.

Mack 3:44

Don't know about that one, but you just don't put up your losses.

Cam 3:49

Sure, we can we can find it after. We can post them, we can post them on Facebook after for everyone to see. Kel's awful quiet about the paddle, he doesn't really want to talk about it. I can understand.

Kell 3:59

Nah, the paddle's going all right. I'm enjoying it. I've got a lot better to be fair, but um I'm safe to say I'm probably not the best at it. Same as golf. These guys are all pretty good at golf, but I just go out for fun now. I've sort of took up the paddle a bit more than the golf over the past couple of weeks. I've been telling the boys that the golf sticks are hung up, so um I don't know when I'll be out again next with on the golf course, but for now it's just gonna be paddle.

Harrison 4:30

So Matt.

Mike 4:31

With the with with the golf kel, I'm sure that uh Dave Bunyan will happily take you on the course a few times, especially if he's guaranteed a victory as well. We know Dave uh loves his golf, as does Jordan County as well. So there'll be a few guys in that lightning team well into their golf. Uh so yeah, I think you'll be a golf pro by the end of it. Carney's not very good though, Kel, so you don't need to worry about anything.

Kell 4:54

Yeah, I've heard this as well. I've seen videos in that, he doesn't look that good, so I should be alright.

Cam 4:59

He's one of them, he's one of them guys that claims to be good, but you know, doesn't really show for it on the on the course.

Mack 5:05

But two-ball carney keeps one in his pocket just in case.

Cam 5:09

Yeah, drops drops him out. I've seen him do that before multiple times. And apart from Kearney, if I'll give DF a couple of lessons too, if he's ever available.

Harrison 5:20

Well, when we get Jordan on in the future, I'm sure we'll get him to answer to sit with it what he thinks of that. Um, but yeah, I mean, first of all, obviously three of you coming back from being here in previous seasons, but Kel, it's obviously your first time. So have you got have you have the other three given you any hints or tips or anything, or is it all gonna be quite a new fresh start?

Kell 5:46

Um to be fair, they've they've told me about it in that as well. So uh no, I'm really looking forward to it, to be honest with you. Um was speaking to like Carter, obviously we lived together last year in Solway, so um we were speaking quite a lot coming to the end of the season and just what I wanted to do next year. And um I think sort of for myself, I knew I needed to get away from Solway and try and venture out and sort of just do its best for myself. But no, they've spoken really highly of MK, nothing but good things about it, and they just told me that uh to watch out for the roundabouts because there's loads of them as well. So um, other than that, no, I'm really looking forward to it and obviously playing with Mr. Free of my best friends that I grew up with. Um, you know, it should be good and we should have lots of fun and hopefully the end products on the ice as well, winning a few trophies.

Harrison 6:36

Yeah, and I was gonna say, to be fair, this is one of the first seasons that the four of you are actually together at the same club. Obviously, you've played uh GB under 20s, um, and some of you got your GB called up call up as well. What's that gonna be like, the four of you sharing the dressing room for the season?

Kell 6:54

Um, I don't really know. The last time we played together was what, what when was it, boys? Like 16, 15, 16. Yeah, 16 before COVID. Under 20s, first year, I'd say. Yeah, so the last time we all played together was when we were like 16. So, and then I left to go to Sauway, and then boys played SNL for a year. So, you know, it's I don't know really how to explain it. I know it's gonna be crazy like um all of us live. Well, I don't know if we're living together yet, but all of us being in the same dressing room, I think we're just gonna try and enjoy every moment because it might not come around again, you know what I mean? So, you know, I'm looking forward to it and just see how things plan out, really.

Cam 7:36

It's kind of one of them, it's one of them things that we've kind of uh after juniors and we all went our own ways at senior level. It's kind of been one of them things we've always wanted to happen again. You know, obviously me and Mac and Cami got to play together at MK before and we always wanted Kel to come too, but it never fully worked out right. And obviously, I think now that the opportunities just fell into place perfectly this year, it's just I feel like we just gotta take it in properly. Obviously, we've been best mates from we've been four, you know, so it's been a very, very, very long time. And to be at such a good club together and that we'll get looked after well and be together, it's just gonna be something special to be honest.

Mack 8:18

I just feel like the other boys in the team will probably need to watch out because it's always gonna be four guys to one.

Cam 8:27

The Ragan Squad 100%.

Harrison 8:32

I think the um the one thing as well that um from the last time that the the three of you were here, um there was a certain Christmas video that you guys made with um former player Ben Brown. Do you guys remember that at all?

Cam 8:49

Yeah.

Harrison 8:50

We watch it every year. How did that idea come about? Who came out?

Cam 8:55

I think it was Mac. Mark woke up one day and was like, you know what, I really want to make a Christmas video. I think he'd seen something online and seen something um with a few weirdos in a video, and he was like, I want to be one of them guys. So I think it just kind of stayed in from there, and then we kind of followed him. Um Mark was definitely the coordinator of the group and was trying to time everything perfectly, so it ended up working out pretty well.

Mack 9:20

Should have went, should have gone viral, but we'll we'll maybe we'll maybe make one this year and see if it can do any better, but no promises.

Cam 9:29

Yeah, if they're Cal Ben Trist, we'll make another one. Kale can be Ben Brown. Yeah, I I like the same. Yeah, they they are pretty similar, to be fair. They can Ben can hand off the side to Kale. We'll figure it out. Well, I mean, if the fans the fans want to hear a specific song or or want to for Christmas, we'll take requests and whatever one seems the best fit for us, then I guess we could maybe take it up.

Harrison 9:56

Yeah, I'm sure that will go down well.

Mike 9:58

Pimmy, you got any of them? Well, we'll I think we should put a poll up for that. I think the fans will definitely want to vote for their favourite one to do. And if it means I get out of having to sing Elton John again, then I'm all for it as well. And I'm sure Harrison, you don't want to hear my dulcet tones trying to sing that again. Um obviously, boys, you came through at that belf at the Belfast Junior Giants team and uh Carter Cam, Mac, your dad played hockey, but Kel, your your dad was slightly different. He was uh I'm right for saying he was a pro footballer.

Kell 10:29

Yeah, that's right. Yeah, so uh I was sort of um sort of came from a different background, all these boys. Um dad played pro football, and my uncle's a pro boxer as well. Um, not that I've taken any of that boxing after him. I think the rest of the boys have all got it, but um yeah, I've just completed came from a completely different background. Um just went ice skating one time with my family and ended up seeing all these kids come in to play hockey. And I said to my mum, I'd like to give that a try, and um signed up for the season coming, started and learned to play for I think it was there for about five or six months, and then got asked to play for the under 10s team, and then that's where I met all these rats. Um and then after that, I was sort of trying to get in with them at the start, but they were so much better than me at the start. Um, it was hard to. I didn't think they wanted to be friends with me at the start either, to be honest with you.

Cam 11:27

Oh, I did, I did, I did. I remember the first time that Kale came on the train with us, everyone was wearing black helmets because we're all like a matching kid, whatnot, and and this guy jumps on the ice, white helmet. Like it was knew to me. I'd never seen a white helmet before I don't think at that point in my life. Um, and there he is, there's Kale with a white helmet, and then we've got you gonna say what it said on the helmet? Nah, you can tell he had it, he had a sticker on his helmet, and what did it say? The Kilcool Killer or something? Yeah, the Kil Cool Killer. The Kill the Kil Cool Killer or something along the other lines. Incredible.

Kell 12:05

Yeah, so I did elaborate on the Kill Cool Killer. It was my street name is Kill Cool Gardens back home in Belfast, and my uncle he does work on the airplanes, like spray paints him and that. So he spray painted my helmet white so it could stick out like a sore thumb so my mum could see me on the ice. And I got the kill on the front of it, I got the front uh Kill Cool Killer on the front of it. So yeah, I actually awarded for like a year of it as well. So I did, and then I had to change it because Carter and Cami's dad was like, Yeah, you can't be playing games with a white helmet. So um that's that's it. I might bring it back this year to be fair and see how it goes. But um, I don't think a few people would be too happy about it.

Mike 12:49

That custom outskater helmet is brilliant, and I'm I'm I I'm sure if if you did wear it for a game, it would make a killing on an auction or a raffle. So, yeah, if anyone from supporters club is seeing this, there's an idea already for a bit of a merch thing. I'm sure fans will lap that one up as well. Uh loving that fact it was a custom uh job. So to Kelvin putting you on the spot here when you first joined, which of the other three was the best? And this is where we see a bit of contention possibly here.

Carter 13:20

I don't know. I I don't even remember back that far.

Kell 13:25

I don't know. The thing is, they were all they were all so equal in their own right, and I think that was a big thing growing up as well. Um we all were so fortunate to have each other growing up, especially going through under 10s, right through the under 16s. We all made each other better, and I think that's the whole reason why we're here today where we are. Um so I don't know. I was gonna I was probably gonna say Carter as much as I don't want to say it. But you know, they were all really good growing up, and like I said, it was so hard. I felt like it was so hard to get into them, get into that wee tight-knit group the three of them had because they were so good at such a young age. But to be fair to them, they were really nice from the get-go, from what I remember anyway, apart from all the fights we probably had on the ice. Um, and I'm sure they weren't too happy when their dad made me captain of the under 10s team the second year we were there as well. So um just let them remember that as well.

Cam 14:30

We've probably just done it to make you feel good after getting so much sticker with your white helmet.

Mack 14:34

I know actually, I don't know if I want to be your friend anymore. Saying corner was the best. Oh, sorry. Actually, you know what?

Cam 14:39

I was actually thinking the same. I just like having friends that tell the truth. I don't like people that like.

Mack 14:44

Well, Kel's obviously not one of your friends, though. Your ankles were scraping the ice when you were an under 10 kid.

Cam 14:51

I mean, I remember you got on the ice with a Zimmer frame.

Mack 14:57

But I toe dragged you in under 10, and you sorry.

Mike 15:09

The okay used to bleep, it's fine, it's fine. That is a fine. Well, I'll say it's a fine, that's fine, it is actually a fine. I think we should introduce that. That could be a good idea to have the Harrison, I think, fine for guys who swear on interviews. Yeah, that's still a bit of fundraising there. Could maybe implement that, whoever the captain might be this season. I don't know if that's quite been announced yet. Um, but obviously the four of you now uh all coming up playing playing together again at the Lightning. Was that a bit of a factor when you when you boys came back realizing that the four of you would be uh reunited? Was that something that you found out when you were joining, or had you all kind of known that it was in the pipeline?

Cam 15:48

It was obviously it was always in it was always possible. But it was just kind of one person at a time, and things just slowly started falling into place nicely for so it wasn't like it wasn't like it just all happened within a day, and we were all like, alright, let's do it today, lads. It wasn't like that. It kind of everybody like took their own path and kind of figured out for what was best for themselves, and it just has and has ended up this way, which I'm grateful for to be honest, but um yeah, it's it's good.

Mack 16:21

The way it worked out was uh I think Cami and Kel signed before me and Carter, and then me and Carter were like maybe a couple of weeks after, and I think we signed like a day after each other, maybe the same day. So it was kind of like when when we were all talking about it, it was kind of just cool. It was like being back in the juniors.

Speaker 4 16:43

Yeah, for sure.

Kell 16:45

It wasn't I feel like people might look at it and see all four of us have signed there and thought, oh, I like we've got they've got a group chat or something together. Obviously, we do have a group chat together, but it wasn't we're all gonna sign for MKM, we're gonna get it done today. It wasn't completely like that. Um, Cami was probably one of the first ones to sign. And um obviously I was living with Carter last year and saw it, and obviously meant he mentioned it to me about it and got speaking to Lou. And then once Pete got announced, Pete got in touch with me and stuff as well about it. And then them two boys, Carter and Mac, follow, uh followed slowly behind that. But obviously, everyone's got like Carter said, everyone's got their own paths, and obviously it takes a lot of time and a lot of thinking, and you have to talk with your families to whether or not this is going to be the best choice for you at the end of the day. We're all still young, we're in our 20s, so um, we just need to make the right decision what's best for our careers. And I would say for all of us, we all want to try and continue to play hockey for quite a long time. So these choices at this age are pretty crucial to try and get you in the next step wherever we want to go, really.

Mike 17:58

Awesome. And just you just saying that all four of you in your 20s, I just yeah, felt my age a bit first. So, Harrison, I'm gonna pass over to you whilst I uh just recover from that one for a second.

Harrison 18:11

That still makes me feel a bit old. I mean, I'm not I'm still in my 20s as well, but um can go after Harrison very quickly. Okay, uh I will mention the fact that the four of you guys both at one point last season all played in the elite league, so you've all had that experience now at that uh top flight. Obviously, Mac, you uh on the full-time, whereas the three of you had that sort of two-way deals. Um what experience would you say that that has brought, especially you, Mac, because obviously that was your first full-time season um in the elite. Um what do you think that's brought you coming into this season?

Mack 19:13

Um, I think it just kind of gave me a better understanding of the game, like just because it's so much like it's quicker and then just a bit more like everyone's a bit bigger and more physical. So it's it's obviously helped me quite a lot. I like I just feel like I've matured as a player. So I'm hoping to maybe bring it bring it back to MK and maybe get a couple more goals and trophies.

Harrison 19:38

And then obviously the the three of you still had that opportunity to lace up with um your hometown of the Giants. Um obviously you've all had that experience through the years as well, really, from being a teenager. But that must be amazing playing for your hometown team.

Cam 20:05

We were really young and obviously that was gonna be just when he was one.

Harrison 20:12

Sorry, Carl, we didn't hear a word of that.

Cam 21:33

Sorry about that. Try again. What was it what were we talking about again? Oh yeah, the Giants. Yeah, I was just saying that um obviously we were really young when we first started watching the Giants, being uh being a fan of them. Obviously, it's the only the only team to watch in the country, and Max Dobbs is obviously playing and he was young watching his dad play. Um but yeah, just obviously watching him, you always want to aspire to be like one of them and and to play there, and obviously we've all got the opportunity to to lace them up for Belfast, and it's always a great experience, and just one of them things that I feel like one of us will never turn down if the opportunity ever comes to to be full time there of the a dream of ours. And obviously, last season for me worked out great there, spent quite a lot of time and had a lot of fun there. So I think it's just a great experience all around, and obviously getting to play in the lineup with my brother and Kale too last year was another thing we dreamed of before me, Mac, me, Mac, and Kale got to play in the lineup together, and now obviously with my twin brother and and Kale in the lineup last year is you know, it's just starting to come together nicely. One of them things that we've always wanted to do that uh became possible last year, and yeah, it's just a whole lot of fun to be honest, playing there and makes you a better person and a better player too. Must be a lot of traveling as well. Jeez, last year was uh you talk about full time. I feel like I was working two. Full-time jobs last year. I was been playing on a Saturday in in Solway and ending up playing away in Cardiff for the Belfast and having to drive on the boat after the Saturday game and fly to Cardiff and fly back and then drive back to Solway and then finding out you're playing a midweek game for Belfast and heading back to Belfast again. Yeah, it was a lot, but I wouldn't change it for the world to be honest. It was an experience and yeah, I loved every minute of it.

Harrison 23:33

And I do also just want to quickly mention one thing for Mac. Obviously, you spent your time at the Blaze last season, and in if I'm right, what was your first game for them? You scored in the preseason friendly against Lightning. What was that like in that moment where you'd just moved over obviously from Lightning to Blaze? You've then gone through on net against um Will Curlin, who you'd obviously spent time with as well. Did you know exactly what you were gonna do in that moment?

Mack 24:06

Uh no, I was kind of like I don't know, the way it happened, I feel like I was going a bit too fast for like what I wanted to do because I'm not normally a shooter in them. I normally like to pull a move, but I just thought I would just try and put it right free Will's Will's glove and see what happened. Just find a way in.

Harrison 24:28

A good way to get your first um point for Blaze though.

Mack 24:33

Yeah, I mean uh it was it was pretty funny when I scared a past the bench and give a little look to Coiny and he was didn't didn't know what he was doing, but didn't look too happy.

Mike 24:46

I did notice on that Mac when you scored you kind of had that conflicting look of there's a lot, there's quite a few MK fans there. I want to be respectful, but then you saw the bench and you're like, no, I've still got to bust out the old Cole Palmer and as I went past there.

Mack 24:59

Yeah, I had to. Just one last time. No, I'll need to get a new celebration for this year. I can't be using that one anymore.

Mike 25:11

He's uh patented it, hasn't he? I think now or something. He's put like he's put like a trademark or something on the cold Palmer thing. So uh yeah.

Mack 25:18

No, he'll probably charge me five pounds every time, every time I use it or something. Yeah, show me. I'll definitely not be using that one.

Mike 25:28

You've got to get thinking because I'm sure that we'll have the gifts for the uh for the social media coming up as well. So uh get thinking for those cities for that for that boys.

Harrison 25:40

Someone's gonna do it. Someone's gonna do it.

Cam 25:45

I wonder who it's gonna be.

Harrison 25:53

Don't get me excited. But we'll talk we'll start talking about um the season to come. Um obviously, all under so the three of you that played for Lightning before, obviously, this is a new sort of a new time for you guys as well, because the last time that you three were here, we um Lightning obviously had Tim Wallace as the head coach, um, who's now at Five Flighters, and we've now got Pete Russell. So it's is that uh was that part of the was Pete Russell one of those reasons that brought you in, or was it also the fact that he's the GB head coach, or is it just a new sort of style of play that you're looking forward to being a part of?

Cam 26:34

I think it was just a bit of everything for me personally. Um I've always wanted to come back the AMK from the last time I played here, that was one of the main points, you know, joining back up with the boys, new coach, um, a lot of new players. Um obviously Pete's a great coach, GB coach, um fast style of play, which suits me. Um I think everything together just worked out perfect for what I want to achieve this year. Yeah. I mean for me personally, um I had already had my sort of mindset on that I wanted return to the MK anyway. Kel Kel backed me up and I had spoken to him about it, and just certain things were lacking last year and in the during the season, and I obviously missed it at MK, how well you're you're treated as a player, and it was in my mind to go back there anyways before I even knew Pete was in the pipeline to be the head coach. And I feel like whenever that was brought to my attention too, it kind of just sealed the deal and obviously then to get offered to come back as well. I'd spoke to Lou throughout the season, and you know it's exciting, but it's not it's not to say like I I love Timmy too. I would I would have played for Timmy again anyway, and nothing nothing bad to say about about Tim, but I'm also excited to work under Pete too and and learn more about my game and just get better with him.

Mack 28:07

I mean obviously Pete's a big name, so it's uh has a he like brings players in, so it's there's a reason. Like he's a well-respected coach and you're gonna learn a lot playing under him, so that's kind of like a reason why I I wanted to come back after I seen he was in charge, just because he obviously knows a bit more about hockey than I do, so it'll be fun to see what what happens this year.

Harrison 28:35

Yeah, and are there any opponents that you're particularly looking forward to playing against? Obviously, all of you are uh coming back from different teams. Um is there anyone that because obviously a couple of you have been away from Lightless like Cam, for example, you've been away from Lightning for a couple seasons. Um are there any people that you're looking forward to facing?

Cam 28:57

Loads, I've got a couple of numbers still wrote down from last year, so yeah, there's uh there's gonna there's gonna be good fun next year for sure, and a couple of tough competitors that I always come up against, but yeah, there's definitely there's definitely a good few names in in the hat there, but I'm not gonna give any away yet, so they're not so they're not expecting it. They'll say that.

Kell 29:19

Yeah, I mean, obviously being at Saul the past five years, um excited to play against Simmons and obviously get back down there and see uh familiar faces that I've known for the past five years, and people I've been built friendships and that with. Um, but obviously I didn't know either that there was a big rivalry against Peterborough. Um the boys only told me about it as soon as I signed. So, you know, obviously them two preseason games that we're playing against them, I'm looking forward to them, and then obviously playing them in the season. Um, there's nothing better than going down there and beating them in their own rank. So I'm looking forward to the tough battles against them. And um I guess at the end of the day, that's what us four are like. We'll have hard challenges. Um, I would say all of us have faced quite hard challenges throughout our lives, um, especially with the hockey and stuff. So, you know, I'm looking forward to playing against them in Saway and um hopefully coming out on the right end of it.

Carter 30:19

Mark, do you want to have a go?

Mack 30:21

Yeah, I'll go. I'll I was waiting on you to go, but I'll go. Uh he's first. Oh thanks, Dibs.

Speaker 4 30:28

Uh that's crazy.

Mack 30:33

No, uh uh obviously uh Mike Pelic, he went to Sheffield, so I'm excited to play against him. He was he was one of my good friends uh in Coventry last year, and um uh Dershawn Stewart just signed for Solway as a goalie, so maybe uh be a good good battle against him. Um maybe I think Carter might get a hat trick against him, so that is just the three.

Cam 31:02

Um I'm definitely looking forward to the Peterborough games, um, just because I love Derby Day. Um remember the last time it was an AMK whenever um you're at home against Peterborough, it's just a different buzzer in the ring. You can tell everyone's just that little bit more excited. Um all the boys get fired up for the games too, so definitely excited for them ones. Bless me bless you. Bless you, Connor. Thanks.

Carter 31:40

I've already said something.

Mike 31:45

And it's a good season opener as well at MK, isn't it? Uh the uh opening the season against the Leeds Knights as well, that they've always special games, and I know that uh Carter and Mac, obviously you've probably still got very, very good memories from the season before last of that Coventry semi-final, uh proper roller coaster game there, and they always deliver those matches when it's the the Knights and the Lightning as well. So that's definitely one that fans should get their tickets for early.

Cam 32:14

Yeah, I would say it's probably like one of the bigger fixtures throughout the season. I don't know, whether like one team's fallen behind a little bit or one team's ahead of the other one, it's it's always one of the ones that bring the most uh entertainment, I'd say. Like just two top teams going at it, it's always a good battle. But yeah, I mean, there's no better way to start the season and to start it with a game like that. It just kind of sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Mack 32:41

We're just hoping the rank's packed for it, so need it need everyone to get their tickets.

Mike 32:48

Great plug, Matt. Great plug. He's getting paid to say that.

Harrison 32:53

I know bank transfer wired. Yeah, send your details off though.

Mike 33:02

You mentioned obviously like getting the chance to um play under Pete and obviously with being the GP coach. Have you had many conversations with Pete over the summer ahead of the season?

Kell 33:13

Um yeah, I would say we all have. Obviously, the group chats and that are up and running. Um, especially the players' group chat. It's been popping off pretty hard recently. Um but no, obviously, Pete obviously spoke to us throughout the summer and that um sent us uh a workout plan. Um I've seen that he said that he done he sent us one in the the YouTube video. Um so I sent us all one a 12-week workout plan. Um whether you want to do it uh or not is another question. Um, but we've all been working pretty hard over the summer. But he's just been checking in on us and seeing how we're doing over the summer, um, if we've been up to much, um, other than hockeying and training and how our summer's going really. Just I feel like it's just general chat, um, just saying how we are, and that's always a good side to have of a coach, just making sure you're alright and you're still working hard, but also enjoying your time off with family and friends. So I feel like yeah, it's been great to speak to him over the summer as well.

Cam 34:20

Yeah, I feel like I don't need to really elaborate on that one much, it's pretty much the same for everybody. I mean, yeah. Same boat. Yep, teamship.

Mike 34:32

Perfect. And obviously, there's quite a few familiar faces from across uh from that lightning team. And obviously, Kel, you've played against quite a few of the guys on that roster. Uh, any of the new faces coming in, um, or any of or any existing players that you're looking forward to playing back alongside any former line mates or teammates, or somebody you've you've come up against that. Uh you're quite excited to actually rethink. Glad I'm not up against him now this season. I'm glad he's on my team.

Kell 35:03

Um, I think all of them, really, to be honest with you. Um, MK have always had a good brick core there whenever whenever I played against them. Um, they've always been strong in every position, Ford's defence, and goalies. So I feel like just to be on that side of MK now on the home side, it'll just be great. Um, obviously, playing you're gonna be playing with great players either way, whatever line you're gonna be on this year, as you can see that Pete's brought in a great team and we're pretty strong throughout every single line. Um, so I mean just playing with everybody and just getting that one percent better every day, I'm sure will help us out in the long run.

Mike 35:51

Good answer. Yeah, we're three of all the nodding in agreement there. So uh yeah, great, great to hear. Uh Harrison, have we got anything else hockey related and up for up this upcoming season, or were we gonna uh get to know the players a little bit more off ice fit? So I know a lot of our fans do like it, the Lightning.

Harrison 36:11

I think I'll I'll go with one question for uh for Kel. Obviously, being on the opposition side um being uh an away to play. Um how are you looking forward to being on the right side of the noise that the Lightning fans can produce?

Kell 36:29

Um, yeah, I mean I'm looking forward to it. Um anytime that I played down there, um, it was great. You know what I mean? Packing out an arena every night is is pretty good as well, playing in front of it. Um so I'm I'm really excited to get going in front of what is it, two and a half thousand, two thousand fans. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. Um I don't really know what's going on on the boot line when all the fans are shouting, so I might need to learn a bit more about that, but um during the national anthem. But you know, I'm completely looking forward to it. And uh like I said, I can't wait to get started and see what it has to offer. You know what I mean? I've heard great things about the fans, the club and the organization as a whole, and how you get treated there, and I think that's a huge part of why I've come here. Obviously, playing with great players and getting coached really well is a major part of it as well. But how you're being treated as a player um is a huge thing for me. So, you know, I'm really looking forward to it and can't wait to get going.

Harrison 37:32

Perfect. Go go, Pimmy. Start with the the the the fun questions.

Mike 37:38

Okay, so uh we should have been a bit more organized and we should have all got you to like have a card of each other's names on them, then you should have held them up and it could have been very like secretive. But we're gonna just have a little quick fire round a few questions of who's the most likely. Uh so the first one I'm gonna ask is who out of four of you will be the most likely to get the first penalty?

Cam 38:03

Carter. Carter. Yeah, I was Cameron Carter or Carter or Calm. Uh can I add on that? Possibly mere Cameron for the first two-minute penalty, but the first ten or more to be Kale. Yeah, oh I I actually agree. Well, he's he's known for like the ones bigger than two minutes for sure. Apart from the five minute fighting ones, just bigger than that.

Mike 38:31

Good question. That leads in nicely to that one. Who's gonna be the first one to drop the gloves? Bard.

Mack 38:41

After he drops his list on Twitter, maybe. Oh, cheeky boy. Cheeky boy.

Cam 38:49

Yeah, hopefully me. I don't know. We'll see what happens.

Kell 38:53

Carter says hopefully me, but he knows finally it is gonna be him because it's all he's been talking about the food summer. Is the the first game at home he's gonna fight. Whether anybody wants no, whether anybody wants to fight him or not is another question, but he wants to fight.

Cam 39:11

Well, that's what it's one of them things you have to wait and see what happens, but I'm willing to do anything to give the boys a bit of energy on the bench.

Harrison 39:19

There's no better reason for Lightning fans to get their tickets than for that first game against Peter, bro.

Cam 39:24

Can I say that I'm getting paid for this one? Everyone gets your tickets for the first home game.

Harrison 39:37

Um next one um will be who would start dancing first during warm-up to tell me ma?

Mack 39:46

I like that one, to be fair. It's either one of the twins. Uh Kami might might take it.

Cam 39:54

Yeah, I'm gonna say I'm gonna say Cami. I'll take that one. So everyone get your tickets for the first game of the season.

Mack 40:02

But but if you would have asked if it's on in the bus who's gonna start dancing, I think.

Cam 40:06

Oh, I'm forgetting to the reason. Now we are getting to the reason after a four-point weekend, and tell me Mago's on who will be the first up and down the aisle. Alright, don't forget to get your tickets to the first one that's late, no pass.

Harrison 40:28

And then um next one we'll go with who will be the one to put the songs on in the dressing room.

Cam 40:36

I'm gonna say Kale. Yeah, Kale is Yeah, I'm Kale. Yeah, I'll I'll go with Kale on that one too, just so he gets his famous line in.

Kell 40:48

I was gonna go for Mac. I think he's got a wide variety of music. Some tunes I don't some of his music um um I don't like, and some of it's pretty good, but overall it's alright. So Mark's nice good musical. Brazilian music?

unknown 41:06

Yeah.

Kell 41:11

Loves Neymar. Love Neymar.

Cam 41:14

That's my song. Love Nymar. Alright, well done, Kel, are you gonna say your line or what?

Kell 41:23

Oh sorry, I make sure you just get your tickets for the first first game of the season. If not, if not Bart will be coming around at all your doors.

Mike 41:40

Uh who is most likely to top the scoring charts?

Cam 41:46

I'm gonna say Mark.

Carter 41:48

Yeah, Mark as Mark Hank. And track record.

Mack 41:54

I'm gonna go elf.

Cam 41:55

Yeah.

Mack 41:57

I'm gonna go I'm gonna go four-way tie up at the top.

Cam 42:01

Nice.

Mack 42:02

Yeah.

Cam 42:02

I like that. Try a mate. Four-way ti.

Harrison 42:13

To be fair though, like Kel, you had a record high point uh scoring for you last season. Carter, you the same. Um, Cam, you've had uh some injuries, and so you've had a little bit of a struggle, but your points per game were still up there with um the highest in your career. Mac, you obviously were playing at that higher level. So what's the ambition?

Cam 42:37

I don't think there's really a set goal on on points for me personally, just like be the best version of myself on the ice every time, and whatever happens, happens. You know, you're not always the guy that's gonna get the points, but you could be the one that is the reason why the goal happened, but you might not get credit on the score sheet, so it's just a matter of helping the team, and at the end of the season, whatever happens, happens. If we got championships, I don't care what points I have, so it is what it is.

Kell 43:08

Yeah, I sort of think I'm similar. I don't really like to set goals on myself because I feel like I'm putting a bit of pressure on myself at the end of the day. Um, but I feel like as long as the team are winning, um I'm more than happy than that, to be honest with you. Um just can't wait.

Speaker 4 43:30

What are you laughing at?

Mike 43:35

It's great to hear the team ambition goals uh because yeah, last season the number of lightning fans and for the team as well is slightly disappointing end to it. So to hear the ambition of team first and and you mentioned silverware cartel as well, that that's that's the goal there to win as many as possible, win every game and get that silverware. That's definitely something I know that the Lightning fans will really appreciate hearing and match the ambition that the club has. Uh, I've got to throw a little stats out there in case anyone is superstitious, but of those 11 lightning bolts on the back of those lightning jerseys, eight of them were achieved with at least one player from Northern Ireland in that squad as well. So I'm I'm loosely including Jimber in that as he's uh got Northern Irish heritage on there. And obviously, there was no Northern Irish players in the squad last season, so uh got four now for this season. You've cracked the code, Pimmy. Yeah.

Cam 44:40

They were missing the Northern Irish heart. Not enough passion. Not enough bottle. We'll see what we'll see what happens. Obviously, we've always set out for the goal to win championships. Um, won championships at MK, and there's that's ultimately the goal, and nothing less, really. I mean, you go to a championship win inside the To battle and compete every day in training and in games to win championships at the end of the season. So I mean, I don't think any other boys will disagree with me on that. That's the aim for this year to win ultimately. Yeah, just win.

Mike 45:22

Brilliant great stuff. I think that's a good one to wrap it up with, Harrison. Do you agree?

Harrison 45:29

Yeah, I'd I'd say there's there's nothing better to really close it out with.

Mike 45:34

I mean, I was going to ask you boys to uh help plug the first game of the season, but you've been doing that for out, so you've been doing a great job for us. I don't even know if we even need to do it, but um I might just ask you one more time as well if you could just plug that those preseason games against the Phantoms. Uh and why if you're a hockey fan or if you're new to hockey and Milton Keynes, why we should go and watch that game between the Milton Kings Lightning and the Petersburg Phantoms, or if they're still on the holidays and there are a few people are why they should definitely be there for that season opener against the Leeds Knights.

Mack 46:08

Best team in the league, come watch us.

Cam 46:11

I think for the pre-season games, definitely for the fans get their tickets just because it's gonna be um the fresh team right in the ice the first time together, um see all the new players and see how all the boys are getting on together.

Kell 46:25

Yeah, I think go ahead, Kel, you got it. Um I feel like you should get your tickets regardless. I think it's gonna be from what Pete's built here after last season and what was disappointing from MK fans. I've seen it on social media and that, and they're all pretty excited for the new team and what Pete's building here in MK. And um, I don't think they have really other than an option they should buy them. Um so just to see the exciting, nice the exciting team on the ice and to see what we have to offer. I know I'm saying this from the four of us, I'm sure we'll all hit the ground running um for the new season, and you know, we're completely up for it and can't wait to get going. So, yeah, get your tickets or you'll be getting hit a knuckle sandwich.

Cam 47:13

I think yeah, buy tickets obviously to see the new the new team on the ice. Everyone's most of us are young and and hungry to the achieve good things and obviously to come to the very first game of of us for the season and just be with us for the from the start of the journey from the very very start till the end and see what we can all achieve together. Get your tickets now. Get your tickets now. Get your tickets on the link below.

Harrison 47:43

I'm not sure if they're out yet.

Cam 47:46

Okay, link this way, link this way, or link this way, just in case there's somewhere else.

Mack 47:51

If you click Bart's face, a link should pop up as well.

Harrison 47:57

Leo's got a lot of work to do now. Yeah, I think that is a a great point uh to wrap up. So as the boys say, get your tickets when they are available for the preseason game, and then that first opener against the Leeds Knights on Saturday, the 20th of September. I think it was the 20th. Um yes, yeah, it is. So Saturday, the 20th of September, get your tickets for that. Um, quick thank you to the guys for for hopping on.

Cam 48:27

Thanks for having us.

Harrison 48:28

Yeah, thank you for having us very much, appreciate it. And thank you to Pimmy as well for for helping us uh steer the conversation.

Cam 48:37

Thank you, Pimmy. Thanks, Pimy. Thanks, Pimmy. Thanks, Pimmy. Thank you, Harrison. Thank you, Leo. Thank you, Harrison. Thank you, everybody. Thanks, Leo. Cheers, thanks for the good chat, Carmi. Thanks, Mark, cheers, Kel. Yeah, thanks guys. I'll see you soon.

Harrison 48:52

And then yeah, join us for more lightning talks throughout the offer.