Mike 1:07

I'm your hosting TV in me, and I'm joined by the one Aaron Files. Aaron, how are you doing, buddy?

Aaron 1:13

Yeah, very, very well, mate, to be honest. It feels like we're only weeks away from the start of the season. We've got some great guests on for this latest episode of Lightning Talk. So yeah, I'm very, very pleased, mate. And so you keeping well over the summer yourself?

Mike 1:28

Doing doing very well. Um slowly recovering from sleep deprivation on account of the little one. But uh yeah, had a good off season so far and yeah, looking forward to the start of the uh new hockey season.

Aaron 1:41

Is is that sleep deprivation down to the little one or the the World Cup?

Mike 1:45

Um a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B, not gonna lie. Uh yeah, so in these podcasts in preseason, we are bringing you all the behind the scenes and chatting to a number of the playing roster and our RFI staff at the Lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning. And tonight's guests really need no introduction. They are eighth and ninth for Lightning's all-time point scorers, and they're brilliant human beings, R-Fi, and very, very popular figures, as you would have seen with the reactions on social media when both their signings were announced. So tonight's guests are Lightning's number 86, Sean Norris, and number 94, Liam Stewart. Boys, thank you so much for joining us on the podcast today.

Sean 2:32

Thanks for having us, boys. What's going on, fellas?

Mike 2:36

Going really, really well. So we asked ourselves this at the start, but uh, how have your off seasons been? Uh I know you're both very active on social media and uh been a bit of uh phobo from some of the stuff you've been getting on to. But a little update for the fans who maybe don't follow you on social media. How's it been? Uh Sean, should we start with you?

Sean 2:56

Yeah, it's been good. Um, had a few holidays here and there. Um, I've been following Stewie's um off-season program. So um been been keeping me in shape with that. Um, you know, been on the ice a few times, you know, feeling good, no injuries. So yeah, I'm ready to get rocking and rolling.

Mike 3:16

Awesome. And Liam, I I know you went to the World Cup for uh a few fans that Eagle I'd spotted you on the TV coverage, but uh, how how's your off-season been?

Liam 3:25

Uh off-season's been good. I mean, it's been two years in the making, but uh yeah, went to Boston to watch uh Scotland beat Haiti 1-0, which was a lot of fun. Uh didn't have any Apple Martinis or anything, just strictly water because that's what I do. Um, and then uh went and saw my dad in Spain again, and here I am now getting back on the ice and working out. Just like Sean said, he follows my follows my workout plan, so I know exactly what he's doing.

Mike 3:57

And uh Dick, I did uh share, I did see uh some of the workouts going on. Uh Liam, is it quite an intense workout or is it more just sort of keep yourself in shape over the summer to get ready for the the season ahead?

Liam 4:10

Well, I'm about two years behind these guys, so I gotta be a little more intense than I think they are, but uh it's more just being on the ice, feeling the puck again, uh instead of shouting at kids and telling them what drills to do and stuff. So I gotta learn how to play the game again.

Mike 4:30

Amazing. Obviously, you said it's been two years out. Uh you made uh a cameo appearance last season and you uh turned up for the game just before Christmas uh against the Swindon Wildcats. And I'm gonna say didn't look like you're off the pace at all. You finished with a goal and an assist in that game. Uh, I imagine though you were probably feeding it after about it was time about a year and a half away from playing competitive hockey, and you were up against who ended up being the team that won the league. So, about what what was it like to step back on the ice just for that for that one game?

Liam 5:05

Uh it was awesome. It was uh I was obviously talking to Timmy a little bit, um, and then went over to see my dad at Christmas, and things just kind of progressed from there. Um, and then we decided to do it, but I tell you, I wasn't feeling I might have looked okay, but every time I came off the ice, I was begging for air, needed an oxygen tank. Um, but it felt good to you know be out there again and listen to the fans and mainly be in the locker room with the boys.

Mike 5:35

Uh and Sean, with Liam coming back for that game, did that just give the boys a lift? Because at that point, there was a lot of guys playing hurt, there was quite a few players out injured. Having someone like Liam coming back into the locker room for that one game, did that just give the squad that bit of that lift that they wanted?

Sean 5:52

Yeah, no, for sure. I mean, I mean, he's he's a good guy in the room, everyone knows that he's a good guy on the ice and off the ice. And I feel like you know, him coming in as kind of a legend of the MK Lightning, he really carried that game.

Mike 6:07

Definitely. Uh, and that last season, Sean. I mean, obviously, which being talked about a bit before, it was a bit of a disappointment for how it ended, but is that gonna be motivation going ahead for this season?

Sean 6:20

Yeah, no, I think this year's a completely different year. I think uh, as everyone can see, younger roster, um, a lot of hungry players. And I feel like there's gonna be a lot of compete in inside the group, which is so important. I feel like in a in a team sport that we play, it's like you want to be competing every time you get on the ice. So whether that's training games, whatever it may be, you always want to be better than you were the day before. So I feel like this season the fans are just gonna, they're gonna see a different side, they're gonna see a more a faster side, more athletic side, and we're gonna be very driven to yeah, to do it all for sure.

Aaron 6:55

Well, just touching upon that in a bit more detail, Sean. And I'll, in fact, I'll pose this question to the pair of you. But what do you see your role being in this side? Because you mentioned there about the the sheer pace. Pete Russell wants it to be a very hungry, fast-paced, dynamic attack. What do you see your role in this offense, in the forward unit, actually looking like?

Sean 7:18

I think it's got to be producing, yeah, you've got to be scoring goals here. Um, you know, you've got to be leading the way, but also doing the little things right. I think one of the biggest things I like to take into every night is if I'm not putting, you know, numbers on the score sheet, I'm doing everything else the right way, whether it's blocking shots, making hits, for checking hard, getting to the net and just doing the right things. And, you know, I it yeah, that that would be one of the things that I'll be looking to do.

Aaron 7:43

Most definitely. And Liam for yourself, of course, Mike's already mentioned it, but what a return it was that goal against Swindon at the Thunderdome. As one of the more experienced players in the side now, what do you say is your role in this team for this season?

Liam 8:00

Um, I mean, it's tough to say because I've been out of it for obviously you what two years now. Um, but I think just what I'm gonna bring is you know, a lot like what Shawnee said, if I'm not scoring, which I hope I am, it's gonna be blocking shots, penalty killing, um, you know, making big hit, not big hits, but taking the body a lot more. Um, and I think just leadership inside the room, if the boys are ever feeling shitty or whatever, down about something, I'll just uh it's like you said, I'm guessing one of the older guys now, so you know, just kind of lead, I guess, will be one of my bigger things.

Aaron 8:36

Yeah, I was gonna say that was with the greatest of respect. It's experience as opposed to to age, Liam. But I suppose the other question for the pair of you as well, how excited are you to play alongside each other in what is a really exciting unit?

Sean 8:57

Yeah, um yeah, I'm I mean I'm buzzing. I mean, like I I had no idea he was coming back, he had no idea I was coming back, so it was a surprise for the both of us for sure. But um, yeah, I can't wait. I mean, chuck me on a line with Stewie and keep your heads up, I guess.

Liam 9:14

We go back to that health playoff four years ago. Him and I were on the same line, and I think we both laid pretty big hits. I think Shawnee took a guy out, but no one talks about that. But yeah, I mean Shawnee and I I'd say a younger self of me, pretty similar. Um, he's obviously still got more speed than I have now. Um yeah, I'm excited to play along him and you know, hopefully he doesn't take. I was just looking, hopefully he doesn't overtake me. He's 10 points behind me on the all-time list. Oh, he's eighth and I'm ninth. Oh great. Yeah.

Sean 9:49

So just keep that in mind, hey. That's my motivation right there.

Mike 10:00

That's great. And I'm Bim, obviously you've spoken about the two years out. Uh what what was it that you decided, you know what, I'm Cardi Bach, I want to come back and I want to come back to Milton Keynes again.

Liam 10:13

Um I mean I had been coaching. I was coaching at a prep school my first year after I got done. Um I think it was that year we won the cup. Um and they were a good group of kids, and I just enjoyed, you know, being around it, but I was also, I mean, you can ask the young young guys in MK, like as I am one of the older guys, I am still kind of an idiot and you know, like to have fun and stuff. Um and I felt like I was just part of the boys when I was coaching them, and I just kind of missed the locker room and all that kind of stuff. Um and then coming back at Christmas obviously kind of lit a flame a little bit, and uh I guess I just tweeted out one last dance, and then Tom texted me, and that was the end of that. Made sure it was all good with the wife. The kids don't really care, they're be excited to watch me play, and uh yeah.

Mike 11:13

That is great. And I is um obviously you're still I'm I'm guessing you're still over in LA at the moment. Is that is that right? And it's uh would it be cut old family coming over to the UK for when you're you're playing in in Milton Keynes?

Liam 11:27

Yeah, still over in LA in the moment. Um we're enjoying the last uh last month we have here, and then uh all four of us are we heading over to MK around the 25th or so. So I'm excited to get there and hopefully get into some cooler weather because it's pretty hot here right now.

Mike 11:47

Uh it I mean at the time of recording, we're in the middle of a massive heat wave in the UK, but hopefully by then if we would have had a bit of rain and some cooler weather. So by the time this goes out, hopefully the the uh grass is a bit greener. Hopefully. Uh Sean, obviously your announcement was one of the last ones to come out, and we could tell, especially looking on the the teaser post for each signing announcement, there was a lot of people saying and willing, is it Sean Norris? Is it Sean Norris? And even with the clues being dropped, I think at one point some some fans had had you down as a free-scoring stay-at-home defenceman with a great save percentage of over 90%. So that just showed how desperate is it. Does that just make you feel really good to know that the fans have that strong a rapport with you?

Sean 12:38

Yeah, I mean, like it's it's like another family for me, if I'm honest with you. And and to be fair, with some clues, I thought it was going to be me, even though I knew when I was getting announced. I still thought, are they announced to me earlier? Because it was getting me off guard as well. I had Ellie going, is it you tonight? And I was like, I don't know. You have to you have to find out.

Mike 12:58

That is great. Well, that just shows the strength in depth of this team, though, that so many guys contribute different different things on there. And uh, Liam, you touched upon it as well, Ferg, it's not just the scoring, it's it'll be the blocking shots, it will be throwing the hits, and there's guys on this roster up and down the lines, and I I don't envy the task that Pete has picking the set lines here because I think a lot of players can easily interchange on the special teams on anywhere for any given role at maybe any given night, with maybe the exception of uh Jordan Headley and Jared Whale, the two netminders, as that's the specialist position. But there's a lot of guys that can cover both ends of the ice. And is that is that a strong point for you both as well, knowing that there's that much competition in that lineup?

Sean 13:46

Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think for me that that's the biggest thing that you want to be involved in. You don't want to be on a team where if you're having a night off and you know you're not gonna get like switched out for someone, you're never gonna give it all you got. So the fact that you've got a kind of in a sense, have eyes on the back of your head knowing that someone's hungry to take your spot, you need to perform. I love that. You know, that gives me that extra that I need.

Mike 14:12

And uh you've both uh played under Pete in the international scene, but I I believe it's probably the I think it's the first time at club level that you're being coached by Pete. And is that something you're both looking forward to working under under Pete Russell on a more regular basis than rather for sort of that sort of two-month sort of stint that it might be for an international tournament?

Liam 14:58

Yeah, I mean I'm a I'm excited. I obviously had him in Belfast, I don't even know when that was. I think it was nine years ago now, ten years ago. It was only for it was only for like a week. Um, but no, he was great. He was attention to detail, and um, you know, he just wants you to work hard at the end of the day. Um and uh, you know, it's exciting because that's I speak for Shawnee too. We both work hard, um, but like to score goals as well, and I think that kind of plays into his game a little bit.

Mike 15:31

Brilliant. And uh Sean, just quickly go back just to the start of the offseason. Um are you doing okay? Because obviously I know you were you had the call up for GB, you were part of that warm-up squad, and then you took a knock and then weren't able to go to with the squad to Switzerland. Uh, you all healed up following that.

Sean 15:50

Yeah, I mean, I I think I took a knock um in the playoffs on my ankle and kind of thought it was just a tweak. So thought it was a you know like a sprain, so carried on playing with it, and then it got kind of bad. Um, I had an awkward hit against um, I can't remember who it wasn't. I think it was Italy in one of the warm-up games. Had a scan and basically tore a few ligaments, but nothing major, nothing hanging off in it. Yeah, just gave it a bit of rehab, had it in a boot for about eight weeks, and then yeah, just been slowly but surely getting it stronger again, and I'm I'm pretty much back to full strength now. So yeah, it's all good.

Mike 16:26

And obviously, we've seen a few guys from the United Chell get the opportunity to be called up to the senior squad, so it's not just guys who are Brits playing in the elite leagues or a couple of dual nets now playing uh for GB, with now Pete being the coach at Milton Kings and then at that this level. Is this a good opportunity now, especially for a lot of especially these younger Brits, not just at Milton Kings, but across the league as well, to get and make a name for themselves and be considered for that senior GB call-up?

Sean 16:59

Yeah, I mean, I think from from my experience, like I mean, I I can't remember what year it was, but the first training camp I went to, I think it was me, Kieran Brown, and a few other few other young guys. And every year he's bringing in a bigger group. Like, you know, every year he's bringing a big bigger group from the NIHL and he's given them that opportunity. And I mean, like, you're seeing players now playing in the world championships against the best players in the world, and they're playing in the second league in the UK, and there's no reason why none of them do it. So I think it's a great opportunity for everyone in the league, and especially for the MK boys.

Mike 17:33

And Liam, obviously, I know on socials you've championed a lot of the younger Brits that have been playing at this level. Uh somebody as well who's played at the Great Britain level and chose to play for Great Britain. Is that uh is that something you enjoy seeing, especially as you know you've been coaching the kids as well, seeing that future talent developing and coming through?

Liam 17:52

Yeah, it's great. I mean, it's it's also nice to see the league from when I first joined getting that much better. Yeah, the import levels have gone up, but that just means you know the younger Brits are also getting better as well. Um I mean, it shows because like Shawnee said, if they're playing with the best players at those world championship tours or uh tournaments, and they're playing in the second league in England, I think that has a little bit to say for itself. Um yeah, all in all, I think it's good for English hockey, and you know, it's makes Pete's job a little tougher picking guys because you know you got guys that put up a lot of points at the second level, but you know, obviously the elite league is the elite league, you have a lot more dual nats and this and that, but you know, it makes it all that kind of inner squad competition, which is nice to have definitely.

Mike 18:46

And there are any players uh that you're particularly looking forward to either playing alongside in this lightning squad or playing up against. I don't know if you've seen much from the how the opponents have lining up over the season, but there's been there's some big signings not just in Milton Kings but across the league. Already names that you've seen and think here can't wait to meet him or can't wait to face off against him at the other end of the ice.

Liam 19:11

Uh obviously I'm excited to meet all of you know, I'll just say all of our imports, because you know, I saw what you know they did last year. And um but I think there's a couple D-men that have signed that I'm kind of excited just to see because obviously in the second league kind of go for forwards typically. Um so I think it'll be nice to have a couple, it seems what I've you know read about them, they're kind of stay-at-home that can jump up in the rush D-men. So it'll be obviously more of a challenge for us forwards, but I think it's something that I'm looking forward to, you know, challenge myself more and uh just kind of see what happens.

Mike 19:51

Awesome. Uh Shorty, is there anyone that you're looking forward to lining up against or lining up with uh for this upcoming season?

Sean 20:00

I would just I would just say our team really, I'd say the youngsters coming up. I mean, I'm so excited for them. Like, you know, a a few of them had have had time in the elite league, but haven't been given the ice time they deserve. And I feel like, you know, they're really gonna shine. You're gonna see that confidence come out real quick, and it's gonna be exciting to see for the fans, but also, like you said, to be a part of it, just to see guys just coming into their element of playing hockey, doing what they love, and just being confident about it. So I think for sure, people like Hazeldyne, you know, Jake, obviously Milky every year, love watching that kid. Yeah, I'm I'm excited for all the youngsters for sure.

Aaron 20:38

Well, there is plenty of really exciting young talent. And Sean, admittedly, the name I'm about to throw at here probably isn't one of the younger in the side. But speaking of these new additions to this lightning roster, I mean, we've got to talk about David Thompson because you two are certified point scorers, he has been amazing for Telford. He scored 150 points in the past couple of seasons for the Tigers. So, how excited are you not only to line up alongside him over the course of this season, but also benefit from the immense scoring potential that he possesses on the power play?

Sean 21:17

I I like a lot about his game, you know. Like playing against him last year, he's a great guy, and I love that. Like, I'm the same, you know, I'll try to get under your skin, I'll try and score goals, I'll try and do it all. And I he had that same energy, so we always went back and forth with each other. You know, he was always giving it, and then he would go score a goal and come past the bench and give it to us. And now that's kind of a part of our team. I love it. I'm excited for that for sure.

Aaron 21:40

Most definitely. And Liam, for yourself, have you seen much of David Thompson? And judging by that description, I'm guessing you're also excited to be alongside him.

Liam 21:50

Yeah, I mean, the the points speak for itself. Um, obviously, you got a Canadian like that. You love to you know they're playing with a little bit of FU to their game. I mean, like Shawnee does. Um it's just fun because you know they can put points on the board, but if you need them to fight or throw some big hits, you know they're gonna do that too. Um whether I'm gonna be playing with them or not, I'm excited to watch him play. Um, excited to watch all the boys play, you know, and uh just excited for the season to get started, really.

Aaron 22:24

Well, it is approaching, isn't it? Just mere weeks away now before preseason, and of course the regular season beyond that. And I I know the four of us prior to the recording, we said we wouldn't go too philosophical or too profound, but just almost leapfrogging off that previous point about attitudes towards the game. Sean, I've got to ask, where does that grit, that almost hunger to impose yourself on the game actually come from?

Sean 22:52

Um I would say from having three older brothers that bully you a lot. I feel like, you know, I've never been the biggest guy, you know, never been the strongest guy, and I always just want I want to prove a point, you know. Every time I'm on the ice. And at the end of the day, like, you know, Stewie does it with us in training, you know, that that's my puck and I want it, you know, and that you're not having it kind of thing. It's it's that mentality of like, you know, no matter what, I'm getting this puck, whether it's a 50-50 battle or whatever it may be. And I think, yeah, I think it just comes from, you know, a little bit of doubt here and there and just trying to prove that I can do it.

Aaron 23:26

So yeah. Fair enough. Having an older brother, I can certainly, certainly back that. It's almost that sibling rivalry. It's it changes your early doors. It really does.

Sean 23:37

Oh, yeah, it's it's definitely fuel for sure. It's fuel because I mean, I my my all my brothers are like six, four, six, five, like absolute units. So, you know, I'm not gonna beat them in a fight, but I'll try and beat them every other way I can.

Aaron 23:50

Absolutely. It's all you can do as the younger sibling. And Liam, for yourself, I I would pose the exact same question. Where do you think your natural approach to ice hockey first originates from?

Liam 24:03

Um, I mean, I was always competitive growing up. Um, I had an older brother, but he wasn't like we weren't around each other a lot. I think it my kind of competitive came from my Western League coach. Uh his name's Don Knockbar. And I came to the Western League thinking I was gonna score goals, you know, put up points like I did in uh we call it midgets here, which is like lower level, not lower level, it's like juniors in England. Um he said you're not doing that here. You need to go out and hit guys and uh block shots. And if you score goals, great, but that's not why you're here. Um and if you don't do any of that, then you're gonna be sent home. So I kind of let that kind of sunk into me. And ever since then, I've been, you know, like Shawnee said, it was if it's somebody else's pocket, I'm gonna try and go get it, and I'm gonna do everything I can to go get it. And um yeah, it's just kind of stuck with me. And I tried to, when I was coaching the last two years, I tried to put that into kids nowadays. It's a little harder, and listening isn't great, but um, you know, I try.

Aaron 25:13

And that's all you can do, wouldn't again, just almost piggybacking off the off the back of that last passage. You mentioned there about coaches who have influenced and impacted your hockey journey again. I'll pose this question to the pair of you. Liam, I'll start with you first, but who do you say has had a real big influence on molding your journey to date?

Liam 25:37

I'll probably go back to the same guy. I mean, I'll give a little bit of credit to the guys that coached me in midget. Um, we didn't really get along too well. We, you know, butted heads quite a bit. Um, so that kind of shaped me a little bit, which was good. But the guy that I had in the Western Hockey League, which was Don Knockbar, he was a tough guy in the NHL and he just kind of you know brought me in after every practice. Like, this is what you gotta do if you want to make it, um, if you want to make the team. Um, and kind of just, I mean, I'd give that guy full credit for I guess who I'll become as a player and the person off the ice too. He's helped a lot.

Aaron 26:20

Fair enough. And that's important, isn't it? Not only in sport, but in wider life to have those kind of mentor figures. And for yourself, Sean, who do you say it doesn't even have to be coaching, it could be fellow players, it could even be family members. Who do you say has really shaped and impacted your life as a hockey player?

Sean 26:40

I think uh Liam Dragon. Um, I think my most obvious one would probably be Lucas Smittel, who's in Slough at the moment. Um, you know, he taught me everything that I probably know now, you know, discipline, work ethic, on the ice and off the ice, respect, just all all the all the things you need in life, but also all the things you need to succeed in ice hockey. Um, and I've always said kind of like I wouldn't have achieved what I had achieved, you know, playing with GB or being in the elite league without learning everything that he taught me. So I definitely would say, like, you know, if if you were to put it in kind of hockey dad terms, I'd say he was the guy. Um and then yeah, like I said earlier, my family, they would, you know, they were good at kind of fuel putting fuel to the fire, you know, they were always telling me how brutal I was, how I wasn't good enough. And I know what they were doing, and it was working, and it yeah, it gave me a kick up the ass.

Aaron 27:37

Well, I'll tell you what, in the years that have followed, you've turned into a fantastic hockey player. And again, I don't want to go too philosophical or too profound. I feel like I am at this stage of the podcast, but what do you say has been the biggest lesson that you've learned throughout the course of your career, whether that is purely from a hockey basis or wider life, what lesson, what experience would you say has almost stuck with you the most over the course of this journey?

Sean 28:07

I would say two things. I'd say the first thing, if I was speaking to the younger generations, is that the off-ice training is just as important as the on-ice training. Um and I would say for myself is I always set goals, whether it be five years down the line, and some of them didn't seem possible, but I always had them there, and it always just had me something chasing every day. And like if like you know, I tell people now, like if you asked a 20-year-old me that you're gonna play in Prague in the World Championships and win treble with Belfast on a two-way, like you, I would have laughed in your face. So, like, you know, you've got a set of goals that don't sound realistic to everyone else, but you you can see them at the end of the tunnel.

Aaron 28:50

Absolutely. And Liam, for yourself, the the exact same question you mentioned there about your coaching journey as well. Have those lessons almost shaped the way in which you you know go about your coaching when it comes to the youngsters.

Liam 29:05

Um, yeah, I mean, obviously, like Sean says, well, you kind of got to set little goals. I mean, when I first started playing uh major junior, I started doing that just in my head, little things I want to get better at and kind of go from there. But um as to the coaching, yeah, it's kind of shaped, I mean, it's kind of changed me completely where you have a lot more respect. Not that I didn't have any respect for coaches in the past, but it's you see the other side of the game. And I know it's only they're only 15 to 17 year olds, but still it's it's it's a tough challenge. Um but yeah, it was I don't know, it's tough. Coaching is one of those things that's like you gotta deal with you gotta learn how to deal with 20 odd guys and uh figure it out. Um yeah, I think one of my biggest lessons is just you gotta keep going, you gotta keep pushing. Like Shawnee said, you gotta be in the gym. Um, I try and tell that to my guys now. Um, one of the biggest things is being in the gym, you know, nutrition, lots of water, this and that. But um yeah, it's just uh it's a hard game. It's a hard game. And uh if you get over that mental thing of, you know, either saying you're not good enough or thinking you're not good enough, then I think you'll be okay.

Aaron 30:27

Absolutely. And again, just touching upon that in a bit more detail, because it is a difficult sport, both on the minds and of course, physically, it's one of the most physical sports in the country, let's face it, in the entire world. You've got to be a tough customer to play the sport of ice hockey. It is a big question, but for yourself, Liam, especially as someone who's now coming back into the fray for this one last dance, this one big foray back into the sport that you absolutely love. What's motivated you to pursue this dream, the dream that you had as that youngster, dreaming, aspiring of being a hockey player? What is it that makes you get up in the morning and go, you know what? I'm going to continue this pursuit that I've held on to for so long.

Liam 31:15

Um, I mean, it starts with just being competitive with whatever I'm doing. Um my wife gets mad at me now because my kid's only he's three years old, but he's having the hockey stick waving around and everything, and I still try and beat him, um, which I think is good. But uh the whole thing with coming back, I think I just got that taste of winning the cup two years ago, and then I saw obviously the boys win playoffs what was that, a year ago. Um and it's crazy. It sounds like I got jealous. I was like, I wish I could have been a part of it. Um so that just kind of you know crept in a little bit, and then this when I was coaching here, we won two tournaments, which was fun. It's you know, obviously there's no drinking involved, but the boys were excited, and you know, winning is one of the most fun things, especially the after activities. Um so I think that was one of the biggest things, just coming back, being able to you know have that chance to win again. And it's three trophies as well. So you get three shots at it. Um, hopefully we can you know win more than one, but we'll see.

Aaron 33:30

Fingers crossed. Well, the roster does look very, very strong indeed. And Sean, for yourself, it is a big word, isn't it, in sport? Motivation. Again, what is it that's drives you on a daily basis to be the absolute best version of Sean Norris?

Sean 33:46

I think, like Stu said, it's that it's that compete that you have in you, you know. It's it's you've either got it or you don't, you know. You've either got that, I don't want to say obviously the word, but you've either got that in you or you don't. And I feel like for me, every day, you know, um I just I don't know, like every single morning I want to get up and I want to go to the gym and I want to do something, I want to do something every day, but I want to win every day. So whether that's you know, winning like a PB that I've got on the bench, or whether that's a time I'm doing a run, or whether that's in my day-to-day job, whatever that may be like, I just I'm always chasing wins. I want to win. And it comes from that, like 100%. It just it's either you got it or you don't.

Mike 34:35

Great stuff, Sean. And you you touched on it earlier, just with um like a message for like youngsters coming through. And would that be your one key bit of advice for aspiring young hockey players, especially those in Milton Keys, because we know the kids love coming to the game, so they love seeing what the guys do on the ice week in, week out. Is that your one tip for them to really to engage and enjoy and motivate themselves for playing in this great sport?

Sean 35:08

Yeah, I mean, you know, obviously, I I think the biggest thing that I would like, I mean, like obviously Sue's got a little one there, and like for me, like the biggest thing I'd be teaching my kid is just have that tunnel vision. Don't listen to the noise outside, you know. I mean, we we all probably heard it growing up, you know. Oh, what's ice hockey? What's that? Why would you play that, you know? And and now a lot of a lot of people that I grew up with are like so cool that you're still playing kind of thing. So I would just say, like, you know, if if you really love the game and you and you really want to do something with it, then just keep your head down and work every day. Don't worry about the noise on the outside, just do what you love doing.

Mike 35:47

Uh and Liam, same for you. Obviously, you've probably you've already imparted a lot of advice as part of the coaching with the kids there. But what's just that one key message you'd give to those aspiring youngsters wanting to take up hockey?

Liam 36:03

Um I mean, everything that Shawnee said, plus, you know, it's just it's obviously a little different in the UK than it is here. Um it's I think more accessible here, but if if you're in the UK, if terms I'm speaking that way, it's kind of just, you know, like Shawnee said, horse blinders. Like, don't listen to whatever what's hockey, what's this? Like just keep playing, have fun with it. Um I think that's one of the biggest things up to learn coaching. Like it the kids just to a certain age, they just want to have fun. Um, and I think as a coach, and even for coaches, if they hear this, like make sure the kids are having fun, and then you can instill that, you know, motivation factor showing up every day and you know, wanting to win. Um, but you know, I think that's one of my biggest things, which is just have fun with it, which is one of the reasons I'm coming back. I miss how much fun it is. I miss having fun with the boys. It's literally the best time you'll have in your life, you know, no matter what you're doing. You know, and I had a I had a pretty fun wedding. I have two kids. Um telling you, winning is probably up there, you know, partying with the boys after is one of the best feelings in the world. So, you know, as a kid's term, just stick with it, have fun, you know, enjoy the process, and just you know, watch lots of YouTube hockey if you don't have access to ice or you know, go stick handle on the street. Um, but just have fun with it.

Mike 37:38

Definitely a lot of like street hockey, roller hockey, a lot of ball hockey. There's there's there's stuff to do to improve that that puck handling and that stick handling side of things. You you both mentioned the outside noise. Obviously, you meant it slightly as that growing up and playing a sport, which is still in the UK, despite the growing crowd, is still quite niche and very much a minority sport, but other outside noise as well to block out, especially in this digital age, is it sometimes, especially after a tough game, is the temptation to just not look at the phone, mute the social media notifications? Because obviously, now no matter what level everyone's uh an expert and everyone's got an opinion and wants to share it.

Sean 38:22

Um if I'm brutally honest, after people that are being keyboard warriors can't skate anyway, so I just kind of laugh it off.

Liam 38:32

Yeah, I mean for the most part, the people that are talking shit online probably yeah, can't skate at all. And you know, I in terms of turning it off and stuff, if you can deal with it, look at it, you know, like how I am, I like responding to them and kind of giving it back to them. But as for a kid growing up, maybe a younger kid coming into the NIHL or elite league, just kind of shut it off, or if you want to give it back to them, give it back to them, unless your team says not to. But you're not in the NHL, so I'm sure you'll be allowed to. Um, but yeah, it's fun giving it back to people.

Mike 39:13

I mean, I do notice that there, but yeah, some of your socials, there's some good back and forths on there. And I do know you did uh put a disclaimer a little while back to say if you take what I say seriously on here, you probably should unfollow me. So I thought that was a great little line to say to someone on there. Um, and obviously, Liam, you said when you left two years back, you did say you missed the fans in the NIHL, especially in Mills and Keynes. Is that just that UK fan mentality that because it's that little bit more of a hidden secret, uh, especially in the UK sports scene, is that what makes those fans special because they're that passionate and they sacrifice those Saturdays and Sundays to travel to watch the team and to come to the rink week in, week out?

Liam 39:59

Yeah, I mean, trying to explain hockey over here that I'm going to play hockey in England to someone over here is like it's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube. Like they're like, what do you mean there's hockey over there? And I tell I always tell them, I'm like, it's not if you're in the hockey community, you get it. And it's really big and the fans are amazing, and you know, from the NIHL up to the elite league, you get good for the most part fan bases and you know, crowds. Um but yeah, I think it's just kind of it's if you are in the community, you know what it is. Um but if you don't, you know, you're missing out. And um you know, I I really miss just kind of interacting with fans after the game, having a beer with them, whatever. It's what they give up for us is important for us to you know give back to them whenever we can, because they do give up a lot, like you said, traveling away days, um even like just coming to the rink on Saturday nights, you know, whether they have kids or families, and you know, it's it's not cheap, um, but they still do it anyways, and they love it. So whatever we can give back, and you know, Shawnee and I love doing that. We sit with them and have a beer or you know, sign their jersey or whatever they want. Um, it's important that we do.

Mike 41:22

Brilliant. And is it just any messages for for the Lightning fan base that you want to give ahead of the uh the start of a new season from yourself and for for both of you?

Liam 41:34

Uh I mean I'm excited. I'm excited to be back. You know, it's been I guess you could say since Christmas coming, but two years coming since a full season, and uh just excited to see everyone again and uh get the season underway.

Sean 41:50

Yeah, I think I think for me, uh the biggest thing I think the fans need to know is that we see them and we hear them. So, you know, stay loud, stay proud. And like like Stu said, you know, we we know the sacrifices you make, and we'll be given all blood, sweat, and tears to kind of come out with the victories that you're that you're coming to see. So yeah, very excited.

Mike 42:12

Brilliant. Uh I I say we think I've got Aaron. Have you got any further questions? I know you're struggling with your voice a bit, so if you hopefully you don't sound like Harry Kane when you uh do your next question.

Aaron 42:25

Yeah, I'm not gonna be doing any Wonder Wall, let's just put it that way. No, to be to be honest, Mike, I think we've covered quite a lot of of topics there. So, no, obviously, thank you to the two boys, to Sean Norris and to Liam Stewart, an absolute pleasure. Of course, myself, Mike, everybody here at Lightning TV, wishing you both all the very best of luck heading into the season. And yeah, it's fast approaching, isn't it, Mike?

Mike 42:49

It definitely is. Uh, so yeah, just to echo that, thank you boys for giving up your time, especially in this offseason. Uh and we can't wait to see you hitting the ice at the start of September. Uh, the tickets for preseason are on sale. Uh Rostock Piranhas for a double header at the start of the season. And don't forget the Meet the Players event as well at 3 pm before that Rostock game. Make sure as well that you subscribe on your podcast channel of choice to the Lightning Talks podcast, and likewise subscribe to the Lightning TV YouTube channel where you will get all of these interviews, all of these podcasts, so you can view the recordings, and of course, you get the highlights from every MK Lightning home game. But on behalf of all the team at Lightning TV, thank you again, Sean and Liam.

Sean 43:41

Yes, Sean very much. Uh I just have one question. Obviously, we keep speaking like kind of about you know Stewie's uh last dance. I'm just kind of wondering what character he's playing in this last dance here. It's just uh Michael Jordan.

Aaron 43:58

Fair enough. I see more Dennis Jordan.

Sean 44:00

I see more Dennis Rodman here, but alright, we'll take it. We'll take it. Yeah, I'll be I'll be D-rod.

Liam 44:06

I'll be D-rod. That's more Mike. I'll fly to Vegas after a game. That's fine.

Sean 44:11

Dennis Rodman and a six back coming your way, MK fans. Be ready. You can be MJ. All right.

Mike 44:18

Brilliant. And uh final question as well. It's on behalf of Tony Sargent. Liam, I know you like doing the uh the good photos at the end of the awards on ice. Will we be seeing a return of those again? And does uh Tony need to uh make sure he's got his camera at the ready?

Liam 44:34

As long as everybody allows me to, you know, I'm not gonna say no to that.

Mike 44:39

Thanks so much. Tony, be ready with the camera at the start of the stage. So uh thank you so much, guys. Like and subscribe to the podcast channel. And of course, like and subscribe, like channel.