Harrison 0:15

Welcome back to the Lightning Talks podcast where we talk everything Lifestack Milton Keynes Lightning. And today I am joined by the one and only Aaron Viles. Aaron, welcome back. It's been a while, and it's good to have you back.

Aaron 0:30

Oh well, first and foremost, Harrison, thank you very much for the lovely introduction. And yeah, it's it's great to be back. It really is. I've missed being on the gantry with yourself and everybody else at Lightning TV. And that home crowd on Saturday. We'll talk about this, I have no doubt, when we discuss the the Bristol Pitbulls game, but you almost take it for granted. The fact is, I've not been in the arena for I think the best part of six months prior to that game against Bristol. And just coming back, hearing the noise, hearing the drums, hearing the chants, it's a special place. So yeah, it's great to be back.

Harrison 1:09

It is something to behold, especially when the the lightning faithful are as loud as they can be. And sometimes I do find myself just stood there, just sort of like, especially if I'm on COCOMs, because I've got that ability to just sort of like take the headphones off and just sort of listen. Um, it it is just a thing to behold. And obviously, this is the podcast where we talk everything Lifestack Milton King's Lightning. We'll first be talking everything about the previous weekend and the Lightning's games against the Pitbulls at the Thunderdome and the Wildcats at the Link Centre, and then we have an interview which will be slotted in the middle with a one and only Malik Martelli. So stick around for that one, and then after that, we'll talk about other games in the NIHL National and the standings, as well as previewing a big weekend for the Lightning. But where better to start than that home game on the Saturday? You alluded to it a moment ago, but the score line tells really a story that it was a bit of a runaway in the end for the lightning. But the point to be made is they just didn't stop.

Aaron 2:23

Well, no, they didn't. And we posed the question, didn't we, on the live stream? It was 3-0 at the end of the first. We said, are the lightning going to maintain this pressure, this intensity, this standard for the entirety of the game? And well, they did exactly that, and and then some. By the end of the second, it was eight-nil. And as you said, Harrison, by the end of the game, it was 12-1. From start to finish, the offence was exceptional. Absolutely superb. I thought the defence did a really good job, not only on the back check, but also just locking down the neutral zone as well. And Jared Whale announcing himself with some pretty good saves as well. So all things considered, an amazing performance. It really was. For me, it was a little bit of a marker. Yes, Bristol have had a very tough start to the season. We mentioned the stats on commentary. They'd conceded more goals than any other side in the NIHL national. But MK still had to go out there with the right attitude. They did precisely that. They cashed in, they were peppering shot after shot after shot at Ben Norton. And then in the final five minutes, a welcome return for Will Curlin. I'm sure we'll talk about that as well. But no, for me it was a great performance, a real standout display, and a great weekend for Carl as well, as I'm sure we'll touch upon in due course.

Harrison 3:52

Yes, and I mean you talk about the peppering of the Bristol net with shots. There was a total of 60 shots on goal for the Lightning, and that just shows you that and it's not just this game, really, that the Lightning have been doing that, they have been peppering teams with shots. And maybe in some games they've been unlucky not to score as many uh as 12. But I think the one thing that stands out for me, and I think we said it on comms, was it was the movement of the puck from the lightning, and it just drew the Pitbull's defence out of position on a number of occasions. And at times, and I don't think it's too harsh to say, I think Ben Norton uh was hung out to dry a couple times. He was looking around for his defenceman. I think of that first goal where just a bit of good movement, really, where Hazel Dines found uh Jake Haywood and Jake Brickner was puck watching, and Haywood had the time and space. He could have probably skated closer to the net to take the shot. But once the floodgates opened, boy, did they open. And another person really I want to shout out is Tom's Rutkiss for getting his first goal of the season as well. His role, really, over the last season or so has changed, and he's now playing more on that fourth line, which but he's doing it really well in that sort of he's pressing the puck and doing the job of a fourth liner, and we know what Tom's Rutkiss is like. He is very good at adapting his role to whatever position he has to play, whether that be a top-line centre from last season or being the fourth line enforcer this season, but it was a top-to-bottom, very good performance from the Lightning. Take nothing away.

Aaron 5:36

No, it certainly was. I'm really glad you mentioned Tom's Rutkiss because we were delighted for him, so too were the home crowd. And it's one heck of a finish. If you haven't already seen it, thoroughly, thoroughly recommend checking it out on the YouTube highlights. And as you said, Harrison, he's so versatile. He's very much a bit of a workhorse at times as well. We've seen that when he's been a centre, he just puts in so much time and efforts into his game, and it's just a great foil, in my opinion, for the rest of his teammates to feed off of. And I think the reaction to that goal tells you everything you need to know. A very popular player on the ice, very popular with the supporters, and yeah, it dare I say on on Saturday he played a role which was similar to Rio Grinnell Park in seasons gone by. You mentioned the pressure, applying so much pressure on the four check, chasing after the puck. It's a thankless task at times, and Tom's did it superbly well. So, yeah, shout out to him. I thought he did a really, really good job against the Pitbulls.

Harrison 6:45

Yeah, he did have a very good game as well. And I mean, when you look at the the points on the night from the entire lightning roster, really, the two that stand out, two plus two for David Thompson, and let's talk about him. Carter Hamill, Hat trick on the night, an assist as well, got himself another four points to his already growing tally. And I mean, he's just been a revelation since returning, really, from the Solway Sharks where he was last season. And his role in that season has almost changed. He's become a top six forward, which when he left the Lightning, he wasn't, he was a more bottom six enforcer. You remember him on a line with Rio Grinnell Park and Cameron Hamill just absolutely putting teams under a hell of a lot of pressure. And this season he's almost come in. He came in in that second game after Jordan Cowley picked up that injury, and he's never looked back.

Aaron 7:49

No, he hasn't. And I think one of the real telltale signs with Carter is body language. He looks so so confident at the minute. He's backing his shot, he's backing those stretch passes, he's backing those ventures forward, and he has been in integral parts. And the reason behind the Lightning's early season success, when it comes to the hat trick, I mean the first two were very well taken goals. The third one, slightly fortuitous of the deflection. I think that even Carter himself will admit that. But again, what a celebration, what a celebration it was in the moment. And of course, during the thunderclap or towards the end, when he started doing the worm and busting out the dance moves, it's just good to see him back. And I think that point you made earlier, Harrison, is a really important one. He's quite clearly developed his game because as much as we spoke there about Toms and Rio in the past, Carter was that guy. I remember him playing that exact role. So to see his progression in this unit is wonderful to see. And yeah, long may it continue.

Harrison 8:54

Yeah, and he obviously got his chance with Belfast in the Challenge Cup uh during last weekend as well, or during last week, sorry, as well. So the opportunities are there for him, and he's taking them with both hands, and he's performing incredibly well and deserves all the flowers that he is currently getting from across the NIHO, really. It's not just the Lightning fans that are recognising it as well. He's the first Lightning player into double-digit for goals this season. So full credit to Carter Hamill. And as you said, obviously it was 8-0 by the end of the second, and then in the third, it just started to get away from the Pitbulls even more. Although we do have to say they did get themselves a power play goal as well, which when you've got a line on the power play like the Pitbulls do, it would be a surprise if they didn't. Having Bricknall, Dunbar, Stuart, Fisher, Butler, that just that those lines, those players. I mean, it was nice as well, a good reception for that goal. But just quickly before we go on to the Sunday fixture, Will Curlin got himself a lovely reception from the Lightning Faithful, and it just shows how much he loved the Lightning and so's how much that the Lightning fans loved him.

Aaron 10:17

Oh, 100%. The feeling is very, very much mutual. And even throughout those, I think it was around five, six minutes, wasn't it? That Will Curlin was in net. He came in for Ben Norton. He was the backup on the night, but every single time he got a touch, every time he made a save, there was a huge roar. It was though he was still wearing a lightning jersey, and dare I say it almost gave me a few goosebumps when he was actually announced onto the ice. And we just fell silent, didn't we? On commentary to allow that crowd noise to filter through. The drums were going, the horns were going, the chants of Will Curlin's name were ringing around the Thunderdome. It was special, to be honest. And he did a great job. And I I know that he's a very popular figure. Not only in the supporters kind of section as well, but when it comes to the playing squad, to a man, they're all very, very high in their praise of Will, whether that's his efforts on the ice or indeed his character, his personality off of it. So yeah, I think it goes without saying we are wishing him the very best of luck, aren't we? It's a bit of a shame that he's not representing MK anymore, but he's got a big opportunity at Bristol. He's going to be very much in a dogfight, in my opinion, alongside Ben Norton to see who starts the majority of games over the season. So yeah, it's good to see him back. Nice to see him back. And yeah, also did a very, very good job in there.

Harrison 11:47

He certainly did. And obviously, Lightning came away with that 12-1 victory in the end, and it was a good good reaction to a tough defeat away up in Hull on the previous weekend. And it also meant that the Lightning could go into that Sunday fixture, which we'll go on to now, with a little bit of a comfortability, knowing that a bit of confidence, knowing what they could do at their best, and they would have had to have been at their best facing a Swindon Wildcat side, who at the time obviously they had just got off the back of an overtime win against the Bayes and Stoke Bice and a team that have also had a very good start to the season, and that's a nice little local rivalry that they have there. So Swindon coming into that game with two points, Lightning coming into the game with two points, and it was a fixture, it was one of the fixtures of the season in terms of the quality that was on show from both sides. I mean, yeah, it is two teams at the top of their game, and you can tell by the way that it went to a shootout. I think both teams deserved a point on that Sunday, and you could see that these were two teams that are gonna be at that top end of the table.

Aaron 13:04

Oh, 100%. Even on paper, Swindon just look very strong, don't they, this season? I think they currently sit in fourth, don't they? As of this record in Harrison, I'm pretty sure they're top four. And look, they they have just got star power, especially when you look at the imports. I think statistically speaking, their quintet of import players are actually all five of their leading point scorers as well. So they've quite clearly recruited well. Of course, they've got plenty of experience both in defence and attack. They've got a pretty solid netminder as well, of course, in Renema, who's a GB international. You look at his say percentage season in, season out, it's always hovering around about 92 to 92. It's in that bracket. So yeah, I think on paper it was always going to be a very difficult fixture. And let's face it, yes, we are disappointed, aren't we? Naturally, you'd love to have a four-point weekend, but to go to the Link Centre, pick up a point, and get that close to beating the Wildcats in their own barn, to be honest, I think it is quite a positive sign and definitely something which they can take into this upcoming weekends. Difficult trip to Sheffield.

Harrison 14:42

Yeah, and away fixtures obviously over the years lightning have had their troubles when it comes to away form. But you look at this season, and every side has got better. Every side is trying to make their home barn a place that you don't want to play in. They're trying to make it a real struggle and a real battle, whether you're playing those at the top end of the table or those at the bottom end of the table. And the Wildcats do that very well at their home barn. They are not a team that really lose all that much in their own building. And Lightning have always found the Link Centre a difficult place to go. And I think a lot of Lightning fans can be quite happy with a point getting out of Swindon, and that might be a point that becomes very important. And not only is it a league point, it's a cut point away to Swindon, and that is also quite a big point. And I think the the Wildcats fans will be very happy with the win. The Lightning fans can take a lot from that, and you can see how good the game was. And really, it was both sides having maybe a few minutes or so where they were switched off, which is where the game changed. Because at the end of that first period, Lightning trailed by two goals to one, but you would argue were probably the better side in that first period. But then in the second, three goals in three minutes, and suddenly Lightning have got a four-two advantage, and you're starting to think, well, maybe Lightning can get the victory here. But then 40 seconds apart, Swindon get a double, and suddenly you're looking at four-all, and for just under half of the game, that is how it stayed. It went through an overtime, which one player we will have to mention in from that Swindon game is Jared Whale in net. Obviously, first weekend, we mentioned that he started in net against Bristol, and that was his first competitive fixture of the season. But going to Swindon and having that be your first away start is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, is it?

Aaron 16:51

No, it definitely isn't. And to be honest, I do think there were some early nerves in that first period. I I do think it's it's understandable as well, isn't it? Because you do look at a place like the Link, and it does have a reputation. It'd be the exact same with Milton Keynes. Okay, the Thunderdome over the years has built up quite the reputation for being a really difficult place to go and pick up a positive result. So maybe that played into it, and we mentioned the star power that Swindon have got. So for the first 20, it did feel as though he was trying to settle into a rhythm, into a natural tempo between the between the pipes. But if you look after that, especially in the third period, he made some crucial stops, didn't he? He was a major reason as to why the lightning came away from Swindon with a point. So it is still early days for Jared, isn't it? He's two games into his competitive lightning tenure. But from what we've seen so far, very, very positive signs. And again, a small sample size, but you look at the save percentage, it's currently 92%. So yeah, he's had a very good weekend.

Harrison 18:01

Yeah, and especially in overtime, you could see in overtime that it was a little bit gritty. Neither team was trying to give too much away. They were trying to set something up for themselves. You've got two very well-coached and very well-oiled sides that are just trying to pick each other apart, and it is really a battle of wits. That I mean, the fact it came down to a shootout, I think, tells you how good both sides are set up. And when it comes to the overtime, there weren't many opportunities, but there were two quite big ones for Swindon. And Jared Wells stood firm, stood strong, made some very key saves, and then even in the shootout as well, very confident. He comes far out of his net as well, shuts the angle down, and obviously there were a couple of goals in the shootout, and obviously Vieger scoring that winner to take that extra point for the Wildcats. But there are a couple of pretty good saves from both Rennie Ma and Jared Well in that shootout. And a shootout is very much a it can go either way, really. And as gutting as it would be as a Lightning fan, that you've come out of there and you've not managed to get the two points. I think the performance shows that both sides there deserved a minimum of one point. And it just so happened that Lightning were the side that ended up with just the one. But full credit to the Wildcats, they've got an incredible set of players over there. And another player that I do want to quickly mention as well, Ryan Wells is unbelievable to watch, and he's been an anchor of that Wildcat side ever since he joined them. And I don't see how this Wildcat side goes forward more positively without someone like Ryan Wells at the back. He is him in front of Renee Maher, you've got two very strong lines of defence there that you've got to try and penetrate, and most teams struggle. And so to score four, I think you've got to take positives there as well.

Aaron 20:02

Well, you do. And if we're looking overall picture as well, MKF scored more goals than any other side in the league up until this point. Yes, of course, that Bristol game does help that with 12 in one, but you look at the weekend overall, 16 goals in two games is outstanding. Carmel, as we've mentioned, he's probably been the standout in a goal scoring point of view, hasn't he? He's got four to his name in those two matches. But even so, points shared around, plenty of assists as well. So I completely agree. It's a nice foundation, it's a good platform, not only for this weekend, which we'll discuss two huge games with a local rivalry and a difficult trip to South Yorkshire, but for the rest of the season, hopefully, fingers crossed, this lightning side are looking at this as a bit of a springboard because they have gone toe-to-toe with an excellent Swindon side who, as we've we've both said, Harrison, should be competing realistically, not only for the playoffs, but indeed come the end of the regular season as well, and for the league title in the cup as well. I mean, they're a side who can theoretically challenge on all fronts. So to go toe-to-toe hammer and tongs against a strong Wildcats team, yes, we would have loved a four-point weekend, but to get one is more than a decent effort. And also just mentioning about the netminders, healthy competition. That's really, really good to see, isn't it? Between Headley and Whale, that's something else to watch out for in the coming weeks.

Harrison 21:35

Yeah, and I think it's good for Headley to be able to now have a fit netminder that it just means that if one of them is not feeling right, if they're not 100%, then you have got a top netminder that can take your place. And I mean, with Headley's performances in that first 10 games, you were thinking, is Whale going to be able to get his way back in? And who knows how it will pan out as the season goes along, but it's very good, healthy competition, as you said, and it's not just the competition there, you've got across the line up trying to push forward in lines if you want to try and jump up a line and departnerships as well. They seem to have solidified themselves. But when we talk about those departnerships, one man in particular we caught up with a little bit earlier, and that man is Malik Martelli, who We interviewed a little bit earlier.

Aaron 22:33

Well, Malik, it's great to have you here making your debut on the Lightning Talks podcast. First things first, mate, how do you reflect on the season so far? Because as myself and Harrison have been discussing, it's been an exceptional beginning to the campaign, currently top of the table. Starting off from a team's point of view, how do you look back on these opening 12 matches?

SPEAKER_01 22:58

Unbelievable. I think the last it's been what two months now, considering it's pretty much us four new squads. Not a lot of guys have played together. Obviously, we know each other outside of the team, but coming together in two months and only I think we went on like an eight or nine game winning streak. It's unbelievable. It just shows how tight of a group we are together as well as uh on the ice, off the ice, unbelievable. So yeah, I think it's unbelievable.

Aaron 23:28

Well, it has. It's been a phenomenal start. And let's talk about your individual displays as well, because we were talking off-air, but one goal that came against the the Sheffield Steel Dogs in that brilliant 7-3 victory, four assists as well. You've already got five points in these first 12 games. How do you reflect on your own performances?

SPEAKER_01 23:49

Yeah, I mean, at the back end of last season, you guys know I got injured. Um, so the start of this season was kind of just getting back to the flow of hockey. Um, I didn't want to get too far into it. Pete also didn't want to push me, that's why I didn't play too much a preseason. Um, but recently I've been feeling back to myself a lot more. Um, I've enjoyed it, I'm learning a lot, and yeah, I just feel like it's only can only progress from here, to be fair.

Harrison 24:19

Yeah, and I mean, if we look back at even last season as well, you had 35 points in 44 games as well, which was your best points record uh at MK. So going off the back of last season into this season, you've got a lot of positives to draw from that as well.

SPEAKER_01 24:35

Yeah, exactly. Um, I think with the decor that we have, it's strong, it's strong, young decour. Um, I'm loving the competition. Like, you might not be playing power play a lot, but you'll get minutes in 505, you're learning it's like the competition is unbelievable. And at the same time, I don't look at it as oh, I'm not playing power play. It's just like I'm just enjoying learning new aspects of the game with Pete coming in as well. It's unbelievable.

Aaron 25:03

Well, let's just talk about that in a little bit more detail, Malik, before we get on to those defensive combinations and talk about some of your new teammates because having Pete Russell, a coach of his caliber, is a massive coup, isn't it, for the Lightning? And it's clear to see the impact that he's had on this squad. So, what's it been like working with him? Of course, you've got that experience in the past working alongside him for GB, but what's it like in that game-to-game environment in the NIHL national?

SPEAKER_01 25:33

Yeah, so I had Pete for the week in GB last year, and I feel it's unbelievable. I feel like having him as a coach, um, he just brings out a different side of you. Sides that I haven't really didn't really know I had. And I feel like I'm only starting to like find those aspects with him, um, which is good. Uh, he also brings like the experience, obviously, he was in Germany. Uh, you can tell he knows what he's talking about. I feel like Timmy, I learned a lot, but I'm also learning a different aspect with Pete as well. I feel like they're both unreal in their own way.

Aaron 26:11

Well, they certainly are. And just out of interest, Malik, what would you say has been your biggest learning lesson so far? It's still very early doors, isn't it? 12 games into the season. But what would you say has been your biggest takeaway to date?

SPEAKER_01 26:25

For me personally, as my own individual player, um, I think just kind of having that confidence to play my own game, not get in my head, uh, the physical side of it as well. People can probably see I'm not the most physical, I won't go out fighting guys, but you need that as an ice hockey player, and I feel like I'm slowly getting there.

Aaron 26:46

Well, fair enough. And well, let's talk about your playstyle because again, we do have a lot of diehards, don't we? Tuning into Lightning Talks as a podcast. But we're always looking about bringing in new fans as well, Malik. There might have been people on Saturday, for example, who had never seen the Lightning play before. So, for those who are maybe not as familiar with your play style, what can we as commentators, as MK Lightning fans, expect to see from Malik Martelli this season?

SPEAKER_01 27:16

Um, definitely more physical side, for sure. Um, I feel like if you haven't really watched me play, I'm fast. I like to have the puck on my stick, but at the same time, I actually like to find my teammates. I love to look around, use my vision. Um, but yeah, I feel like I'm learning a lot. Again, the physical side will come. But I think yeah, the speed kill a lot of players for me, and that's what gets me out of a lot of problems for sure.

Harrison 27:46

Yeah, and I mean, you've also got someone like Kel BT as well, who's also brought some speed in as well. So it's also potentially that you've not as relied in that aspect anymore.

SPEAKER_01 27:57

Do you feel like you've got that? Um, I don't, I don't know. Uh it's kind of a weird one. I don't feel like I was ever relied on with my speed. Um, I think Kel is unbelievable. His style of play, I feel like he's very he plays in a very experienced type of game of hockey for his age. And I feel like the ceiling is very high for him for sure. But I don't think it was I was ever relied on for just my speed. I feel like we all have our own abilities that is used.

Aaron 28:28

Well, just out of interest again, Malik, right? Where does that come from? Was that natural game something which you've had something in your arsenal? Pardon the pun, given the jacket, since your your early days of playing the game, or is that something which has been nurtured over the course of your career?

SPEAKER_01 28:44

No, I think it's been from young. I've always been told, Malik, you're so fast, use your speed. And I feel like when I was younger and still growing into the men's hockey, I used it only going forward. But then with the coaching and people around me, I've like been told like you can use your speed to also defend. You don't have to be the biggest player, don't have to be six foot two. I am sort of far from six foot two. Um, so yeah, I feel like I've learned that I can use my speed in different ways as well, which is something that I'm also learning.

Aaron 29:16

And again, you're still very early on in your career. Myself and Harrison were discussing this before the podcast, but you're still only 22, but you've had a number of seasons now in your career, so still plenty of time to learn and improve heading into the future. And one question that I had about I suppose your career up until this point, before we get on to that chat about some of your newer teammates and teammates you played with at GB, Malik, if you had to select one or two players or coaches or mentor figures who have had a real impact on your journey so far, who would you say would fit that mold and why?

SPEAKER_01 29:58

I think there's three for me. Uh my junior coach, Rob Corcom, Canadian, he brought me out to Canada with his family, helped me and my my pet family make it out there, and brought me to my first ever um training camp, I guess, like a camp. That was unbelievable. I feel like he taught me the raw side of hockey very hard on us and also built me up to be the man I am today. So definitely him. Um, Michael Farn, he played a massive part in me actually playing for the MK Lightning. Um, I think it also helped him be the player coach. You got to watch him play the game, and I take a lot of what he does or he did um into my own game nowadays. I feel like he was an unbelievable hockey player. Probably could still be playing now if he really wanted to, but that's a story for another day. Um Timmy uh is my third one for sure. Uh Timmy was, I don't know, unbelievable. I feel like it was more of like a confidence thing, being 16 years old, coming into the team. Um, he called me and said, I want you my team. And I feel like he stuck with me. I feel like for like young Brits, it's very hard for like coaches to stick by you. So when Timmy took me along and kept me for this long in MK, it was just like someone had to trust in me, believed in my ability, and he still does, and which is unbelievable. And hope it's all going well for him in five for sure.

Aaron 31:26

Oh, 100%. We completely concur with that sentiment. Speaking of that GB link, of course, you're now a team GB International Malik. We spoke earlier off air about your your partnership with a certain Archie Hazel time. Now, he is one of the new faces this season. I know that you two have been a defensive combination on the international circuit. So, what's it been like pairing with Archie in the national so far?

SPEAKER_01 31:55

Uh, it brings it back a couple of years, to be fair. Um, yeah, so he was my GB partner in under 20s, and I've even played with Arch before that was even a thing as well. Uh, with England playing against him when he played for the Nottingham, the Nottingham junior side as well. Um, and conference growing up against him. I played against him as well. So I've known Arch for a very long time, and I hope people can obviously see the connection that we have. It's very fluent. Like, I don't feel like we had to learn to play with each other. I feel like it kind of just came back, we kind of know where each other are, and also our style of play is very similar. So it's also about adapting. Um, we both like to rush with a part, we like to go forward with it. So I've learned a way of like adapting as well as he's also learned how to adapt. But I feel like playing with him is so easy. Uh, he makes the game look easy, and you can tell he has the experience from the elite league, and he probably should be still in the elite league, in my opinion. But again, time will come for all of us if you want to, if we want to go up, if we don't want to go up, we have the roof for sure to do it.

Harrison 33:03

Yeah, and I mean, one thing we also said off air is about, and you said it just then that you and Archie have a very similar sort of style of play. And you look at the defensive players that we have at the Lightning, and you two are both very attack-minded, but you also complement each other very well when going forward and going back. And is that genuinely just that natural connection you've got?

SPEAKER_01 33:26

Yeah, I genuinely believe it's just a natural connection we have. I feel like we just read off each other really well, and I'm quite happy that I've actually got him as a partner because sometimes he gets me out of trouble a few times. Um, so yeah, definitely have to thank him for that one.

Harrison 33:42

I'm sure he could say the same for you as well. I hope so.

Aaron 33:47

I'm sure he could. And again, this is, I suppose, a follow-up question to that, Malik. Do you prefer that then? Because it almost feels like a high uh not hyperbole, but a bit of an oxymoron in hockey to say the words attacking defenseman, but both of you fit into that mold. So the question that I had surrounding that is do you prefer almost having that similar archetype alongside you on a defensive pairing, or do you not mind having a little bit more of a of a stay-at-home defenseman as well?

SPEAKER_01 34:19

Yeah, I'm I'm not fussed about who my partner is at all. I feel like I have a I could play with any of the six other D-men that we have. Um it just depends on what if you have the brains to do it. Um, and I feel like I do. The I feel like me and Arch just work really well. Last year I played with Griff, I played with Archie, um, and I trained with Jake as well a few times. Nagzi, I've played with a few times. I feel like it's just about a connection that you build, and whether it sticks, it sticks. And if it doesn't, it doesn't. But I can play with pretty much anyone if I had to.

Harrison 34:52

And just looking back at your career really with the Lightning, you have partnered a lot of different D-men. You go back to, I think it was the 22-23 season, right? If I remember rightly, with Ben Russell at points as well. Yeah. Um, and then you've also got players like say his brother Sam, you've come through where you've then had Ben Solder in the lineup as well. You've partnered a lot of different D-men, and I'm assuming that probably just adds to your game as well, because then you've learned to mould yourself to be able to play with every different type of partner you can.

SPEAKER_01 35:26

Yeah, exactly. Um, I think it helps for sure playing with all these different types of defensemen. Again, it molds you to be able to play with anyone. Um again, you named some unbelievable defensemen that I've actually been able to like take some skills off. Um, Lewis Christie, Griff, Sloth. There's some unbelievable players that I've played with and a lot of experienced players. And again, I'm still learning. There's a I still speak to a few of them as well here and there. Louis for sure, because obviously he's the assistant coach. But I'm always trying to get tips off these guys. Whether just because they're not like attacking defensemen, they can still help me in other aspects of my game. And there's no reason why I can't ask them here and there whenever what can I do better?

Aaron 36:14

Well, to be honest, I can't believe that we haven't actually asked this Malik, but just one final question from me with regards to the role of the defenseman. Why did Malik Martelli become a D-man in the first place? Why didn't you become a forward or a netminder?

SPEAKER_01 36:29

Oh man, so when I started ice hockey, they I started Stratham Juniors, they just threw me in defense. They was like, all right, you're playing defense. And I was like, okay, that's fine. But they obviously realized that I could skate with the puck as well. And they was like, all right, this is definitely your spot, you're gonna stay here, and we could use like an extra forward, basically. Um, I have had a had a few stints where I played forward here and there, but not my strong suit for sure. Um, I like to keep that with the forwards, that's a lot of skating to do as a forward, and they'll probably tell you the same as well. So yeah, I'll definitely keep that for the forwards for sure, and I'll stay D.

Harrison 37:07

But you also have to look at Griff at the weekend. Obviously, playing as a fourth-line forward, would you not take up that role?

SPEAKER_01 37:15

Honestly, hats off to Griff. Um, he has shown me that he can play forward, and I was so surprised that he done so well. Um, even Sunday. Um, I obviously laugh and joke about it, but he done certain things that we obviously need from a fourth line player. Um, and he just got stuck in and he basically proved himself. And yeah, he can play forward as well if he wanted to, to be fair. Um, if he wants to do it, it's there. He can probably play another 10 years if he wanted to.

Aaron 37:49

Oh, he most certainly could. He's he's such a good player, isn't he? James Griffin, a leader, fantastic on defence, and yeah, as we saw on the weekends, pretty handy in a forward position as well. So yeah, fair play to Griffins. Speaking of this past weekend, Malik, of course, someone who we haven't actually discussed upon yet, but Jared Whale, one of the other newcomers in this lightning side for this season, the netminder, who came in for his first competitive start against Bristol and also played yesterday against Swindon. What's he been like in the group so far?

SPEAKER_01 38:25

Unbelievable person. Um he's actually one of the guys that I sit next to in the room, and honestly, just so down to earth, so chilled. His experience obviously playing NCAA at the highest level, he brings it into the room, the professionalism on and off the ice. And he just looked like he hadn't basically missed any weeks of hockey. He looked unbelievable, very calm when Lapac playing out. Um, yeah, like I said, he just showed his class on the weekend, and he's a good he's another good import that we've added to our roster. So yeah, a definitely one to watch out for.

Aaron 39:02

Oh, he absolutely is. Harrison, you'll have the exact stats, but I think his save percentage over those two games was around about 92%. So yeah, it's been a great start for for Jared. And speaking of netminders, someone who was actually playing against you at the weekend was former Lightning Man Will Curlin, and myself and Harrison. We we called it a a Will Curlin meet and greet at the end, didn't we? There was that line of players that the the postmatch and a great reception from the home faithful. Yeah, Malik, just a few words on on Will because over the past few seasons you were defending him, weren't you? In your role as the defenseman. And of course, on Saturday, you boys were attacking against him for the first time in quite a while. So, what was that like having Will back at the Thunderdome on Saturday?

SPEAKER_01 39:51

Yeah, unbelievable. Will is an absolute character. Um, I still speak to him to this day every single day, pretty much. We still catch up. Um, he was uh basically a light in our room, always kept the boys up in the the negative times, the positive times. Just one of those guys that you always want in your room. And when he's on the ice, professional, when he's off the ice, professional. But honestly, the guy just made me laugh every single time I came into that room. Whether he was angry at someone, it was just hilarious. If he was just happy to be there, honestly, like he he's still his roof is still high as well. He could go as high as he wants as long as he sticks to it. Um, and yeah, I wish nothing but the best for him. He deserves it all.

Aaron 40:36

Oh, he really does. A great, great guy. And we spoke about it, an integral part of the lightning for the past few seasons. So it was nice to see him back, and I think in the end he didn't concede any goals either. So decent performance from Will in the end. And yeah, of course, Malik, we've spoken there about the past weekends. I know that we're getting on a little bit tight for time in this certain segment, so we've got to look forward to next week, of course. And let's face it, two pretty big games. Peterborough at home on Halloween, and then Sheffield away on Sunday, the first of November. So when it comes to those two matches, first and foremost, how excited are you for those matches to come up in the calendar?

SPEAKER_01 41:25

Yeah, a local derby. Everyone loves one of them. Um, Peterborough is never a team you can write off. Dylan Lawrence, obviously, ex MK lining player, unbelievable. Ferrara, unbelievable, Lakinen. The top line is just unbelievable. But you always get excited for these games. Fans is always up for it, we're always up for it. It's just one of those things that you go in to know that this is the game you want to win. Um, and then as for Sunday, another tough place to go. Sheffield on their day are a really tough team to beat. Um, I feel like we need to go into this away game prepared, ready to go, ready for a battle. Um, because they're not gonna make it easy for us. I don't think any team this season will look at uh playing MK and be like, okay, we're gonna take it a day off. And I think fans can realise that as well. A lot of teams are playing their best games against MK Lightning. So wherever we go, we need to be ready, we need to be prepared. And Sheffield is where we start this Sunday, is away in Sheffield.

Harrison 42:26

And we've obviously had quite a mix of results uh away, but we've had a big victory, say, in Leeds. Um a couple tough games against say Romford and Hull, and then the close shootout in Swindon as well. Yeah, there's a lot that we can take from that in both positive and negative, really.

SPEAKER_01 42:45

Oh, yeah, definitely. Um, I think someone said a stat that we've only dropped four points um in this run. Um, I think that was the is that correct me if I'm wrong. Um, but I think that just proves it all. We might be we might have lost like two or three games away. Um, but we're still on track. Again, we have pretty much only been with each other for two months. Um, and the fact that we have already created this run of game wins, I feel like once we really start to gel, really start to learn and buy in, it will be tough to beat us for sure. Home or away. Uh, we just need to buy in, and I feel like we will, when the time's right, it will start to click and we will be unstoppable.

Aaron 43:31

Well, speaking of that, Malik, our final question then for the podcast. It is about next weekend, and it is about that home game against Peterborough. You mentioned it local derby against the Phantoms. It's always a great atmosphere, isn't it? At the Thunderdome when Peterborough are in town. And look, they were brilliant on Saturday, weren't they? Yeah. Against Bristol, making plenty of noise. So, my final question for today is about the lightning home crowd. What is your message to the MK Faithful ahead of what is a big weekend in the national?

SPEAKER_01 44:08

Yeah, we just need them all to be loud and proud. What they do every week is what we need, plus more, if they can. Because I feel like the levels that they reach is unbelievable. It's a place that I love playing. And when the crowd gets going, it's it is wild to be playing in front of you. So We need all of the MK fans there, hopefully a sellout crowd for sure, and hopefully get the win.

Aaron 44:34

Fingers crossed. Well, Malik, I think that is a lovely way to wrap up our interview for today. Thank you ever so much for taking the time. And of course, all of us uh wishing you all the very best of luck for this weekend.

SPEAKER_01 44:48

Thank you so much, guys. Thank you for today.

Harrison 44:50

Well, a massive thank you to Malik Martelli for joining us on the Lightning Torks podcast. And obviously, we wish him all the best this weekend as we play the Phantoms and the Steel Dogs. But before we look ahead at the weekend, let's just go back and look at the other scores from around the NIHL and the standings, of course, which are all important as well. So starting off on Friday, the Leeds Knights shut out Solway five goals to nil, and a result that I think the Knights really needed just to get them going again. Um, the Bristol Pitbulls fell 5-2 at home to Bayes and Stoke Bison, who'd had a couple of difficult results going into that one, so a good one for them to pick up two points on the Friday night. On the Saturday, the early face-off, and we were following it along on commentary as the game got started. Romford Raiders three, Telford Tigers nine. And having looked at the game sheet, it seems like one five-minute boarding call was what really gave the Tigers a chance to go to town, and go to town they did.

Aaron 46:00

Oh, it was insane, wasn't it? We had to do a double take when we were looking at that resort. Since it was, it was it felt like every single minute, it was the second period, wasn't it? Telford hit six at the Sapphire in that second 20. Felt like every single time we were refreshing, it was another goal. It was Telford four, Telford five, Telford six. So, yeah, you speak about statement wins against an informed Romford side who've had a really strong start to the season. Fair play to the Tigers, they absolutely demolished them.

Harrison 46:33

Yeah, and an unbelievable win for a Tiger side that started the season maybe not as positively as they would have liked, and a good chance for them to basically kick on uh after that big victory down in Romford. Obviously, we mentioned the Wildcats getting the overtime victory with 30 seconds left of overtime in Basenstoke. Solway hosted the whole Seahawks, and the Seahawks do what they do best, they grind out the results, and they led the Solway team four goals to one. That one ended. And then Sheffield Steel Dogs hosting Peter for Phantoms. That went 4-1 to the Sheffield Steel Dogs. A hat trick from Dante Salaturo, who is a man on hot form at the moment, and that is one that Lightning are going to have to keep an eye on when it comes to Sunday's fixture. Talking of Sunday, the other games that went on in the national on Sunday, Telford Tigers 4, Leeds Knights 5 in overtime, but that doesn't really tell the story as to what happened in that game because the Tigers were at one point they went 4-0 down, fought back to 4-all, and got the game into overtime, gutting for them really not to get the two points, but an unbelievable fight back from the Tigers there.

Aaron 48:02

Oh, it really was. And look, I know, of course, we're speaking mostly from an MK point of view, but as for another side who had a standout weekend, it would be Telford, wouldn't it? The West Midlands outfit. We mentioned about the the dominant, the commanding display they had at the at the Sapphire against Romford. But to to come back from 4-0 down, yes, of course, out of their own rink, right? They would have been bitterly disappointed. But to do that against any side is impressive. To do it against Leeds, even though the Knights haven't had the greatest of starts by their very lofty standards, still deserves a lot of praise and a lot of applaudits. And dare I say, I thought that Telford would have won that. I'm surprised that it went actually to a shootout because when you see those periods in hockey where a side just goes bang, bang, bang, bang, and score four or five in quick succession, they tend to go on to win the game. You've got the momentum, and that fourth goal, I think they're still around about 15-16 minutes of the game remaining. So yeah, fair play to to Telford for battling back in such a brilliant manner. But yeah, in the end, it's it's heartbreaking, isn't it? That's just the sport at times.

Harrison 49:13

Oh yeah. We've been there, we've been on the other end of it as well. I think the game that the game that stands out, not much for not as such for the battling back, but the overtime loss at home to Basenstoke towards the back end of last season as well. That just that's what brings back just the the heartbreak of an overtime defeat. And it was Bissonet a minute and fifty into overtime that put a dagger into Telford Hearts, which, but as you said, full credit to Telford for the battle back there. In a Yorkshire derby, the whole Seahawks saw off the Sheffield Steel Dogs four goals to three, two power play goals in the last six minutes for the Seahawks, and it was at 58-16 the Seahawks took a 4-2 lead on the power play, and a late Steel Dogs goal with just over a minute left wasn't enough to get them level and take it to overtime, but it continues an unbelievable start to the season for the Seahawks, and as it stands, they sit top of the pile in the league. Joint with MK, of course, however, the extra regulation wins puts the Seahawks top of the tree, and that is a sight that those fans in Yorkshire have been longing to see, and they absolutely deserve to be where they are at the moment. They've had a superb start to the season. 10 wins from 12 games, and the two losses coming away to an inform Basenstoke and an inform Lightning. You can't really moan too much if you're a Seahawks fan. Obviously, keeping an eye on that table. The Raiders slipped a little bit further behind, having only got one point from their weekend, 17 points. They now sit three points behind the Lightning and the Seahawks. The Wildcats chasing very close behind with 16 points from 10 games. They've got two games in hand. They can win those two. Suddenly, it's a three-way tie at the top of the table. Sheffield Steel Dogs, Leeds Knights, Basenstoke Bison, and Telford Tigers round out the top eight. Solway in ninth, level on points with the Phantoms in tenth, and the Pitbulls trail on four points. In the Cup as well, just a brief look at the cup standings. It is the Raiders that lead the way in the Cup with only one point dropped in their seven games. Lightning are just behind them with seven games and twelve points. The Wildcats six games, eleven points, so they could join Romford at the top if they win their next cup game. The Seahawks could join the Lightning on 12 points if they win their next Cup game, as they've only played six and got ten. And beyond that, the Steel Dogs with seven points. It starts to get a little bit tough to see how the other teams will be getting there. But you never know when it comes to hockey. And the final fixture we didn't mention because it will lead us nicely into talking about this weekend. And it was the Peterborough Phantoms getting an overtime victory in Nathan Pollard's first game as head coach at Breton. Obviously, he was head coach for the game the previous night, but his first home game as head coach getting an overtime victory against a Raider side that are doing incredibly well, that would have gone down like a treat. And especially in a game that they trailed all the way until overtime.

Aaron 52:58

Oh, absolutely. I think that displayed a lot of character, to be honest, from the Phantoms. And I know I alluded to a shaky start by lead standards, but Peterborough right down towards the bottom of the pile, which is very, very surprising. The Phantoms are usually quite fast starters in the national. So that's been a real surprise. And when you've had a pretty tough start, games where you are trailing, especially at home, and the atmosphere might have just flattened a little bit, you're feeling a little bit down and dejected, they can be difficult to come back in. And yet Peter Bridges an exceptional job. And we've got to mention Adam Berg. He was the hat-trick hero, he was the spark, the talisman, the catalyst, whatever superlative you want to throw at him. He's gonna be a handful for MK on Saturday, and you always look at Luke Ferrara. I think I've done a couple of commentaries where he's hit the winning goal, and it's been absolutely heartbreaking. He is a natural finisher, and the the real key for me, Harrison, in addition to your burgs, your Ferraras, of course, Dylan Lawrence, formerly of this parish, but I always look at Jana Larkin and I always look at Larkin and because what we see far too often in this league is teams playing zone against him and almost allowing him to have a little bit of time and space, and he's got such brilliant vision. He's always up there, isn't he, when it comes to leading the assists. We had that conversation on air about David Thompson, but Larkinen is Peterborough's answer to David Thompson in the lightning. So they they've got to keep him as quiet as humanly possible, and that's a lot easier said than done. So yes, for me, I think from a goal scoring point of view, it is that trio of Berg Ferrara Lawrence. But yeah, watch out for Jana Larken, and he's almost the maestro conducting the orchestra, so yeah, I think there's got to be quite a bit of extra onus and emphasis on keeping him a little bit quiet.

Harrison 55:06

Yeah, and Larkin, as we said, he's the oldest player in the national, but he doesn't play like he's the oldest player in the national, and there's a lot of quality there. I mean, he's not just an assister, he got that winning goal in overtime for the Phantoms against the Raiders. And it's just there is a lot of quality, especially in those top two lines for the Phantoms. And I think that'll probably be one of the things that they're going to look to try and use, those top two lines, and I think deep down they would know that Lightning have got the depth on them, but Phantoms can go into that knowing that they've got a top two lines that can compete with anyone, and they showed that at the weekend. And obviously, they are struggling a little bit with injuries. I mean, no Tom Norton, no Brad Bowering, that's two big names that they are missing. They're not your your fringe players, they are top six and top four in terms of who you would pick. And that's a big loss, especially at the back. And that seems to be where the Phantoms have struggled this season. It's not really been the going forward, it has been the keeping things tight at the back, and even with Hennessy in net, it does it's stopping the shots that are coming in on net, as opposed to being the net mind that is stopping them from going in the back of the net. So it will be interesting to see how the game goes. But as you said, there's a lot of quality in Larkenan, Lawrence, Ferrara, Berg, and you also they're missing Ewan Hill as well. That's another forward that the Phantoms are missing at the moment as well. So you suddenly get those three players back, and I can't see the Phantoms staying in that tenth place much longer. And with a new coach, you would say maybe a new coach bounce would do them a nice little bit of justice. They've got that win under their belt that they'd struggled to get as of right now, and they can go into the game against the Lightning with a lot of confidence. And I mean, you look at their start to the season, they had a tough weekend last weekend against Solway, scoring five, conceding 13, and giving Solway a four-point weekend. Then they had a tough double header against the Seahawks. It's not been easy for them, but you also remember they can do it opening night. What did they do? They went to the link centre and got a 6-4 victory. This is a phantom side that cannot be taken lightly.

Aaron 57:45

Well, they can't. And I think the other factor that comes into play is the fact that it's Derby Day. And how often do we say this, not only in ice hockey but across sport, Derby Day is different. It doesn't matter if a size are on a 10-game win streak or a ten-game losing streak, anything can happen. It's all about who turns up on the day and almost rides the emotion of the occasion better. So for me, almost as a little bit of an intangible factor, MK have been really disciplined so far this season. You can see that with a penalty minutes per game, it's less than eight. They were excellent again over the course of the pitfalls game. I think there was one penalty called all game. It was the cross-check, wasn't it, against Jake Hayward? So in that capacity, as long as MK stayed disciplined, I do think the Lightning are the better side on paper. But things can happen in a derby. Words can be exchanged, something can be said from the crowd, something can be said from the sidelines or the bench to spark, to ignite something. So I know it's a very cliche thing to say, but MK have got to be so so careful. Yes, you want to feed off the extra energy, you want to feed off the excitement of the crowd and the occasion, but you've also got to remember the bigger picture. They can't be allowing silly penalties, silly moments where they lose their head. So that for me, even though MK are in the better form, they've got to remain grounded in that fact. They have got to play a very disciplined game from start to finish in order to break down this Peter Braside.

Harrison 59:23

They certainly do. And I mean, it's a it's a weird one because Peterborough have got obviously a good top line, and you think about power play, and you think, oh, they would be right up there. They sit joint tenth with a 20% power play, and Lightning's on 24%, and that's not hugely better. But with the players that Peterborough have got, you'd expect them to be a little bit higher. But let's talk about Sunday as well. Obviously, we'll are starting to run out of time, so we need to talk about that fixture up in Yorkshire, away to the Sheffield Steel Dogs. Now, the Steel Dogs are a team that are probably one of the more unpredictable teams in the NIHL. They'll have a weekend where they'll go and beat your Leeds Knights, which they did a couple weeks ago. They beat the the Peterborough Phantoms quite comfortably, but then they fell early doors to Telford and to Solway, and they dropped a massive loss really in MK. And then two overtime losses to Romford. So it's a weird sort of Sheffield have always been that odd mixed team that you don't really know what you're going to get from them. But the man to watch out for, Dante Salaturo, 13 goals in 12 games. He is going to be a handful if he gets on the puck. And I think about Berginoff from last season, and he's come in as a Berginoff replacement and has almost gone, whatever you can do, I can do better.

Aaron 1:01:01

Yeah, it's funny you say that, Harrison. I was just about to make that exact comparison. Because they have they've gone like for like. Bear Genjinov last season was a handful, wasn't he? Let's face it, we could see it at the Thunderdome. I did one of the games in Sheffield where MK made the journey up. They lost, unfortunately, in the end, and he was just such a nuisance. He was such a nuisance, not only with his goal scoring, but he just didn't run out of energy. He was indefatigable, and it's something which I think the the Steel Dogs do really well as a side is just apply immense pressure on the four check. They're very, very aggressive. So I I think the MK defence have got to be pretty mindful of that, to be honest. You can't be offering a little bit too much time on the puck. We spoke about the strength of the movement against the pit bulls, might require something similar against Sheffield because they are going to attack you in packs, they're going to double-team you, they're going to get those poke checks in. So that is just something to be mindful of. But what a start it has been for Sally Churo because you look at that steel dog side and you'd go, Well, Walker Sommer is the main man. He's someone with national experience, he's someone who again pretends to be up there in their point scoring season in season out. And Walker Somer is six points behind Sally Churo at the minute, so it's been a fantastic start for him, and someone else who immediately jumps off the page again, had a great game against us in that game in South Yorkshire. But CJ Garcia, for as much as we speak about MK having those attacking defenseman archetypes, CJ Garcia does exactly that, and then some he has got a howitzer of a slap shot in the arsenal. Like he scored one last season, which almost ripped the net. I was looking at and thinking, how on earth do you stop that?

Harrison 1:02:56

So no, I was gonna say really though that he's played what a total of 67 games for the Steel Dogs, and he's got 64 points from D. Tells you all you need to know about Garcia, who's got experience in the RHL, ECHL, U Sports. I mean, it is absolutely endless. And you've got to also think that the one player we haven't mentioned, Michael Pellick. I mean, Michael Pelick has got 35 games in the AHL, and that's not just appearances, he's got six points in 35 games in the AHL, probably the second best league in the world, and it that tells you everything you really need to know about some of the imports that the Steel Dogs have got, and but I think there is one other player we are missing, and that is Jonathan Phillips. I mean, other than the four on-ice imports, not including Shane Owen, of course, Jonathan Phillips is right up there with the points, and he always seems to be.

Aaron 1:04:05

Well, he does. Again, he's just solid as granite, isn't he, Jonathan Phillips? He's someone who season in, season out, it's a very cliche phrasing sport, but you can almost rest your cap on him. You know he's gonna deliver the goods, and again, he'll be a bit of a nuisance, to be honest, in that game on Sunday. So, yeah, I I think we've both made the point and made it very clear. It's gonna be a very difficult away trip. It really is, and I do think it's one of those away fixtures where not a lot is riding on Saturday's performance, but I think Saturday's performance could very much help the course. Let's just put it that way. If MK can put together a complete performance in the Derby against the Phantoms, get those two points on the board nice and early for the weekend, again it's a real boost. It's a bit of a springboard, it's a platform to take into that game against the Steel Dogsons. Who knows what can happen? But the fact is there have been some heartbreaking, heartbreaking away defeat so far. But the fact that this team are taking it so close when they've only had a couple of months to gel as a unit, as Malik mentioned in our interview earlier, is a really, really positive thing. So, yeah, let's wait and see. But yeah, I do think it's gonna be a tough weekend. However, if the lightning can get three or four points from it, they'll look back and go, you know what, we've done an absolutely stellar job to get this haul.

Harrison 1:05:36

Yeah, and the thing that the Lightning can look at as well is going to Sheffield, you're playing on the same size ice pad that you play on the Saturday night, and that's gonna help Lightning play massively. Pete Russell will know everything about that ice pad from GB training there on multiple occasions as well. So it's gonna be an interesting one. I think these are the sort of away games that if you're Lightning and you're looking at that top of the table and you want to stay there, these are the sort of games that you're gonna have to pick the points up in, and whether you get the two or you get one, you've at least bare minimum, you've got to be picking up a point in these away fixtures. So it will be interesting to see. As you said, it's a couple of big games this weekend. If you haven't got your tickets for the Halloween fixture between the Lightning and the Phantoms, it is so apt that the Lightning are playing the Phantoms on Halloween, I have to mention it. But if you haven't got your tickets, mk-lightning.co.uk forward slash tickets. There is still a good amount left, but if you want some good seats, they are going. And we're gonna need all the help we can get as a lightning fan base. Get behind the boys, and if you are able to make the journey up on Sunday to Sheffield, make some noise while you're up there as well, and enjoy the grub because the food there is amazing, I have to say. And confirms it's it's it's pretty good. But yeah, lightning fans, do your thing as you always do. But that'll be about it from us on the Lightning Talks podcast. Thank you very much, Aaron, for for joining us on this one. It'll be good, it's good to see you back, of course, as well.

Aaron 1:07:20

Oh mate, it's an absolute pleasure. It's great to be back. And well, sadly I won't be there on Halloween. I will be cheering from afar, I'll be watching the stream. So, yeah, wishing the boys all the very best of luck. It's a big weekend, but I back us to do well.

Harrison 1:07:36

Yes, and that's all we can ask for. Thank you very much to everyone for listening to the Lightning Talks podcast. Make sure to follow it on your preferred platform or give it a like and a watch on the YouTube channel as well. The highlights for the fixture against the pit bulls went up yesterday, so feel free to give that a watch and a share as well. That'll be it from us here at Lightning Talks, and we hope to see you on Saturday for the visit of the Peter Braphantoms, and I'm gonna go.