Skipper Carr among several MK Lightning departures
MK Lightning have confirmed 11 departures ahead of the new season, with captain Adam Carr among those leaving the club.
32-year-old Carr leaves MK Lightning after 14 seasons playing for the ice hockey team. The player leaves having held the MK Lightning’s all-time appearance record.
Michael Farn, Leigh Jamieson, Craig Scott, Lewis Christie, Jordan Cownie and James Neil also leave the club after their double winning season and rise to the Elite League. International roster players Frankie Bakrlik, Mikolaj Lopuski, Antti Hölli and Milan Baranyk also depart the club.
Lightning Coach Pete Russell reflected on the difficult decisions to release players who helped secure memorable success for the Lightning, but took time to wish them the best for the future.
He said, “On behalf of the club and the fans, I would like to thank all of these guys for their fantastic form and commitment. Without them our new adventure into the Elite League simply would not have been possible. Special mention has to go to Captain Carr, as well as to Farny, Jamo and Lewey. These guys are MK Lightning legends and are now part of our club history forever.
“Next season will bring with it a new, more intense schedule, and we all knew that the team would need to change. It’s one of the toughest parts of the promotion to swallow. But it’s hockey life. What’s important is that we give these players the praise and thanks due to them for their part in our fantastic journey. All of these players finished as Champions and no one can ever take that away. We wish them all the very best for the future. I’m sure they will add value to their new clubs and be successful wherever they go.”