Our
History
From a grassroots club founded to develop local talent, to a registered charity with international alumni and one of the most ambitious development programmes in British ice hockey — this is the story of MK Thunder.
Celebrating 25 Years of MK Thunder — 2001 to 2026
This season marks a quarter century of Thunder hockey in Milton Keynes. From our first game on the ice to our 25th anniversary season, we celebrate every player, coach, volunteer and fan who has made this club what it is.
The Thunder Story
Key moments from our journey across 25 seasons of ice hockey in Milton Keynes.
MK Thunder is Founded
MK Thunder is established in Milton Keynes, born from a desire to provide competitive hockey and development opportunities for players emerging from the Milton Keynes junior ice hockey system. The club makes its home at Planet Ice Arena — known locally as the Thunderdome — sharing the rink with the MK Kings.
Season 1First Season on the Ice
Thunder complete their inaugural season competing in the National Ice Hockey League South and its predecessor competitions. The club's philosophy is clear from the outset — local players first, with a commitment to developing Milton Keynes talent rather than importing players from outside the area.
A New Era at the Thunderdome
The MK Kings depart Milton Keynes, relocating to Solihull. Thunder continue at Planet Ice Arena and establish themselves as a permanent fixture in the Milton Keynes hockey landscape, committed to grassroots development at a time of significant change in the city's ice hockey scene.
Building a Development Reputation
Thunder grow into a respected development club in English ice hockey. Players including Michael Knights, Tom Griffiths, Bari McKenzie and Ross Green represent Great Britain at U18 and U20 level, establishing the club's reputation as a genuine pathway to international hockey. The club has strict limits on imported players, with the roster dominated by locally developed talent.
First International AlumniFirst Import Player
Slovakian defenceman Ivan Turan becomes the first import player in Thunder history, with strong support from the fanbase to help — a testament to the community spirit that has always defined this club.
Refusing to Fold — The Waitrose Rink
Planet Ice Arena closes in July 2013 for a major 17-month redevelopment. Rather than mothballing the club, Thunder refuse to give up. Long-time manager Dave Fairhurst and a committed band of volunteers transform a vacated Waitrose supermarket in Milton Keynes city centre into a temporary ice rink — the MKIce facility — ensuring the club and local ice sports survive. Over 130,000 sports visits are saved in the community.
Community SpiritReturn to the Thunderdome
Thunder return home as the newly refurbished and renamed Planet Ice Arena reopens. The redeveloped rink provides significantly improved facilities for players and fans alike. A new chapter begins for the club after one of the most challenging periods in its history.
HomecomingMark Woolf's #1 Retired
In a landmark moment for the club, netminder Mark Woolf has his #1 jersey retired following 17 seasons of outstanding service from 2001 to 2018. The ceremony takes place on 13th October 2018 during a home game against Bracknell Bees — the first number retirement in Thunder history, honouring one of the club's greatest ever servants.
Hall of FameFirst Trophy — NIHL South BBO Cup
Thunder lift their first ever piece of silverware, winning the NIHL South BBO Cup in the 2016-17 season. A 7-4 win over Oxford City Stars secured top spot in the competition's group stage. The achievement is just reward for a club that has always focused on development over silverware — and proof that the two are not mutually exclusive.
🏆 Trophy WinnersA Decade of International Pedigree
Thunder's rosters contain an extraordinary run of international players including Jordan Hedley, Nicky Chinn and Sean Norris — who all go on to represent Great Britain at senior level — alongside dozens of U18 and U20 internationals. The club cements its status as a recognised development pathway in British ice hockey.
GB Senior InternationalsAwarded Charitable Status
MK Thunder Ice Hockey Club is formally awarded charitable status (Charity No. 1203887), reflecting the club's long-standing commitment to community, accessibility and athlete development. The charitable objectives centre on serving the local and regional community and providing a talent pathway for athletes regardless of socio-economic background.
Registered Charity No. 1203887Project Thunderstorm Launched
Thunder launch Project Thunderstorm — a groundbreaking partnership with MK Storm Juniors designed to create a structured development pathway for talented young Milton Keynes players into senior hockey. The project guarantees prospect slots in Thunder's roster, provides free season tickets to all Storm members, and establishes a coach education programme — the most ambitious community initiative in the club's history.
New EraThe 25th Anniversary Season
Thunder celebrate 25 years of ice hockey in Milton Keynes. Under the leadership of Head Coach Will Fry and General Manager Lauren Cox, the club enters its anniversary season with a clear vision — honour the past, invest in the future, and continue to give every young player in MK the best possible chance to reach their potential.
25th AnniversaryThe values that have defined 25 years of Thunder
From day one, MK Thunder has been built on values that go beyond winning hockey games. These principles have guided every decision the club has made across a quarter of a century.
Local First
Thunder was founded to develop Milton Keynes players and has remained committed to that mission for 25 years. The vast majority of players who have worn the Thunder jersey have come from the local junior hockey system.
Community
As a registered charity, Thunder exists to serve the Milton Keynes community. From the extraordinary effort to keep hockey alive during the rink closure, to free season tickets for Storm members — community is at the heart of everything we do.
Development
Over 35 Thunder alumni have gone on to represent Great Britain or England at international level. Development is not just a word at this club — it is the reason we exist, and it is what we measure our success by.