#96 Ali Barrow returns to Thunder for the 2024/25 season in a player & coaching role.

First icing for Thunder in 2014, Ali has vast experience at senior level – representing Swindon Wildcats in the previous ENL 1 & 2, following a long junior career in Swindon. The 32 year old Forward took a break from the sport after his first Thunder season, but returned in 2022 to play an important role both on and off the ice.

Ali is positive about the direction that the club is taking, and is looking forward to resuming his playing and coaching responsibilities next month:

‘Last season’s performance fell far below our expectations as a club, team, and as individuals. This season, myself the returning players are motivated and ready to compete from the outset. Will has stepped in as coach bringing a change in identity and culture and we have new faces in our squad eager to cement their number in the lineup which will naturally create the competitive environment required to bring out the best in everyone.’

As well as previously playing for Swindon, Ali has also represented Kent Knights in the BUIHA, as well as earning selections for showcase (South West) at U11 through to U17 level. In his role as a coach, he has also provided key support for the MK Falcons team in the WNIHL, acting as an assistant for 2 years alongside his commitments to Thunder.

Incoming Head Coach Will Fry is pleased to have Ali back, and expects him to have a large role in the development of our inbound prospects:

Ali is a great person to have around the room, his quality and reliability as a player is there for all to see, and he’s got a huge amount of experience at this level that he is able to pass on to those around him. Having him on our coaching staff again this season will provide us with valuable knowledge that will help those around him act and perform to the levels that we expect them to, especially those younger players coming in to experience senior hockey for the first time and grow with us as a club.

We’ve been working hard over the summer to lay the foundations for a culture shift in our room behind the scenes, that we’re positive will have an impact for how our team performs on the ice – Ali will have a huge role in holding everyone accountable and I’m confident in his leadership qualities to set an example for those around him. We’re really glad to have him back.

It’s not long now until our fixtures are released and you will be able to set your calendars to come and see Ali, and the rest of a new look Thunder team take to the ice once again in NIHL1 South competition.

Ali’s Own and Loan jerseys are available now for £95 each.

Contact mkthundericehockey@gmail.com now to reserve yours.