Thunder are pleased to confirm the return of defenceman James Bryan to the club for the 2025/26 season. James will be returning for his third season, despite being just 19 years of age. He appeared 33 times over the 2024/25 campaign where he registered 6 points including 2 goals. Whilst primarily joining the roster as a defenceman, James has proven his potential as a forward at times when needed, and even stepped forward to show his skills between the pipes during an away trip to Invicta last season where he bravely agreed to don the pads to ensure the game continued.

A hard working and popular member of the locker room, James played his junior hockey in Basingstoke, and was a prospect with the Bison NIHL side before they went on hiatus. He also has experience of NIHL 2 level after being a part of the Basingstoke Buffalo organisation for 2 seasons whilst still a junior.

James had the following comments on his decision to return to Thunder:

I’m happy to be back with Thunder for a third season now and can’t wait to get going. From the players who have stayed from last year and the new players joining us we have a real good chance at competing with some of the top teams. This is a big step for Thunder as a club and I’m happy I can be a part of it!

Head Coach Will Fry is looking forward to working with James again:

James has real quality and potential. His height and reach make it very difficult for players to beat him 1v1 and he isnt afraid of the physical side of the game. We put a lot of work in last season to improve his reading of the game and push him to take the next steps which led to some discomfort and a lack of confidence at times, but overall he came on leaps and bounds over the course of the season. James is a pleasure to work with and we will continue to push him hard and look to not only get a great return from him in terms of performance but also elevate his game to the level he has the potential to get to.

James will wear the number 23 jersey for the upcoming season, and his home and away shirts are available now to Own & Loan at a cost of £80 each. Please email mkthundericehockey@gmail.com to claim them now.