Thunder are pleased to welcome #83 Xander Robinson to the club.

Xander joins on a 2-way agreement with Basingstoke Buffalo (NIHL2S) and will play when available to gain valuable experience against a higher level of opposition to continue his promising development. Robinson began his junior career in Milton Keynes before moving onto Bracknell, and then Basingstoke where he made his senior debut with the Buffalo in 2021/22. He has also iced in 2 games for Basingstoke Bison in the National League and had a successful senior season last year where he recorded 16 points in 22 regular season games, and 4 in 4 during the NIHL 2 South playoffs.

Xander is excited to get the opportunity to move up a tier:

Being on a 2-way between NIHL2 Buffalo and NIHL1 Thunder will help my game, but also I will be playing with some old team mates from over the years. Playing stronger teams in a higher league will give me that push to improve further. Will is trying to rebuild Thunder and move them forward from last season, I’m happy to be part of that on gamedays where I can.

Head Coach Will Fry is feeling positive about having Xander on board when available, and is looking forward to welcoming him to his squad:

Xander has showed a lot of promise during his time in Basingstoke. I’ve had some good reports from friends in their organisation and this deal is a great use of the 2 way system that’s currently in place, giving us the opportunity to expose Xander to a tougher challenge and maximise his ice time as he pursues a career at a higher level.

His game will fit our systems well, and he knows where the goal is. We’ll be looking to him to boost our offensive production and hopefully fixtures will align well and we’ll have him available more often than not.

We’re looking forward to seeing Xander on the ice as part of a refreshed Thunder line up next season, and playing an important role in his ongoing hockey journey.

Xander’s jerseys are available now to Own and Loan at £95 each.

Email mkthundericehockey@gmail.com to reserve yours now!