Thunder are delighted to announce 22-year-old right winger, Marks Kanins as the final addition to our roster ahead of the 2025/26 NIHL 2 South season. Standing at 6’2” and 98kg, Marks brings size, skill, and a proven eye for goal to the Thunder line-up.

Kanins came through the SK Riga youth system in Latvia before moving to the UK for his studies, playing in the Latvian and Russian junior systems. He also had one season at senior level in his home country with Prizma Riga in his final season before arriving in Nottingham. Kanins was a key addition to current Thunder Head Coach, Will Fry’s national championship winning Nottingham Mavericks team, one that also featured current Thunder players Harry MacGarvey and Sam Peters, as well as former players Joe Bradley, James Cox and Nathan Mead. Kanins has represented the Mavericks every year since arriving in England in 2022, where he has put up an astonishing 155 points in just 45 games, including 83 points in 17 games last season.

Marks has also featured extensively in the famous Nottingham Varsity Series, where he has lit up the stage in one of the country’s most celebrated student sport events, playing in front of thousands of spectators at the Motorpoint Arena.

Having recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University, Kanins now makes the step up into senior hockey with Thunder – reuniting with his former coach and ready to continue his career in Milton Keynes colours.

Kanins is excited to get started:

“I’m thrilled to be joining Thunder. It is a very exciting team with a lot of potential and young prospects. This will be a huge season for the club and I am looking forward to being a part of this team. Can’t wait to hit the ice on Saturday at home against Invicta and I am looking forward to seeing all the fans at the Thunderdome!.”

Thunder’s Will Fry is relishing having Marks back in his line up:

Marks completes our roster for the upcoming season, and I truly believe we could not have secured a more valuable addition. Having worked with him closely for two seasons in Nottingham, I know his game very well. His goalscoring instinct, physical presence, and composure on the puck will make a significant impact for us this year, and I am delighted we have secured his signature.

What sets Marks apart, however, is not only his on-ice ability but also his character. He is a player who lifts those around him, always striving to help his teammates succeed. This signing is not simply about adding an ‘import’ player who can score goals – it is about welcoming someone who embodies the values we want to instill within our club.

Marks has already completed his Level 1 coaching qualification and spent two years coaching teams alongside his playing commitments in Nottingham. For our younger players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport, and for those within the Storm junior system who follow our ongoing pathway project, his knowledge and experience will be invaluable. I am excited to see him work closely with our developing players and provide them with the guidance and inspiration to grow throughout the season

With his Latvian hockey roots, university championship pedigree, and proven goalscoring ability, Kanins looks set to be a thrilling addition to the Thunder roster.

Marks’ will wear 97 for Thunder this season, and his Home and Away jerseys are available to own & loan now, please contact mkthundericehockey@gmail.com to secure yours today.

You can see Marks play in person in just a few days time as we welcome Invicta Mustangs to Milton Keynes for our NIHL 2 South season opener, Saturday 13th September, 7pm face off.