ABOUT THUNDER

This new partnership will enable both clubs to pool together resources and lay the foundations for a talented stream of MK Junior players into senior hockey. We want to facilitate sustained success for Milton Keynes trained and located players at the top level of our sport, and crucially, for them to remain in MK for their development.

Project Thunderstorm will provide a clear and structured pathway. Collaborative coaching will impact our athletes at a younger age, with ongoing monitoring, support and goal-setting. This new link will guarantee prospect slots each year in Thunder’s roster for players that have come through the MK Storm programme. These players will be allocated through combined decisions made by MK Storm’s Head Coach, Age Group Coaches, Thunder Coaching Staff and Thunder Management. 

Players offered places in the programme will be supported by all parties, with additional on-ice training, off-ice resources and support in finding playing and development opportunities elsewhere as required, but with MK remaining as the priority and central club. Our long term project goal is to increase the number of MK trained and located players able to represent the clubs and town in National, International and Professional levels of Hockey both in the UK and abroad. 

As well as direct player development benefits, the project also outlines a number of key initiatives designed to have a positive impact on both clubs and the communities we serve. It has become clear, across our sport and other sports worldwide, that partnerships between senior and junior clubs are fundamental for the sustained development of talented, motivated and inspired athletes – who in turn can inspire the next generation in a continued cycle of recruitment, development and achievement.