Milton Keynes Lightning have been dealt a sorry blow with the news that recent signing Adam Harding will no longer be joining the club for the 2018/19 season.
The Welsh-born forward had been due to transfer to the Lightning from the Dundee Stars, having been announced by the Milton Keynes club back in April.
However, the 25-year-old has chosen to pursue an opportunity which will allow him to make significant progress in his off-ice career.
With the news that Harding will no longer be seen in a Lightning jersey, new head coach and general manager Doug McKay will need to search for a replacement ahead of the new season.
The 6-foot, 176lbs Cardiff native would have counted towards the team’s British player quota for the upcoming season.
Any replacement will need to hail from the United Kingdom, with the Lightning needing just one more British player to meet the Elite League’s requirements.
Speaking about his change of plans, Harding said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions in my career so far.”
“Giving up my dream of playing in the Elite League is tough, but an opportunity has come up that I can’t miss – I have to think of my future outside of hockey.”
“My thanks go to Doug McKay and the MK Lightning organisation for understanding and letting me go.”
He concluded: “I’d like to wish everyone at the club the best of luck next season – I’ll be rooting for you!”
