The All In Black Milton Keynes Lightning have announced the return of veteran defenceman Lewis Christie ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 32-year-old right-shooting blueliner is one of the most recognisable figures in the Lightning's recent history, having already racked up 485 regular season appearances for the team in both the old EPIHL and current NIHL National.
While Christie is not much of a points producer, with a career single-season high of just 15 (one goal, 14 assists) back in the 2010/11 season, he is one of the most dependable and responsible defensive defencemen at this level.
The Edinburgh native returns to a team full of teammates he has had many years alongside, including Leigh Jamieson, Ross Green, and Ben Russell.
Speaking of Christie's return, head coach Lewis Clifford commented: "It would be hard to imagine an MKL team without Lewy on it."
"I don’t think I need to explain too much what he brings to the team, but in short he defines what it means to be a defenceman and does exactly what it says on the tin."
"This means working for his team mates, staying at home while others go up the ice, and smothering opposition attacks on the PK – he does it and does it consistently."
He concluded: "Lewy does so much good work for the team and is one of the most dependable and reliable players I have ever coached. As always, he will be a lynchpin in our end, whether that’s five-on-five or on the PK."
