Thu 3 Nov 2022 - 9:16PM

HOPKINS JOINS MK LIGHTNING ON TWO-WAY CONTRACT

The Nottingham Panthers forward Jack Hopkins has joined NIHL side Milton Keynes Lightning on a two-way contract.

The 18-year-old has made eight Elite League and six Challenge Cup appearances for the Panthers this season.

Panthers Head Coach, Gary Graham, said: "Jack is a very talented hockey player and he is still firmly in our plans for the future.

"He will still train with us and we will be able to call on him whenever we need him, as we do with Archie Hazeldine.

"This is a sensible move for Jack's career and he will benefit from the extra ice-time he will get."

MK are coached by former Panthers coach Tim Wallace who coached Hopkins in Nottingham.

“I first got to know Jack during my time in Nottingham and we had talked in the summer about him coming to play in MK," said Wallace.

"I’m delighted that we’re now able to make that a reality. Jack is a quality player who brings a high skillset while playing at a fast pace.

"He has a great knowledge of the game despite his young age. I see him adding depth to our forward lines as well helping us on the powerplay.

"It will be great to get to work with him again.”