Finnish import forward Toni Alasaarela will not be returning after ending last season as the second highest points scorer, while the always colourful Kurt Irvine this week announced he was retiring.

Lightning player-coach Nick Poole, paying tribute to Irvine who joined Lightning in their second season, said: "The game has lost a great character and he will be missed by the team and fans."

The Birmingham-born 32-year-old is due to get married this summer and that, plus his increasing work commitments, has led to his decision to quit the game.

His reputation as a feisty player who was never afraid to stand up for his team-mates resulted in the nickname 'Satan's Son.'

At the end of last season he and Slough Jets' Nicky Chinn were detained by police after an on-ice fracas before their game started. But following inquiries the case has now been dropped, said Poole.

In a message to the fans Irvine said: "I've genuinely enjoyed my time at Milton Keynes and it's been like a second home to me."

Alasaarela joined Lightning at the start of the season from the Swedish Arlanda Wings side and he racked up numerous points – both in goals and assists, mostly for Gary Clarke. But his scoring tailed off slightly towards the end of the season.

Meanwhile Poole is believed to be looking to both Scandinavia and eastern Europe to replace both Alasaarela and the already announced departure of Mikko Skinnari with one target, a defenceman.

What do you think of Kurt Irvine's decision to retire? Email: paul.brookman@mkcitizen.co.uk