Speedy forward Matt Towalski is the latest returnee to Milton Keynes Lightning as team building for the new season continues apace.

The Stafford-born 25 year-old will be starting his fourth consecutive season with Lightning after signing from Slough Jets.

Now regarded by player coach Nick Poole as part of the backbone of the team, Towalski' efforts have been rewarded with the role of assistant captain for the new campaign which begins in September.

Poole said: "He is such a key player in our team, being able to play in any position on all three lines.

"He is a fantastic skater and I could count the number of 'off nights' he had since he has been in MK on the fingers of one hand.

"He is a leader in our changing room and takes immense pride in both his own and the whole team's performances."

Towalksi's return brings the total number of signings announced to 11.

The others are Barry Hollyhead and Alex Mettam (netminders), Leigh Jamieson, Mike Farn, Lewis Christie and Lukas Zatopek (defence), and Andre Smulter, Adam Carr, Adam Brittle and Nick Poole (forwards).

>> Milton Keynes Storm U18 defenceman Ross Green, who was also on the Lightning roster last term, picked up two awards when the junior club held its end of season awards evening.

The skilful youngster bagged both the most valuable player prize and Tag Taylor award – named after the late chairman of the junior club.

The remaining U18 awrds went to Connor Goode for most improved player and clubman, Nidal Phillips.

The other age group winners were: U10: Most valuable player, Andrew Pankhurst; players' player Callum Burr and Vivien Lapusha (shared); most improved player, Beatrice Lester and clubman, Sam Russell.

U12: Most valuable player, Luc Johnson; most improved player, Ashley West and clubman, Dougie Young.

U14: Most valuable player, Jordan Hedley; most improved player, David Pushan and Robert Crawley (shared) and clubman, Jonathon Lester.

U16: Most valuable player, Tom Mboya; most improved player, Luke Mann and clubman, Jamie Miller.

>> MK Storm U16s have retained their Southern A League status after overcoming Swindon in their promotion-relegation play-off game.

Storm beat Swindon 4-1 in the home leg before drawing 2-2 away in Wiltshire on Saturday with goals from Tom Mboya and Ross Tippett.

>> Storm U14s took part in a tournament at Sheffield at the weekend and despite having a squad made up of a mix of rookie and inexperienced players, they came away with three victories in their seven games.

>> Storm U16s and U18s have just the fix for ice hockey fans missing watching the sport this weekend as they combine to run a tournament at Planet Ice. For more details ring MK 696696.