The 29 year further proved his capabilities both as a forward and defenceman last season, and will return for a sixth year with the club after joining for the 2020-2021 NIHL 1 Cup. Regularly contributing points at NIHL 1 level over his time with Thunder – Hayden was awarded the captaincy in 2023 and has worn the C with pride for the past 2 seasons.

Hagger has become a real fan favourite during his time with us, and brings with him experience and leadership skills that perfectly compliment the young roster Coach Fry is assembling. Hayden had the following to say on his return:

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Milton Keynes with Thunder so far. The past couple of seasons have not been easy but we have developed a great locker room ethos of never quitting and always learning – something that I think will really carry us forward as we enter a new league with a huge opportunity to achieve something together next season. It will be great to see our young and talented roster move forward and embrace this new challenge, and I will be looking to provide that experienced head to help guide them along that path.

Head Coach Will Fry commented on securing Hayden’s signature for another year:

Hagger truly led from the front last season, stepping into a defensive role where he probably did not feel the most comfortable to start with, he truly stood up to the challenge and not only gave it everything he had, embraced the learning and technical aspects to adapt his game into being a player who can be relied upon at both ends of the ice. He’s great on the puck, physical and passionate – and he’s also great at finding the net too! This year he will be a key weapon in our offensive arsenal, and with a more rounded game I am sure someone that the rest of the league will take note of as a danger man when they face us.

Hayden’s home and away jerseys are now available for Own & Loan at a cost of £80 each. Please email mkthundericehockey@gmail.com to reserve yours