A huge welcome back to last season’s Premium Prospect – Defenseman Mikel Gomez Ortega, and Jaggar Billingham, who joined part way through the season on a 2-way with MK Storm, who proved himself capable at both ends of the ice during a tough NIHL 1 run in.

18 Year old Mikel joined Thunder last season as part of our first wave of prospects through Project Thunderstorm, where his hard work and application saw him rewarded with the prospect of the year prize at Thunder’s end of season awards. Icing in 14 games, Mikel’s progress through the season was remarkable and he quickly found his feet at NIHL 1 level, showcasing his defensive prowess and fearlessness deep in his own zone, frequently putting his body on the line for his team. Mikel also appeared in 15 games for MK Storm, with who he will continue on a 2-way for the upcoming season, registering 8 points.

Mikel is pleased to continue his stay in Milton Keynes:

Last year as a prospect Thunder gave me the opportunity to train and develop, allowing me to get some good ice time, and I am looking forward to do the same this coming season. 

At 19 years old and 6″4 in stature, Jaggar arrived part way through the season. After impressing when called up as injury cover he continued to train with Thunder and gave everything when his name was called, appearing 7 times for the club – in some of the toughest games during the back end of the season. Jaggar also played for MK Storm U19’s last year, 14 times with 6 points.

Jaggar had the following to say ahead of his first full season with Thunder, and at senior level:

I enjoyed playing last year, it’ll be good to be on the squad full time, play with more experienced players and see where I can take my game to.

Thunder Head Coach Will Fry feels both will add value to the roster:

Two very popular young men in the changing room, and both have proven themselves very capable and dependable players. Mikel started a bit slowly but after finding his feet and his confidence we really benefitted from having him in the team. He’s very intelligent, and plays big! I think NIHL 2 will be a solid level for him to progress his game and he will be a player who will benefit hugely from some of the experience we’ve added to our defensive core this year. Jaggar came in during an injury crisis and I cannot fault his commitment to the club. The games he appeared in were probably the hardest possible situations and he didn’t shy away from the challenge. I was really proud of how he came out of his shell and think he is a player who just needed a little bit longer to develop but certainly has the potential to flourish in seniors. With his size and ability to play anywhere on the ice he is a real asset that we are looking forward to having back and continuing to help him learn and grow as an athlete.

Mikel will wear the number 38 jersey this season, and Jaggar 55. Both player’s Home & Away jerseys are available to Own & Loan now at a price of £80 each. Please email mkthundericehockey@gmail.com to claim them now.