Elite League

Lightning goaltender Wiikman named EIHL player of the week

by
Lucy Gordon
16th October 2017

Milton Keynes Lightning goaltender Miika Wiikman has been named EIHL Player of the Week for the period ending October 15th 2017.

The 32-year-old played a pivotal role in both of Milton Keynes Challenge Cup games during the weekend, as the Buckinghamshire side secured a place in the Cup quarter finals on Saturday before locking up first place in their group 24-hours later.

Wiikman stopped 44 of the 45 shots he faced during Saturday night’s 5-1 win over near rivals Coventry, a result which would ensure the Lightning were guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage of the competition in their first season in the Elite League.

The veteran puck stopper then followed up that performance with another 40-save effort on Sunday night to help the Lightning beat Guildford Flames 3-2 in a shootout at The Spectrum.

As a result of that victory in Surrey, Milton Keynes are now guaranteed to finish top of Challenge Cup Group C, and thus receive home ice advantage in the second leg of the quarter finals.

Wiikman has enjoyed success in the Challenge Cup before, winning the competition as a member of the Nottingham Panthers in 2015/16.

Photo: Tony Sargent