The Smith Recycling MK Lightning are delighted to announce an addition to their roster with the arrival this week of New York-born forward, Tommy Mele.
Tommy has significant experience in the tough North American hockey leagues, and joins Lightning from the Cincinnati Cyclones in the United States ECHL – to date he has contested over 300 games in that league.
He has a solid record of progress, having worked his way through the ranks from junior hockey in New York followed by four seasons in the US collegiate hockey system whilst majoring in Management at university. Post-study, he has amassed experience in not just the ECHL but also the AHL and CHL.
In the 2011-12 season he helped Fort Wayne Komets to the CHL title. The following season he was on the Alaska Aces team that scooped the Brabham Cup, and there was another trophy a year later when Aces won the ECHL’s Kelly Cup (play off title).
Tommy will give the Lightning an increasingly physical presence, saying he is “not afraid to get physical, but at the same time I know how to make plays and put the puck in the net.”
As recently as late September, Tommy was involved in a training camp with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, a selection that he described as “a real honour”.
Head Coach Pete Russell said he was delighted to be adding Tommy Mele to his roster, adding: “He has bags of experience and is coming to Europe at the right time.
“Tommy is a good skater, can make plays and can score. He goes to the net and is an energy guy. He plays with an edge – of course things sometimes come with that and he won’t shy away if it’s the right time. He can play in all situations and make a difference in many ways. This type of player is something I have felt for a while would add to our group and help us both in the short and long term.
“Tommy will join us this week and we are looking forward to him joining our group.”
Tommy Mele’s home, away and warm up jerseys are immediately available on the MKL Own & Loan scheme; for costs and full details email dave@b2promodesign.com.
Photo: Aimee Dilger
