LIGHTNING SIGN NETMINDER WIIKMAN F0R REST OF 2017-18 SEASON

LIGHTNING SIGN NETMINDER WIIKMAN
F0R REST OF 2017-18 SEASON

The Smith Recycling Milton Keynes Lightning have signed netminder Miika Wiikman on a contract until the end of the season.
The Swedish-born Finnish 32-year-old initially joined the club on a short-term deal in September.

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Miika Wiikman said of his move to the Lightning: "I'm so happy to stay with the Lightning. It was an easy decision when the team has taken good care of me and my family.

"I would rather play on this team than against it. I think we have something special going on here which we've shown already.

"This team is capable of competing with any team and I'm excited to be a part of this."

Wiikman helped the Panthers win the Challenge Cup and playoff double in 2015-16 and was named best goaltender in the Continental Cup last season, being part of Nottingham's European trophy-winning roster.

He signed an entry-level contract New York Rangers in 2008 and played in a handful of exhibition games for the NHL side.

Wiikman has played in the top leagues in Finland, Austria and Slovakia but also have extensive experience in North America, appearing for Hartford Wolf Pack and San Antonio Rampage in the AHL, along with Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL.

MK head coach, Pete Russell, said: "Miika came in to help us in the short term initially and has been a really good addition on and off the ice since the day he arrived. "He is a top goalie and we are delighted he has chosen to stay with us here in Milton Keynes."

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