MILTON KEYNES, UK – Milton Keynes Thunder honoured one of their own last week as long serving forward Ross Bowers was presented with a framed jersey on the ice to mark his 600th senior appearance in MK colours.
The accolade combined Bowers time with both the Lightning and the Thunder, and marked an impressive milestone for a player popular both on and off the ice in the city.
Bowers was only 16 when he first pulled on a Thunder jersey under then coach and now Planet Ice supremo Mark Johnson. It had been a quick transition to the game for the Luton born teen, who only started skating at the age of 13, at a time when the fabled MK Kings were beginning their slow decline to the history books.
“I went skating with a friend and was spotted by junior team coach Andy Linton” recalls Bowers. “He couldn’t believe it was my first time skating and persuaded my parents to register me with the learn to play ‘wobblies’ course.”
“Understandably in my first game for the Thunder a few years later I didn’t get a shift, but it was a good experience to be around the older players and see how guys prepare and act during senior hockey.”
“Thunder had a couple of veteran players that were great to look up to, Jimmy Ryan in particular was a great role model for how the game should be played.”
Bowers rapid progression didn’t stop at the Thunder and he soon found himself involved in the ranks of the newly formed MK Lightning in a new look English Premier League. The Lightning emerged after the departure of the Kings to Solihull and were instantly a success story under the tutorage of star Player Coach Nick Poole. Those early years in the Lightning’s history helped shape Bowers thinking of the game and in particular the mindset of a successful team.
“I couldn’t single people out. I’ve had many influences on my career” admitted the 32 year old.
Mr Fresh with the curls
”That early Lightning team that I came into had the biggest effect on me though. Poolie built a team that had so much character and leadership, Dwayne ‘Dog’ Newman was the captain and everything that was done had a ‘team first’ mentality. A player with a bad attitude wouldn’t have lasted five minutes in that dressing room.”
Bowers would go on to win three league titles and four play-off championships with the Lightning. Choosing a favourite moment is tough but the 2009/10 season stands out, not least because the team won the league, and he also enjoyed his best season points tally in Lightning colours with 24 goals and 22 assists. The Lightning had lost top scorer Gary Clarke the previous summer and it was widely thought the team would struggle to compete at the top end of the table.
“I have been very fortunate to play on some great teams and win a lot of trophies, but I would have to say that season for the Lightning was the most enjoyable.” explained Bowers.
“Winning the league that most people thought we had no right winning. The boys in the locker room were so tight and we were a well coached team that had so much belief in each other and never quit. We had something quite special that year.”
“My best memories really are just having a laugh with my teammates though. I think I’ll miss that more than the sport itself once I retire. On the ice, winning trophies is an amazing feeling but its your team mates that make playing the game a joy.”
“Personally, scoring in the Play-off final and managing to receive any pass from Michael ‘Muzzy’ Wales are equally proud moments across my career.”
Interestingly, the afore mentioned 2009/10 season saw Bowers return to his home club after trying his luck in the Elite League with Basingstoke Bison and also icing with Slough Jets. It marked the only season in his career away from Milton Keynes and gave Bowers a taste of life in a different jersey.
“In hockey there will always be other offers each summer. I’ve always wanted to play in Milton Keynes and have never been tempted away by just more money” he explained.
“I wanted to test myself by stepping up to the Elite League. After Xmas the team came into money trouble and wasn’t going to make the playoffs, I decided to leave and play higher minutes and try to win a trophy back in the EPL.”
“I had a meeting with Nick Poole and the MKL management (who had a full roster) and decided to take Steve Moria up on his offer in Slough. I had great fun finishing the season there and got to play with some great characters. I agreed to come back to Milton Keynes the following season and have not wanted to leave since.”
In his junior days
Whilst Bowers has enjoyed considerable success across his career, sport always has its ups and downs and on reflection the former have won out.
“Losing in cup/playoff finals and big games is always hard to take, but that’s sport.” He admits. “The lows make you appreciate winning so much more. I’ve had some bad injuries over the years too. Both knees operated on, broken bones and teeth but that’s part of this sport and you’ll struggle to find many players that haven’t had the same.”
“Looking back, the majority of my time in MK has been so positive. I feel so lucky to have played on the teams I have, with the players I have, for the coaches and managers I have. MK has always had a great group of supporters and many of those have become friends over the years. I am really enjoying playing with this group at Thunder and hopefully I’ll have a few more great memories to add before my playing time is over.”
At 32 Bowers still has a few more years in the tank and his day job working in the tree surgery business means he is physically active on and off the ice. Milton Keynes now has an Elite League team and a gleaming refurbished facility. The junior club have survived throughout and as one of their most successful graduates; Bowers is clear what advice he would give any prospective kid looking to follow in his footsteps.
“It’s really simple” he says. “Just work hard and listen. Stay positive through the difficult times (lack of game time) and just keep working hard.”
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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