Beaconsfield’s twin ice hockey winners 

Round & About

We’re raising a toast to brothers Austin & Dawson Osborn who have just signed ice hockey contracts with Milton Lightning  

Beaconsfield has a new reason to cheer as brothers Austin and Dawson Osborn step onto the professional ice hockey stage, signing for Milton Keynes Lightning ahead of the new season. 

Aged just 21, the twins have had an extraordinary international journey. Born in Sussex, they lived in Scotland, Prague, Canada and the US before settling in Bucks four years ago. Along the way they represented Team GB at both U18 and U20 level, building a reputation as two of Britain’s brightest young talents. Now, after years overseas, they are returning to play in front of home crowds. 

Just weeks ago, the twins made headlines when invited to train with Elite League giants, the Nottingham Panthers. Not only did they impress during pre-season, they also became the first ever twins to play together for the Panthers, skating in front of more than 6,000 fans against a Canadian touring side – and helping secure a memorable win to boot. 

Austin and Dawson, who are both 6ft 1, are more than just teammates. As “mirror” twins (one is left-handed and the other right-handed), they bring perfectly balanced strengths to the game. Their instinctive understanding of each other’s play means they often line up together – a bonded partnership that leaves opposition players scrambling. 

“They second guess each other in the best way,” says proud dad of four Harvey. “It’s like watching two halves of the same player.” 

Off the ice, they are equally close. Though their personalities differ, they share passions for travel, fashion and food. In Beaconsfield, they are regulars at restaurants including Prime Steak, Bacchus, Sajna Indian and China Diner. 

Behind their success lies a decade of sacrifice. “As a parent, I now look at every professional athlete and think, behind them are parents who gave up a lot,” adds Harvey. “We dedicated ten years of evenings, weekends, holidays and much more to get the boys here.” 

The path was not without setbacks. Missed selections, limited ice time, broken bones, lost teeth and stitches all tested their parents’ resolve. Yet their determination never faltered. “Ice hockey is officially the fastest and most physical team sport on earth,” says Harvey. “But it’s also the most rewarding.” 

For Milton Keynes Lightning, the signings represent more than just two promising players. Head Coach Tim Wallace praised Dawson as “a strong skater with creativity and reliability,” describing Austin as “big, strong and physical, with the skill to make plays.” 

With the Elite League already taking notice, the future looks dazzling for the Osborn twins. As they lace up for their first professional games this season, Beaconsfield – and Britain – will be watching with pride.