Today, the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of Elliot Lewis.
“There isn’t enough time for me to give all the reasons I’ve come back to the club this year,”
says Lewis, excitedly,
“a few of the reasons behind my choice, are the people and the professionalism of Solent as an organisation. From my teammates to the fans, it feels like a really big family atmosphere the minute you walk into the rink. The club is run by a really dedicated group of volunteers who put in so much hard work to make our club have a professional edge, that’s why I love playing here – it’s home.”
Lewis, now heading in to his third season with the Devils at just 19 years old, spent some time in the junior programmes in Swindon and Guildford, as well as Solent, including being on two way contracts with the U18s and Devils 2, over the last two seasons.
Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, says
“Elliot is a wonderful, raw talent, who has a mature head on young shoulders. Elliot will eventually follow several other Solent players in transitioning to the National League, but for now we are delighted to have him continue his development with the Devils!”
During his time with the Solent Devils last year, Lewis played 31 games, contributing 8 goals and putting up another 8 assists, keeping down to just 10 penalty minutes. This brings Lewis’ Devils career to 54 games played, 15 goals and 11 assists, which includes a trip to Bracknell at the end of the 2018/19 season, where Lewis was a part of the playoff team, competing in the final against Chelmsford Chieftains.
“There are always things you can do better in your personal game to contribute to the team.” Says Lewis.
“Overall, I would say it is always a confidence booster, putting goals and assists on the board, where I can help the team get two points from games. However, it’s what I was playing like off the puck that I was not satisfied with last year. I was still playing with bad habits on some occasions, and I was not happy with that. I was making silly mistakes that were easily avoidable, that did not benefit the team. Last year was still my first official year as a senior player and I learned an awful lot from the experienced players, who pointed out when I was making mistakes and gave me corrective advice to improve me as a hockey player.”
“I’m really impressed with how Elliot performed last season,” says Murray.
“Elliot played the majority of the season as our second line centreman, which is a big responsibility for someone so young.”
Continuing Lewis’ comments about how the other players help in the development of the younger players, Murray goes on to say,
“Elliot is great in the dressing room, he is loved by everyone so there are always people in his ear helping him develop. His father, Mark, is also a very experienced hockey player and coach, so he is lucky he will be getting feedback from his peers and parents, as well as his coaches, from every training session and game.”
Looking forward to the new season, Elliot outlines a few of his goals and how he hopes to contribute towards the Devils in their upcoming campaign,
“Personally, this year I would really like to cement my position within the squad, with getting more time on special team situations, but that wont be given to me, I have to make sure I’m doing all the right things, and listening to what Alex is telling me, as well as working hard in training. My main goal is to bring my work ethic to the team, with the plan to bring back silverware to Solent, which the fans rightfully deserve.”
Aligned to the young player’s thoughts, Murray agrees,
“Elliot has to continue his progression, being more consistent with his performances, as well as set a points target to achieve. Elliot is humble enough to accept this, and work tirelessly on improving, which I know he will.”
Lewis will return to the Devils in shirt #19. If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.
