Award winning Hutchison returns

The Solent Devils continue their preparations for the upcoming season, with the re-signing of Connor Hutchison.

The Shane Clacy award winner from last season has penned a deal to begin his 3rd season with the Devils. Speaking on his return Connor said

“I’m looking forward to the start of my 3rd full season with the Devils. It was an easy decision to return to such a great organisation. The most enjoyable part about this club is the fans of the team, the back-room staff and everyone involved, they are just one big family to me.”

After reflecting on last season’s accomplishments, Hutchison, who has previously played for Bracknell and MK said

“It was devastating to lose in the final after having such a successful season, which is a credit to the whole team and that’s what fires me up for the upcoming season”.

Speaking on his latest recruit, head coach Alex Murray said

“I’m really pleased to get Hutchy back again this year. Connor is a team first guy, who is willing to do whatever he can to get momentum for our team. He is skilful and physical, and I will be looking for him to increase his production as I know he as the potential”.

Connor will continue to wear the #6 jersey and will be sponsored by Pipeline Plumbing Solutions and we would like to thank them for their support.

If you would like to sponsor any of our Devils for the upcoming season, then please get in touch with Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

Devils retain Duffy

Today the Devils have penned a deal to see experience goaltender Mark Duffy stay at Solent for the 2023-24 season.

The former Oxford and Bracknell shot stopper is the first of three to sign for Solent this season and was an integral part in the team’s cup run last year.

Speaking on his return, Duffy who turned 35 in April is looking forward to his return

“It feels good to be back! I’ve loved being a part of this club and I’m so excited to have another season. I can’t wait to get back into the room with the boys and to play in front of the great Solent fans!

Reflecting on last season, the Camberley born tender said

“I feel like I had a good year last season, I loved playing alongside Chico who’s leaving behind big boots that I’m excited to try and help fill them this year. Last year was one of my better seasons in terms of numbers and I’m hoping to push on this season.”

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the important role Mark plays within the team

“Duffy’s value is both on and off the ice and I’m really pleased to have him back again this season. His performances in goal last season when called upon where really positive and I think he only dropped one game all year! Duffy’s influence in the room is also something we really value, he is such a great character in the room, but also someone players and coaches go to for advice and reason.”

Mark had a .914 save average in the cup last season and spoke of the role he will be playing off the ice as well

“Being one of the older guys now means I have the opportunity to try and help these younger guys in the room. I’ve seen a few different things now in terms of team set ups and tough scheduling and I hope I can help the guys through some of the inevitable tougher patches we’ll see this year. I hope I can be someone the younger guys look to for advice and can be there for them when they need me on and off the ice”.

Duffy will continue to wear the #98 jersey for next season. If you are interested in sponsoring Mark or any other Devil please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Lackey lines up again for Solent 

Today the Solent Devils have penned a deal that sees fan favourite Dan Lackey return for the 2023-24 season. 

Speaking on his return the British utility man said

“It feels great to be back! It’s a great club to play for, with fans that make the home ice atmosphere pretty awesome! Not to mention the attendance at the playoffs, the moment after the Invicta game was special! I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice again”.

Lackey who won a national playoff championship with the Bison suffered a serious injury during last season’s playoffs, which saw him admitted to hospital for over a week. Speaking on the Injury, Lackey was looking ahead

“The injury situation wasn’t ideal; I was gutted I couldn’t play the final. Recovery is going well right now, I am slowly but surely getting back to 100%. A few more months left to get ready for the season!”

Head coach Alex Murray has spoken of the importance in securing the experienced Brit

“After losing some of our core, it was crucial to get Dan back. He leads with his on ice performance, work rate and energy. When Dan speaks everyone listens, and it will help our younger team this season.”

Looking ahead to next year Lackey knows the importance of his leadership

“Next year will be a competitive year for sure with the league getting a lot stronger over the summer. I’ll be there to do my part to try and get 2pts each week. Hopefully I can add a few more goals to fill the gaps left by the guys that retired last year! 

It’ll be a different team for sure this season, with some big characters retiring last year, some big shoes to be filled! But the team and core is still very strong and it’s a big opportunity for some of the younger guys to up their ice time and take the opportunities available!”

Dan will continue to wear the #9 jersey and they are available for sponsorship. If you are interested in sponsoring Dan or any of our players, then please get in touch with Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

Solent add depth to the D core 

The Devils have today penned a deal to see the return of defence-man Kris Nekrosevicius.

The former Chelmsford and Romford junior returns for his third season following a move down south for university. Speaking on his return, Kris said

“It feels great to re-sign and be back with the team.

I feel I performed to a valid standard, but I aim to do better in the upcoming season.”

The 6’5 giant, shared his time last season between Solent and the Junior Devils in the NIHL 2 which Kris states has helped him become more experienced 

“I’ve enjoyed getting to play a lot of minutes, especially at the finals weekend which was a great experience and a brilliant feeling. I aim to help my team get back to playoffs and pick up some more points and experience along the way.”

Speaking on his latest returnee, head coach Alex Murray said

“it’s really important to have players such as Kris in our group. He is a young exciting talent who has the build to be a national league defenceman. I’m working really hard with Kris to get him comfortable in his body and I was really impressed how physical and dominate Kris was in the later stages of last season. With the likes of Kris and Joe in our defence, we hope that we will be a tough team to play against especially at home”.

Kris will continue to wear #2 next season and is looking for a sponsor – if you would like to sponsor Kris or any Devils please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Devils retain Wild

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After a week of new faces, the Solent Devils return to a familiar one with the re-signing of British Defenceman, Mason Wild.

Wild who will return for his 8^th season spoke of the comfort that comes with playing for the Devils

“Re-signing with Solent, it’s a sensible choice for me. There’s a certain comfort in familiarity and I’ve got that with the Devils. Over the years, we’ve built up a camaraderie that’s hard to match anywhere else. As for why I chose to sign again – well, the answer is pretty straight forward. The South Coast is where I live now, and Solent Devils are my home team. There’s something about playing for your home team. I started my journey with the Devils and I find it fitting to continue here. The support from the fans has been fantastic, they’ve been behind us every step of the way.”

Speaking on his latest re-signing, head coach Alex Murray stated the importance of Wild in the locker room

“Mason is a voice of reason within our locker room. He is someone who remains calm in all situations and is a person players often speak to which is important. His calm nature transitions onto the ice and the value of his Defensive capabilities as well as the offensive threat he can bring means his return is really valuable.”

Wild, will continue in his role as Alternate Captain, and is looking for another full season, following several plighted with injury

“It’s a refreshing change, I won’t lie. I’ve spent seasons in the past fighting off knocks and niggles, so to be able to lace up my skates without that hindrance, it’s been quite liberating. It’s been a chance to focus on honing my skills and contributing more to the team’s success, without the concern of physical setbacks. But you know, it’s part of the game. Injuries come and go but the love for the game remains constant.”

Wild will return in his familiar #41 jersey and is available to sponsor. For more information on player sponsorships or to sponsor Mason, please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Russell returns home.

Today the Solent Devils have secured the marquee signing of former GB u20 Cain Russel from the Bristol Pitbulls. 

Russell who began his hockey career with the Solent Junior Devils has already played 40 games at national level as well as representing GB at the World Juniors at both u18s and u20s. 

Russell spoke of his decision to return back to where it all started

“I feel great about coming home it’s a special place to me. I decided to come back to Solent because it’s a good organisation and a great chance for me to focus on hockey and my personal life.

The 19 year old winger has spent time across the pond playing in the USPHL Premier for the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, as well as icing for Swindon, Basingstoke and Bristol in the National league. Last season, Russell iced 35 times scoring 3 goals and 12 assists. 

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the importance to secure young talent

“it’s great to be able to sign a player of Cain’s calibre. I know he was heavily sought after at national level; however I’m pleased he saw the chance to come home and get his head down is the best for his development on and off the ice right now” 

Russel will wear the #96 jersey and will be sponsored by Perella Plumbing.

If you are interested in sponsoring a player for the upcoming season please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com for more information.