2021-22 Season Review

Solent Devils a Season in Review

No sooner had the Solent Devils opened the 2021-22 season with a win on a rainy humid late September afternoon, then it came to a close with a victory on a warm spring evening. But never mind the British weather, what happened in between those games would turn out to be the most unpredictable and exciting season fraught with tests and challenges in some time.

With sport going on hold as the COVID pandemic unfolded, buds of hope emerged in the spring of 2021 with a cup series funded with the help of the EIHA, DCMS and Sport England, setting the backdrop for the 2021-22 season and giving the sport and supporters a lifeline and a much-needed distraction. With free live streaming, unrivalled commentary, and a change in colour the Devils took the title in a close fought series.

With restrictions easing the Devils focused on building a competitive squad, faced with the toughest ever start to a league season not only facing top 4 capable opponents with back-to-back double headers but with the retirement of Richard Facey the team had to find form from the first puck drop.

Securing the opening home game win, the Devils travelled to Chelmsford for arguably the greatest come back in a generation, trailing 5-1 to Chieftains at 43.49 Cooper #24 and Murray #73 set in motion a masterclass in sheer determination and spirit to level the game, 5-5 at 59.58.

What followed was a textbook perfect play with the final step executed to perfection by Ben Lock #71 taking the overtime win, the Riverside in Chelmsford falling silent.

As Autumn gave way to Winter the Devils seem set to dominate at home and compete for the away points, after an opening flurry of home wins against the Stars, Jets, Pitbulls and Raiders the tide turned with the tough calendar taking its toll with injuries, losing the likes of Dan Lackey #9 for eight weeks and then the release of Ralf Circenis #33 to the Swedish league. It would be the end of January before the victory song played again at home.

As the end of 2021 approached the league was hit by wave of COVID infections decimating rosters requiring league management to authorise dispensation, re-arranging fixtures with fines and penalties handed out for missed fixtures. The Devils battled through the outbreak, securing five players from different teams to assist in the away victory at MK Thunder.

# 1 CHICO COLE SAVING THE SEASON

With the changes in line-up the Devils were without an out and out goal scorer, struggling to find the key ingredient, tensions became high in the dressing room as the team stumbled at the start of 2022. During this window of absent wins, Chico demonstrated why the #1 shirt resides firmly on his back, saving the team from defeat and heavy losses as new tactics and lines were experimented with.

With a couple of free weekends in January the team reflected, reset and returned with a 4 point weekend, once again facing the Chieftains at the Riverside this time with an overtime penalty shootout and victory secured by head coach Murray #73.

Top Scorers in 2021-22

As Winter gave way to the early sun of spring, a glimmer of something special emerged, Elliot Lewis #19. With a hardened core of experienced players; Pitts, Lackey, Cole, Murray, the twenty year old found himself on the first line and before long the goals started coming not only for him but his U23 peers as well.

The seasons defeats were out shone by the memorable wins and brightened by the emerging talent in our under 18s and NIHL 2 teams.

Top Assists in 2021-22

This season has seen extraordinary support from our supporters at home and away, despite the hardships and world events, demonstrating that together we are stronger.

#togetherstronger

Finally finishing the season off at the Ageas Bowl with the end of season presentation, with Top Points and Supporters Player going to Elliot Lewis, Best Forward Mark Pitts, Best Defencemen Ben Lock, Coaches Player Dan Lackey, Players Player Calumn Perella-Fox, Shane Clacy Award Scott Cooper and the inaugural Pete Murray Award to Graham Cole in recognition of excellence and commitment to the club.

Select the end of season pic to see the end of season presentation pictures taken by Sam Partridge Photography, thank you all for making 2021-22 a successful and memorable season we look forward to seeing you all back in September! PS. Thank you Steve Smith!

Select to view presentation evening pictures

If you’d like to be a part of this extraordinary team by volunteering to do a game day job, own and loan a shirt or become a team partner through sponsorship then get in contact by e-mailing info@solentdevils.co.uk or by direct message on our social media channels.