SOLENT SECURE MARTIN-EDWARDS
The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Net Minder Rory Martin-Edwards.
Martin-Edwards returns for his second season with Solent with an SVG % of 0.855 in NIHL 1 and 0.862 in NIHL 2. Taking over the net in 3 games last season for Solent Devils and with 19 appearances for Solent Junior Devils Martin-Edwards saw plenty of action. He may have only turned twenty this year but he’s a built a solid foundation playing at senior level since sixteen and training within the National league.
Martin-Edwards shares his thoughts on signing
I really enjoyed my last season with the Devils – signing on a two-way with both the Devils and the NIHL2 Junior Devils meant I got to play plenty of hockey, which is what it’s all about. I’ve never been one for sitting on a bench so the opportunity to train and play for both teams suited me really well and has helped me continue to develop my net-minding skills. I feel that I am a good fit for the Devils which has a real team solidarity, hardworking and can-do ethos, as demonstrated in the final result of the season. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t want to be with any other team right now.
Head Coach Murray…
I’m delighted to have retained such a promising prospect in Rory. The two-way deals allow maximum opportunity for Rory who as mentioned needs to keep playing at his age to develop. Too often goalies in particular think that sitting on a bench at the highest level possible is good for them, but personally I feel it’s the complete opposite. Allowing Rory game time in NIHL 2 not only helps his team but also himself personally.
Rory had some standout performances in NIHL 2 and so we can all see the potential he has. It’s also great to see Rory working really hard this off season, with Richard to ensure he is doing all he can to raise his game!
Looking back on last season’s highlights Martin-Edwards said
That has to be the Oxford away game in January. Things weren’t going our way and Alex decided to swap me into the net and of course I was excited for the opportunity! We didn’t come away with the win but I came away from the game with a 100% save percentage and a big confidence boost! The fans that day were amazing and so supportive – it’s not just about winning, it’s about the way we play.
Martin-Edwards reflects
The season had its challenges in both NIHL1 and NIHL2. There was one very dominant team In NIHL1 of course, but I am happy to say that the Devils not only beat that team on one occasion, but we also came second to them in the league with 40 points. With the Junior Devils we had some very difficult games due to a shortage of players which was down to game clashes between the Devils and Junior Devils, often leaving the Division 2 team short benched. My take-away from the season is that with hard work, team spirit and dedication the underdogs can come away on top!
Speaking about what he gets out of the sport Martin-Edwards adds
Ice hockey is obviously a very physical and tactical sport, and it goes without saying that it is both physically and mentally challenging. As a netminder you need to have helicopter vision during the game, so concentration is an absolute must. I have been involved in ice hockey since I was 9 years old and although it sounds a bit cliché, ice hockey really is like a family. Some of my greatest friends are ice hockey players – we play hockey, we play golf, we go camping, our families socialise – what more could you want from a sport that you love to play?
Turning to the season ahead Martin-Edwards continues
I have been really working on my fitness levels during the off-season. On top of regular golf, I have been training with former Devils player, Richard Facey, who has developed a bespoke training programme for me to help build speed, strength, and stamina. To be honest, I can’t wait to see how this develops into my net minding skills. I want to play more games, who wouldn’t. The tough part of being a net minder is you are either playing or you’re not, so I am very much looking forward to game opportunities when they come.
Martin-Edwards will return to the Devils in shirt #50. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com
