Junior Devils Mills makes the jump!
Solent continue to add youth to their line up with their latest signing, Ben Mills, on a two-way with the Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2 team.
Speaking on joining, Mills who is a product of Solent’s junior system said
“I am very excited and extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to sign on a two way. It’s been something I’ve been working towards for a long time now, and I am happy with the progress I am making so far but it is not over yet as I do want to keep improving and truly reach my potential”.
When asked about how this signing will inspire the current juniors at the club, the 19-year-old forward said
“I hope this will give the juniors hope that it is possible for anyone of them to sign for the Solent Devils in the future and I hope this is something that helps motivate them to keep improving, working hard, and working towards their goals that they have, then reaching those goals and making a real impact. Coming through the ranks of the junior club I have been extremely lucky with the people I have met, the teammates I have shared the ice with, and very importantly the coaches I have met along the way, they have all helped make this possible by moulding me into the player and young man I have become today. I would like to thank Coach Richard Facey who has been a big part of my development and was a great coach to play for. “
Looking ahead, the former junior club captain said
“This season will be my second season in senior hockey and at an even greater level, I have a lot to learn from this year and so with this learning and taking on as much as I can in training and games from all my coaches, teammates, and experiences I can gain throughout the year. Along with my improvements of understanding the game a lot more at this level I still want to be making an impact every time I get to go out there on the ice. So being consistent out there on the ice and being as competitive as I can be. As a team I think we can still be in title contention and have a great chance of making another great run into playoffs at the end of year. “
Speaking on his latest addition, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the importance of this signing
“Ben is the perfect example of a player sticking in our junior system and getting the same benefit at the end. We lose far too many of our junior players to those supposed bigger academies, so I’m pleased that Ben has remained loyal, got his head down and really worked on his game to get to this level. I have known and seen Ben develop for many years and I’m excited to see him get his opportunity this year with the club. I hope it inspires more of our junior members to remain with us and keep working hard to achieve your goals.”
Mills will wear the #4 jersey and will be sponsored in the upcoming season by The Riff Raff who we would like to thank for their continued support of the team.