MILLS MAKES HIS RETURN
With the season inching closer, and lots of exciting announcements taking place, the Solent Devils are adding to their squad with another signing announcement! The Solent Devils are pleased to confirm the return of 19 year old British Forward Ben Mills for the 2024-25 season!
The former Solent Junior Devil will continue to be on a two-way contract allowing him to spend time playing for the Devils in NIHL 1 and NIHL 2.
Mills’ 2023-24 season saw him spend time playing for both Solent Devils teams where he collected a total of 11 points across 27 games played. 2023-24 also saw Mills step up to NIHL 1 with his first season with the Solent Devils senior team where he excelled collecting not only his first point but his first goal at this level.
Mills, who will be entering his 2nd season on a two-way contract had this to say regarding his return,
I am extremely grateful and happy to be returning to Solent. Solent has always felt like home for me and I don’t want that to change anytime soon. I love everything that comes with wearing the logo along with the great support we get from the fans, which is what makes it so special to play for this club.
Ben continued on to reflect on his 2023/24 season,
Overall I felt like I got extremely fortunate with the chances I got this past season and with that I always tried to give my best and make an impact whenever I got the chance. And I don’t think that would of all happened without the support of everyone within the team. My teammates where there to give me guidance when necessary whether it was positive or negative and there always motivated me and pushed me to confident whenever I step foot on the ice.
Looking to next season, Mills concluded by saying,
As well as continuing on growing as a man and as a player on and off the ice, my goal this season is to continue pushing and getting better mentally and physically with a positive attitude and resilient mindset. Helping out Coach Alex and my teammates wherever I can. I know I can improve on this tremendously after my first season and I plan to prove that to everyone this year. I’m very eager to get going again with some new competition within the league which will be exciting to see how it all plays out also with a few new and exciting players within our lineup too.
Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding the return of another Solent prospect,
I’m pleased to have retained Ben for the upcoming season.
Following a positive debut year in which Ben was able to make an impact on our line up when called upon I’m excited to see him progress to the next level.
Murray continued to discuss what Ben brings to the line-up next season,
Ben has good hands and hockey IQ and is adapting to the faster paced game at NIHL 1 well. With the two way he will continue to gain impactful minutes with the Devils 2 side, to enable him to be ready when called upon for the Seniors.
There is opportunity for Ben and the other younger players to make an impact on the line up this year and I’ll be looking for him to be pushing to make the roster each week.
Ben Mills will continue to wear #4 for the Solent Devils.
There are lots more exciting announcements and reveals coming up soon, to make sure you don’t miss out, be sure to follow us on our social media pages!
The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com
