Solent Devils Bench Staff 2025/26
Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to reveal who will be supporting the team on gameday on the bench for the upcoming 2025/26 season!
Mark Duffy steps up as Bench Coach and Goaltender! Cover
Last season saw Goaltender Mark Duffy’s playing season cut short due to injury, but his dedication and commitment to the team saw him assist Bench Coach Jock Hutchison in his role to help and continue to contribute to the team.
With the retirement of Jock Hutchison, Duffy now looks to step into his role full time with his experience and bond with the team and coach allowing him get the best out of the squad, something he discussed in his interview:
This season is going to be a different season for me but it’s an exciting change!
I’ve loved everything about being a Devil on the ice, and now getting the chance to have more of an impact off of it is something I’m very much looking forward to.
Alex and I have been playing together since before some of our players were born! We’ve always seen eye to eye in the way we need to act, prepare and play the game. I’m hoping to help him deliver this as best I can this year.
I’ll be there to support the boys as much as possible more off the ice this year but still helping out on the ice if and when needed.
I have a great relationship with all the team and a mutual respect between us all. I know the boys trust me and I hope that can bring us together as an even closer unit with everyone bought in to what we are building.
We concluded by asking Mark Duffy what his personal goal is for his first season as Bench Coach.
My personal goals remain the same in this new role as they always have.
To compete in every game, win every battle and to try and bring some silverware to the club!
Team Medic Berni Martin
In addition, Berni Martin from McTimoney Chiropractic re-joins the team as Team Medic to aid the team in injury recovery!
I’m delighted to be returning as part of the Devils team this season, it’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of athletes and staff.
There’s a real sense of family within the team, and I’m excited to be back in that environment and supporting the players’ health, recovery, and performance so they can focus on doing what they do best out on the ice.
Reflecting on last season, we asked Berni how her role adapted with the introduction of new young players to the team.
Last season’s influx of younger players brought a noticeable shift in the team’s energy and dynamics as was great to be involved.
I already knew all the new players from previous roles in junior clubs, and it was really lovely to work with these players again.
My role adapted in the sense that younger players can have different injury profiles and recovery needs, so I adjusted my approach to include more education around injury prevention, recovery strategies, and managing the physical demands of a long season, while also maintaining continuity with the experienced players.
Equipment Manager Ben Powell
Ben Powell joins the team as their equipment manager for his second season on the Devils bench!
We sat down with Powell and discussed his role for the upcoming season:
Last season was your first as the Solent Devils Equipment Manager, how did you find the role?
I thoroughly enjoyed my first season as equipment manager.
Thanks to Alex for allowing me to step up.
It feels good to be back, the role is full-on, there’s always something to do from filling drink bottles to fixing helmets.
This season I will carry on doing what the team needs me to do, roll on September!
Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!
https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils
https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
