YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR CONTINUES
The Solent Devils continue to assemble a brand new young roster for the 2026/27 NIHL 1 season tonight with the announcement of their fifth player!
Joining the squad, the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of Forward Oli Cackett!
Cackett’s 2025/26 season saw him continue on his development path to set a career best at the NIHL 1 Level! Cackett saw increased responsibility and ice-time last season and stepped up to the occassion netting a personal high at NHIL 1 with 6 Goals and 4 Assists for 10 Points!
Oli also contributed when it mattered most, nothcing a point for the team during the playoffs!
Cackett saw his time split across the development system, in NIHL 2, Cackett played over a point-a-game with 18 points in 16 games!
Cackett will be joining the team for his 3rd senior season in September and looks to push the bar to have the best season possible, something mentioned in his signing interview:
Re-Signing Interview:
After signing, we sat down with Oli Cackett to discuss the upcoming 2026/27 season,
What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?
I’m so excited to be back with the Devils for my third season! It’s such a great environment, all the staff, coaches and players are always pushing each other to be better, and we all are fixated on the same goal every year, having the best season possible!
Last season was a challenging one, at the Solent Devils presentation evening, you were awarded Young Player of the Year, what does it mean to you to receive this award under these circumstances and what did you learn that you plan to take forward?
Yes, last season wasn’t what we had hoped it to be, but I think on a personal level I learnt so much in how to overcome the losses and keep putting in the hard work even if we’re not getting the results we want. Winning the Young Player Award, I think, shows that this season I have still developed as a player even under some tough circumstances and it makes me so excited to see what I can achieve next year with this group!
Recent seasons have seen your development as a player come leaps and bounds, running special teams, coaching and now being a young leader, what are you enjoying about being in the devils system the most and what are you looking to develop this season?
Yes, since moving to Solent, I have learnt so much regarding hockey; whether it be on the special teams, even-handed or the mindset to go alongside the game. It all shows what a great system we have down here in developing young players. This season I feel it’s my time to step up and make a difference, after a few seasons gaining experience, I feel confident that I can make an impact this season in bringing home some silverware!
Finally, What is your message to the Solent Devils fans?
Hi everyone, after the immense continued support throughout last season, I am more excited than ever to get back in the rink and play in front of all of you for another one. Enjoy your summers and come loud and ready in September, see you soon.
Oli Cackett will continue to wear #80 for the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season.
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