Author: Voice of the Devils

2022-23 Signing Alert – Alex Murray

MURRAY RETURNS FOR 10TH SEASON AS SOLENT HEAD COACH

The Solent Devils are thrilled to announce the return of player / coach Alex Murray for next season

After leading the team to NIHL 1 South league runners up, Murray returns for his 10th consecutive season as the head coach and 13th as a player, commenting on his return Murray said

I’m honoured to continue in my role as Head Coach of the Solent Devils into the 2022-23 season.

The club’s transformation continues, and I still have as much passion, dedication, and willingness to see the club grow both on and off the ice as I did when I first returned to the club in 2013!

With 36 assists in the 2021-22 league campaign and 11 goals over 31 games, Murray demonstrated his leadership on the ice and off, navigating the many challenges the season brought with disruption to the team line-up through long term injuries and pandemic related illnesses.

Last season Murray passed 300 competitive games and 450 points for the Solent Devils, under Murray’s stewardship the team have finished runners up by the narrowest of margins in the league in the last four years and celebrated victory as 2017-18 Playoff Champions and the 2020-21 Spring Cup Series Winners.

Looking ahead to the 2022-23 Season Murray continues

Our quest to remain a competitive team in the NIHL South 1 will remain a challenge as other teams continue to grow financially, but I am excited to see what the new season will bring.

When asked about the line-up next season Murray said

I hope to have most of the core return as well as a few fresh faces and continue to find the balance between experience and youth. I cannot wait to get started again!

2023 will be a testimonial year for Murray, recognising the 10 years of tenure as player/coach with a friendly post season game, celebrating the occasion with players past and present, more details will be announced as the season progresses.

Murray will return to the Devils in shirt #73. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SOLENT DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH ELLIOT LEWIS


Elliot Lewis is awarded player of the month for March, by the off ice team staff, officials and supporters club members.

The second award this season for Elliot, in March Elliot scored 7 goals and top and tailed that with 8 in February and 12 in April.

Elliot continues to exhibit performance, passion, and the determination to be a worthy recipient.


In the second half of the season Elliot has grown in strength and physicality when taking the puck into the offensive zone, his first line team mates also received nominations specifically Mark Pitts for his continuous display of relentless effort providing the assist on many of the goals in March.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SOLENT DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY # 41 MASON WILD

Mason is awarded the February player of the month by the off ice team staff, officials and supporters club members.


Recognising his steadfast performance within the defensive team, his contribution to special teams has been critical on the penalty kills and his flexibility to create and take scoring opportunities have kept the Devils consistently in the top 4 this season.


Nominated on previous occasions for his stamina and determination earlier this year when the team had a much-reduced bench, taking the extra shifts, battling hard and getting on the scoreboard, Mason is deserved winner of the award and an easy decision for the panel to reach.


The purpose is to recognise a player who has demonstrated performance, passion, and determination throughout the calendar month and Mason exhibited all these and more.


Comments from the panel


“You know when Mason is on for his shift the opposition aren’t getting through.”


“Mason brings calm to the defensive line”


“Absolute stand out performance from a defenseman”

NIHL Finals Weekend

TICKETS ON SALE FOR NIHL FINALS FROM MONDAY!


The National Ice Hockey League is pleased to confirm the ticketing details for the four regional NIHL Finals Weekends, taking place in Bristol, Widnes, Milton Keynes and Leeds at the end of April.


For the NIHL2 Finals at Bristol and Widnes, over April 16/17, tickets are priced at Adults £20, Seniors £15 and Children £10.  These tickets will go on sale from 2pm on Monday February 28.  At these events the timings are: Saturday: Semi Finals at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.  Sunday: Grand Final at 4pm


Our NIHL1 Finals at Leeds and Milton Keynes are taking place over April 23/24 and these tickets are priced Adults £25, Seniors £18.75, Children £12.50.  These tickets will go on sale from 10am on Monday February 28.  At these events the timings are: Saturday: Semi Finals at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.  Sunday: Grand Final at 5.30pm

To book tickets when availability opens, go to nihlevents.eiha.co.uk/tickets and follow the links from that page.


The four events will provide an exciting conclusion to the 21/22 season, and we hope to see as many supporters from all teams in their respective divisions making the trip to support their teams, their league and celebrate the season with friends and fans alike.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SOLENT DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY # 1 CHICO COLE

Chico is awarded the January player of the month by the off ice team staff, officials and supporters club members.

In recognition for his mammoth efforts in goal, not just this month but all season, then Chico is the bar that others measure themselves against, with his standout performance at Chelmsford not only recognised by our club but by other clubs and supporters around the league.

His defenceman #41 Mason Wild was a very close runner up in the voting with his efforts on the ice with a much-reduced bench, taking the extra shifts, battling hard and getting on the scoreboard.

The purpose is to recognise a player who has demonstrated performance, passion, and determination throughout the calendar month and Chico exhibited all these and more.

Comments from the panel…

“The defensive core have all been impressive throughout January, but Chico is the last line of defence and cannot be denied the recognition for this.”

“Chico gets in the net and performs consistently at a high level. Sundays game against Chelmsford was a standout performance where he faced a barrage of shots including the 2 penalty shot saves and came out winning!”

“Chico has been our stand out performer throughout the month and helped secure the team vital points”

Well done Chico.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SOLENT DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER ELLIOT LEWIS

Elliot Lewis has won the inaugural player of the month for December awarded by the off ice team staff, officials and supporters club members.

The purpose of the award is to recognise a player we feel has demonstrated performance, passion, and determination throughout the calendar month.

Lewis stood out this month with his continuous efforts in chasing down every opportunity, creating plays for teammates and focusing resolutely on giving his absolute all.

Comments from the panel included

He remains focused at all times and doesn’t get distracted from the task

He is constantly listening to feedback, improving, adapting and demonstrating strength on the puck

Elliot will be receive a formal reward at the next home game.