Category: Player News

Solent Devils 2026/27 Player Signing – Ralfs Circenis

RALFS RETURNS

The Solent Devils continue to develop their brand new competitive roster for the 2026/27 NIHL 1 season tonight with the announcement of their fourth player!

Joining the fast growing squad, the Solent Devils are ecstatic to announce the return of club legend, Forward Ralfs Circenis!

Ralfs Circenis will be a name that carries many highlight reel moments and team memories for fans who have been around a while. Circenis iced as a Solent Devils for stints in 2013-14 to 2015-16 before taking on competition in Canada! On his return he re-joined the squad from 2019-2021.

The 2022 season saw Ralfs step up to the NIHL National League, where he has iced for the past 4 seasons, being apart the Berkshire Bees, Bristol Pitbulls and Peterborough Phantoms where he won championships.
Now Ralfs looks to return to NIHL 1 where he has previously put up point-a-game and over a point-a-game seasons with his former club, the Solent Devils!

Re-Signing Interview:

After signing, we sat down with Ralfs Circenis to discuss the season ahead,

What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?

I’m really happy to be coming back to the Devils. This club has always had a special place in my heart and I always loved playing here!

The Solent Devils team looks different from the last time you were here, with some familiar faces and some new younger players. What are your thoughts on joining an exciting young team and what role are you looking to take on?

It’s definitely a different type of roster compared to last time I played here. I know the young guys are hungry and want to win. I will try to pass on my experience as much as I can to help the team reach new heights in this league!

The past few seasons have seen you travel the country as part of the NIHL National League, what have you learned over your time in that league and how has your game adapted or changed?

The national league is competitive. My game hasn’t changed, I think the reason I had offers from the national 4 years ago was due to the way I was playing so I don’t think I needed to adapt too much. I always just played my game. It takes a lot of commitment to play in the national with all the travel and that’s something that I can no longer commit to due to my work.

Finally, Ralfs, What is your message to all of the Solent Devils fans, new and old?

The Devils fans have always been the best fans in the league and have always shown me nothing but love and support. I cannot wait to be back in the Devils colours and bring the fans to the edge of their seats every game!

In addition, we sat down with Head Coach Alex Murray to gather his thoughts on inking the deal.

Naturally i’m thrilled to have secured the services of Ralfs for the 2026-27 season.

Speaking to the conversation that lead to the signing, Murray added,

One thing that stands true with Solent is the bond you create with players during their time at the club. When I spoke to Ralfs earlier in the summer, it was clear that the commitment at national level was not something he could continue with and so I’m humbled that when we spoke his word were “I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else in the NIHL 1” it’s testiment to the true friendship we have to be able to bring someone of Ralfs’ calibre back to the club, whilst still in his prime.

Murray continued to say what Circenis will add to the new roster

Ralfs will bring some much needed fire power to our forward unit as well as a work ethic and a desire to win that the younger guys can learn from.

I’m excited to see what Ralfs can do back at this level and we are very excited to have him back.

Ralfs Circenis will wear #33 for the Solent Devils.

Keep In The Loop!

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils on their social media pages to stay up to date with the latest news and signings!

Solent Devils 2026/27 Player Signing – Harry Cloutman

CLOUTMAN CONTINUES

The Solent Devils continue to develop their new competitive roster for the 2026/27 NIHL 1 season tonight with the announcement of their third player!

Joining Alex Murray and Cam Buckle, the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of British Defenceman Harry Cloutman!

Cloutman’s 2025/26 season saw him step into a key role as a shutdown defenceman as well as being a key contributer on special teams. Harry helped set up important goals which turned the tides of key games and finished the season in the top 10 for team point scoring and assists!

Cloutman will be joining the team for his 9th senior season in September and looks to continue improving the finer details within his game, something he explores in his re-signing interview.

Re-Signing Interview:

After signing, we sat down with Harry Cloutman to discuss the season ahead,

What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?

This club means a lot to me, and I’ve always appreciated the support from the fans, teammates, and everyone involved. It is always a pleasure to come back, this season I will continue to contribute on and off the ice, and do my best to help push the team forwards.

Last season was a challenging one, at the Solent Devils presentation evening, you were awarded Defenceman of the Year, what does it mean to you to receive this award under these circumstances and what did you learn from last season, that you plan to take with you going forward?

Winning Defenceman of the Year last season meant a lot to me, especially during a season that was challenging for the group at times. It’s always an honour to be recognised by the club, and I’m really grateful to my teammates, coaches, and everyone involved with the Devils for the support throughout the year.

Recent seasons have seen your development as a player come leaps and bounds, from running special teams, coaching and now being a young leader on the team. What are you enjoying most about being in the Solent Devils system and what are you looking to develop this season?

It’s great to be apart of the devils system, with a great group of people around the team always willing us forwards to be the best team we can be.

While continuing to improve the finer details of my game, I want to keep contributing in all situations, help drive standards within the group, and continue learning both on and off the ice so I can have the biggest impact possible for the team.

Finally, What is your message to the Solent Devils fans?

I just cannot wait to see you all back at the Thunderdome for the coming Season!

Harry Cloutman will continue to wear #18 for the Solent Devils.

Keep In The Loop!

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils on their social media pages to stay up to date with the latest news and signings!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Solent Devils 2026/27 Player Signing – Cameron Buckle

BUCKLE UP FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Tonight, at the Solent Devils Presentation Evening, the 2nd player for the 2026/27 season was announced!

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of Forward #51 Cam Buckle!

Buckle’s 2025/26 was cut short due to injury however he still stepped up and became a regular contibuter for the team. finishing 2nd in team point scoring, 3rd in team goals scoring and 1st in team assists.

Buckle finished the season over a point a game!

Cam will be joining the team for his 3rd season in September and looks to continue developing his skills and role on the team, something he explores in his re-signing interview.

Re-Signing Interview:

After signing, we sat down with Cam Buckle to discuss the season ahead,

What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?

I’m excited to be back for my 3rd season with the Devils. The last 2 years have been some of the most enjoyable hockey I’ve played, so when Muz called the answer was always going to be yes!

Last season was a challenging one, what aspects are you planning to take from last season to build on for this upcoming season?

Last season being challenging could be an understatement! From personal challenges with injury to the team underperforming on the goals we set. I think the hurt we all felt with the season finishing so early and with no silverwear will really push us to better ourselves and eachother. Winning with this team is a fantastic feeling and we’ll use that to build success this year.

What is your personal goal this upcoming season as a player?

My personal goals will be to really take a leadership stance on the team. We’ve seen some turn around with veteran guys leaving, so it’s a chance for myself and others to really take a hold and lead the team to success. Another personal goal will also be to win a trophy. We’ve been close the last couple of seasons and we will keep pushing for one.

What is your message to the Solent Devils fans?

I’m excited to be back playing infront of you all. When the building is packed and loud it really is the best place to play. See you all in the new year!

Cameron Buckle will continue to wear #51 for the Solent Devils.

Keep In The Loop!

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils on their social media pages to stay up to date with the latest news and signings!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

Solent Devils 2026/27 Player Signing – Alex Murray

MURRAY BEHIND THE BENCH AND ON THE ICE

Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to get the ball rolling on the 2026/27 season as they ink the first contract!

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of Player Coach #73 Alex Murray!

Murray was a key contributor on the ice during the teams push last season, with him finishing 3rd in regular season with him scoring 6 goals and 16 assists!

Murray will be joining the team for his 17th season in September and looks to continue developing the rebuilding team!

Re-Signing Interview:

After signing, we sat down with Alex Murray to discuss the season ahead,

What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?

Naturally i’m pleased to be returning for the 26/27 season.
There is some uncertainty on how much longer I can keep playing but I’m excited to lead the club through this transitional period as we enter a new era of Devils Hockey.

Last season was a challenging one with many unfortunate, unpredictable events, what aspects are you planning to take from last season to build on for this upcoming season?

It would be remiss to say last season was a write off. Whilst things didn’t go to plan, there were several positives to take from the year, in particular the integration of several younger players from our junior system which was really important. We also finished the season very strong and were unlucky to not get past the 1/4 finals in the playoffs.
I plan to ensure we remain competitive while giving opportunities to the new generation of Devils. Consistency is key, and whilst we cannot control injuries, I am confident we will not have a season like we did this year, with the amount of not noticeable long term absences.

What is your personal goal this upcoming season as a player?

My goal for this year is to ensure we are competitive in every game, make Solent a fortress once again, and give the supporters a team they can really get behind for several years to come!

What can fans expect the 2026/27 Solent Devils team to look like this upcoming season?

The team is shaping up nicely already. We have so many loyal Solent players who are eager to return without waiting all Summer, and it’s these types of players who will forge our new core group moving forward.
We are also working on some big marque club signings which I’m hopeful will come to fruition as these will certainly please supporters.

What is your message to the Solent Devils fans?

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support through the good time and the tough times. There are simply no better fans in the league, your personal touch and undying devotion to our small club means we never feel the pressure of a fan base, just the support.

Alex Murray will continue to wear #73 for the Solent Devils.
Murray’s Jersey will be owned and loaned by “Learning for Life”!

Keep In The Loop!

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils on their social media pages to stay up to date with the latest news and signings!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

Solent Devils 2025/26 Player Signing – Joshua Martin

MARTIN JOINS DEVILS

Ahead of tonight’s game against the Slough Jets, the Solent Devils announce a new name for their 2025/26 roster to bolster their line-up!

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the signing of British Forward Josh Martin!

Martin adds Strength, size, experience and skill to the line-up.

Josh joins the Devils with a wealth of experience from across English hockey.

Martin began his senior career with the Solent Devils back in the 2014-15 when he played a stint with the team before moving to the Bracknell Hornets of NIHL 1.

Martin was a staple in the Hornets club icing for the Hornets and Bees from 2014 to 2023 joining the team for their move to the NIHL National league!

2023-24 saw Martin Join the Streatham Redhawks where he had a great regular season as a depth piece picking up over half a point a game before playing at over a point a game for the team in the playoffs!

Last season, Martin re-joined the National League Bees and played in a majority of their games as a consistent two-way player!

This season, Josh took a step away from the sport to focus on his personal life, but now looks to join the Devils to enhance their line-up for the remainder of the season!

Signing Interview

After inking his brand new contract with the team, we sat down with Josh to ask him a few questions.

We began by asking Josh what made him choose to sign with the Solent Devils,

I thought last year might be my final season with having two young children at home but after not playing at the start of this season it was evident that the itch to play was still there.
Obviously I know Muzza from my short stint here before and then also know the likes of Duffy from roller and fortunately there was a spot they were looking to fill so i’m grateful for that.

How would you describe your game and what you can bring to the team to the Solent Devils fans?

Just hard working and physical, get to the dirty areas in front and see what happens.

Our time with Martin concluded as we asked him to reflect on how his veteran presence and experience of higher levels can help a younger Devils team,

Yeah hopefully I can pass down a thing or two to the youngsters however I think just leading by example will go a huge way with a young team!

We also sat down with Player Coach Alex Murray to get his thoughts on his latest aquisition:

I’m delighted to have been able to secure Josh for the remainder of the season, he is an incredible player at this level who brings size, physicality and a goal threat which is the piece of the puzzle I feel we have been missing these past few years.

Murray continued to stat why he thinks Josh will be a good fit in Solent,

I have known Josh for a long time having given him his senior debut at Solent back in 2014.
It was evident then that he was going to be a real talent, and since has gone on to compete at the top end of NIHL 1 or with the Bees in the National legaue.

Here’s what Alex thinks Josh will bring to the team,

Josh’s style of play will suit our rink as well as provide some offensive differences in front of goal and on our special teams. He has been training with us for a month now and has really suited our team!

I’m really looking forward to Josh’s time with us and I know it’s the boost our team needs!

Josh Martin will make his Solent Devils debut later tonight as they hit the road to face the Slough Jets!

Josh Martin will wear the #88 jersey for the Solent Devils for the 2025-26 season.

The Solent Devils can also confirm the release of Solent Junior Devil Aston Lacey from his two-way contract.

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==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

Solent Devils 2025/26 Player Signing – Liam Kennington

SOLENT ADD TO YOUNG CORE

We are just 9 days away from the beginning of the 2025/26 season!

Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to finally reveal the signing of 17 year old British Forward Liam Kennington!

Hockey Career

Kennington has an impressive hockey career at a young age, starting out in the Solent Devils system playing for the Devils U16 team in 2021-22 where he had 8 points in 15 games.

After that season, Liam moved to the Guildford development system where he played for the U16 and U18 teams where he massed 31 points in 55 junior games where the majority of his points were goals.

Last season was a breakout year for Kennington as collected 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 15 games for the Guildford Firekings U18. This landed him a spot on the Guildford Phoenix (NIHL 2) where he played 14 regular season games, where he picked up a goal. He also appeared in the Phoenix’s Playoff roster where he played in 5 playoff games and scored a goal.

Kennington also had a stint in the Solent Devils league (NIHL 1) last season whereby he played 7 games for the Milton Keynes Thunder, here he picked up 3 points!

This season Liam signs a new two-way contract which sees him step up to play for the Guildford Phoenix of NIHL 2 as well as with the Solent Devils allowing the team to call him up to support the team.

Signing Interview

After joining the team, we sat down with the former GB Roller Hockey player to ask him a few questions ahead of the 2025/26 season:

The interview begun with Kennington giving his thoughts on joining the Devils:

I’m looking forward to playing for the Solent Devils. I believe that this will be a good experience, playing alongside the team.

We expanded on this by exploring what made Liam choose the Devils to be apart of his development:

I think it will benefit my career a lot playing in different surroundings to help with my development.

We then asked Liam about his bond with the Solent team and if he knows any of the players from past teams he has been apart of:

I have played with some of the team playing Roller Hockey.
Apart from that I will be playing with a lot of new people, which I am very excited to do so I can adapt my game to how the Devils team play.

We concluded our time by asking Kennington about his past season and his experience with the league playing with the Milton Keynes Thunder:

Last year playing a small amount for Milton Keynes helped me see how fast and competitive the league is so I will be more ready for it this upcoming season.

We then asked Liam “What are you hoping to bring to the Devils line-up this season?”

I will be putting my everything into every shift to help the Devils where I can to get what we need coming out of every game.

We concluded by asking Kennington what his personal goal is for this upcoming season:

My personal goal for this season is to get as much ice time to prove what I can do to help the team.

Coaches Thoughts

After inking his latest addition, Head Coach Alex Murray gave us his thoughts:

Liam is someone I have known for a long time having taught him at Solent a few years ago. I have watched him grow into a player with real potential, size and skill and I’m hoping he can add something a little different to our lineup!

Murray continued to discuss what he hopes Kennington will bring to the Devils lineup.

Liam’s goalscoring threat and work rate are key reasons we feel he will work well with the Devils.

He concluded by discussing Liam’s contract:

I’m also really pleased that Guildford have allowed this two-way agreement which will in turn help develop their player, a pathway which has served both clubs well in the past.

Liam Kennington will wear #19 for the Solent Devils for the 2025/26 season.

Liam Kennington will be looking for an Own and Loan Sponsor, email devilssupporters@outlook.com if you are interested

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==

https://x.com/SolentDevil