Leo Harris returns to NIHL 1 with the Devils

The Home Opener is just weeks away and the Solent Devils are finalising their roster.
Tonight, the Solent Devils would like to welcome 21 year old British Forward Leo Harris to the team!

Harris makes the 7th brand new face joining the Solent Devils squad for the 2024/25 season.

Leo Harris brings even more youth and a range of diverse hockey experience to the line-up from the Columbus Mavericks of the USPHL Premier in the USA!

Leo has collected a vast range of hockey experience at a young age having played in the league before in 2021/22 where he spent the season with the Milton Keynes Thunder collecting 12 points. Leo began his junior career in the north divisions with the Telford Tigers U15 before moving to the Coventry Blaze U15, after which he settled in the Nottingham development system where he spent most of his career developing until 2020.

After a season playing in Milton Keynes, Leo moved to gain experience overseas with him first playing in Canada with the West Nipissing Lynx of the GMHL where he played 36 games in a season. After this he moved his talents to the USA playing for the Columbus Mavericks of the USPHL Premier playing 24 games.

Leo now returns home to the UK with a return to NIHL 1 South.

Harris had this to say regarding his decision to sign with Solent

It feels great to be back playing in England to be in a very competitive team that has a rich history of winning.

Leo continued with what he hopes to bring to the roster,

Coming back my goal is to help build on the teams recent success and get some silverware.
My main reason I wanted to join Solent is that I am keen to play for a competitive club in this country that loves to win and has a great following of fans behind them!

Leo concluded by reflecting on his time in the States,

In the States, I was on the ice every morning and playing within a tough division which has helped my game and hockey IQ so much and hopefully I can bring that to Solent.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say about the addition of Leo Harris to his squad,

I’m please to have secured the signing of Leo following a spell in the States.

We have spent most of the offseason in discussion and I’m please to finally get this over the line.

Murray spoke on how he sees Leo impacting the new Solent Devils team,

Leo is a two-way, versatile forward who can play down the middle. He is keen to showcase his skillset at this level following a period of time playing in the USPHL and I’m happy to give him that opportunity.

Leo will add depth and youth to our already fresh line up and I’m excited to see what he can bring.

Leo Harris will wear the #86 jersey for the Solent Devils
Leo is currently looking for an Own and Loan Sponsor.

Solent Devils Season Tickets for the upcoming season are still available!
If you would like to purchase a season ticket or have any questions regarding them, please contact Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

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

SOLENT WELCOME BANNER

As we look to the 2024-2025 season, the Solent Devils continue to add to their roster.
Today, the Solent Devils would like to welcome British shutdown defenceman Tom Banner to the club!

Tom Banner brings some youth to the Solent Devils defence core from the Basignstoke Buffalo where he has spent most of his career.

Banner is no stranger to the league having spent time with the Oxford City Stars and Slough Jets in previous years. Banner also has experience playing for the Basingstoke Bison in the NIHL National league and now joins the Solent Devils as they make a push for silverwear.

Tom’s regular season last season consisted of 25 games split across the Oxford City Stars and Basingstoke Bufffalo (NIHL 2) during those games he picked up a total of 7 assists and was a key part of the Buffalo’s NIHL 2 playoff cup winning run.

Banner had this to say about joining Solent,

I’m really looking forward to playing for Solent. The team is in a strong position to do well this season and I can’t wait to help bring home some silverware.

When asked about the factors which helped in deciding to sign with the club, Banner said,

I’ve had my eye on joining Solent for a while, but life’s circumstances didn’t align until now. This season everything has fallen into place allowing me to join the team. Solent’s motivated spirit, strong line up and great coaches made it an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

Reflecting on his past experience, Banner feels his time with the Bison and Buffalo will help him make an instant impact

The teams have both helped me develop my skills and build my confidence. Playing in National league gave me the exposure of playing in a high pressure environment with and against high level players. Playing in Buffalo was a very rewarding experience by contributing to the teams successes. I’ll use these skills this season to help add experience and build upon the already strong defence core.

Speaking on the addition of Banner to the line up, Head Coach Alex Murray stated,

I’m delighted to be able to bring a player of Tom’s calibre to the club. I have been a huge admirer of Tom for some time now and I’m pleased I’ve been able to bring him to the club to bolster our defensive group.

Tom is young, but has lots of experience at national league and recently won the playoffs with Basingstoke.

I’m looking for Tom to be an impact player with his size and defensive skill set and I know he’ll make a positive impact to our lineup

Banner will be wearing the #13 jersey for the club and his shirt will be sponsored by Trident Specialist Soutions.

Lastly, the Solent Devils can confirm that British forward Jack Peacock will not be returning to the club next season.

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

The Head Coach returns to Solent!

We are pleased to announce that player and Head Coach Alex Murray will be returning for his 12th consecutive coaching season with the team.

After a sucessful season having lead the team to 2nd place in the NIHL 1 South Playoffs, Murray has demonstrated time and time again his leadership skills through many tough match-ups. This past year this was shown through the playoff match ups against both the Invicta Dynamos and Streatham Redhawks.

Murray’s 2023-24 regular season saw him play 28 games in which he collected 32 total points which featured 13 goals and 19 assists.
In the playoffs, Murray lead the team in points and goals with him picking up 8 points, 3 goals and 5 assits in just 4 games!

Alex, who will be heading into his 15th season as a Devils player, has this to say about his return as Coach:

“I’m really excited to return for another season as Head Coach at Solent”

“Following a successful season on the whole last year, I’m looking forward to building upon our results and placing as we continue our rebuild.”

He also took time to reflect on his season as a player:

“Whilst personally I wasn’t happy with my performance as a whole last season, I will be working hard to ensure I lead from the front, as well as allow opportunities for our younger players to step up and play important minutes.”

Murray will return to the line up wearing his usual #73 jersey.

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

Campbell’s “Last Dance”

Today the Solent Devils have completed their roster for the 2023-24 season with the signing of long serving Canadian forward Drew Campbell.

Campbell who has iced for over 10 seasons with the club, will lace up his boots for one last season, before he retires!

The Ontario born forward who is the Devils all-time leading goal scorer spoke of his return and said   

“It’s great to be back. The Devils are an amazing club, and there is no other place I’d want to go. The team is looking good and younger, and I can’t wait to start the season.”

Looking ahead to the season, Campbell who has amassed 425 points for Solent said

“As always for the team our goal is to try and keep in contention for trophies. We have the best fans and off ice officials, and they deserve to see us pushing for trophies. Personally, I’m here to help anyway I’m needed. If that’s helping the new or younger guys get the systems or win face offs, try score goals, I’ll do it.”

Speaking on his “Last Dance” Campbell said

“After a few long conversations, first with myself in the mirror, and then with family and finally with Muzza. I just want to let everyone know that this will be my last year as a player. It’s has been a blast for the last 42 years of competitive hockey, and I’m sure I’ll see people around this season.”

Head Coach, Alex Murray said

“It was a summer of uncertainty for Drew but I’m really pleased he is happy with his decision and I’m looking forward to one more season alongside him. We will ensure we give our best for Drew who has been a stalwart in British ice hockey for several decades”.

Campbell will wear the #23 jersey and will be sponsored by The Norridge Family.

He will go straight into the lineup for this weekend’s home opener against the Dynamo, on Saturday.

Forsyth returns to Solent.

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British forward Luke Forsyth.

Following a successful return to ice hockey after over a decade away, Luke made an instant impact on the team with his offensive ability. Speaking on his return, Luke said

“It feels great to be back for a second season with the Devils. It’s such a great club to be a part of and the support we have home and away makes all the difference.”

The former Junior Devil amassed 9 goals and 7 assists in last season’s campaign and reflected on his first season with the club

“It was hard work for sure! I knew it was going to be a difficult season with lots to learn but we took one game at a time and got stronger as the season went on. I built some great chemistry with the guys and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the ice.”

Looking ahead, Luke talks of his goals for the season

“With some great players retiring it’s going to be a tough season. I hope to step up from my first year and bring more points to the table, bring a sense of calmness when needed and help the team in anyway that’s needed.”

When Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his eagerness to continue to add to his roster

“Luke is a great addition to the team, he hit the ground running last season scoring some big goals for us on our second unit. I will be looking for more of the same offensively this coming year.”

Luke will wear the number #77 and his jersey has been sponsored In Memory of Sue Morse.

Solent retain shot stopper.

Today the Solent Devils have penned a deal to secure the services of Rory Martin – Edwards between the pipes for the 2023-24 season.

The 21-year-old goaltender remains at Solent in what will be his 3rd season with the club. Speaking on his return, Rory said

“I am really happy to be returning to the Devils for another season. I have been made to feel part of the Devils right from the beginning, and playing my favourite sport with such a great team of dedicated players is what it’s all about!

The Portsmouth born stopper continued by speaking of his preparation this off season

“This Spring, following a very long and competitive application process, I joined the Royal Navy and will be training in my specialist branch for the next couple of years. Joining the Navy has taken me to a whole new level of fitness and has challenged me both mentally and physically. I am stronger, fitter and more confident in my approach to life, and I believe this will put me in competitive position physically and mentally for the upcoming season.”

Speaking on his return, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his desire to retain the young prospect

“Rory is the future of Solent in his position. With the other goalies at the later stages of their careers it’s important Rory continues his develop and gets game time at both NIHL 2 and 1 this season.”

Speaking about his own expectations the former Bracknell Bee said

“Ice hockey is all about teamwork and although my personal goal is obviously to play more games, I recognise that its only one goalie in the net at a time! I hope my improved fitness and determination will shine through this season so that I can do more of what I love to do – Stopping pucks.”

Rory will continue to wear #50 and will be sponsored by Stormlight Hypnotherapy, who we would like to thank for their support.