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.  

Junior Devils Mills makes the jump! 

Solent continue to add youth to their line up with their latest signing, Ben Mills, on a two-way with the Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2 team. 

Speaking on joining, Mills who is a product of Solent’s junior system said

“I am very excited and extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to sign on a two way. It’s been something I’ve been working towards for a long time now, and I am happy with the progress I am making so far but it is not over yet as I do want to keep improving and truly reach my potential”.

When asked about how this signing will inspire the current juniors at the club, the 19-year-old forward said

“I hope this will give the juniors hope that it is possible for anyone of them to sign for the Solent Devils in the future and I hope this is something that helps motivate them to keep improving, working hard, and working towards their goals that they have, then reaching those goals and making a real impact. Coming through the ranks of the junior club I have been extremely lucky with the people I have met, the teammates I have shared the ice with, and very importantly the coaches I have met along the way, they have all helped make this possible by moulding me into the player and young man I have become today. I would like to thank Coach Richard Facey who has been a big part of my development and was a great coach to play for. “

Looking ahead, the former junior club captain said

“This season will be my second season in senior hockey and at an even greater level, I have a lot to learn from this year and so with this learning and taking on as much as I can in training and games from all my coaches, teammates, and experiences I can gain throughout the year. Along with my improvements of understanding the game a lot more at this level I still want to be making an impact every time I get to go out there on the ice. So being consistent out there on the ice and being as competitive as I can be. As a team I think we can still be in title contention and have a great chance of making another great run into playoffs at the end of year. “

Speaking on his latest addition, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the importance of this signing

“Ben is the perfect example of a player sticking in our junior system and getting the same benefit at the end. We lose far too many of our junior players to those supposed bigger academies, so I’m pleased that Ben has remained loyal, got his head down and really worked on his game to get to this level. I have known and seen Ben develop for many years and I’m excited to see him get his opportunity this year with the club. I hope it inspires more of our junior members to remain with us and keep working hard to achieve your goals.”

Mills will wear the #4 jersey and will be sponsored in the upcoming season by The Riff Raff who we would like to thank for their continued support of the team.