Category: Player News

2022-23 Signing Alert – Dan Lackey

SOLENT LAND LACKEY

The Solent Devils are excited to announce the re-signing of British Forward Dan Lackey

Lackey was awarded Coaches Player of the Season at the recent presentation evening. Murry recognising the forwards versatility and can-do attitude. Despite 8 weeks out for an injury, Lackey put away 9 goals, provided 14 assists and played an essential role in 26 games over the 2021-22 league campaign.

Speaking of his decision to return Lackey said

It’s a great tight knit club to play for! With the awesome fans and volunteers who make playing here so easy and fun it was a no brainer!

Head Coach Murray comments

I’m delighted that we’ve secure the re-signing of Lackey for the upcoming 22-23 season. Dan is an incredible player who can player numerous positions and roles. Lackeys versatility is essential at this level with injuries, work commitments etc meaning we often rely on Dan for several situations.

Revealing his highlights from last season, Lackey continues

For sure, overall it has to be securing second place in the league, that was some achievement! But the comeback in Chelmo was great to be a part of, what a night!

Reflecting on the season and the capable opposition Lackey said

It’s been the toughest season so far since I’ve been at the Devils, with all the teams getting stronger this year and us having to continually change up lines due to Rich and Ralf not being around, along with injuries! I don’t think I played in the same position in consecutive games!

When asked about being Murray’s versatile player, Lackey adds

It’s one of the strengths of my game, as long as I’m helping the team I’ll play anywhere! I’m not about individual points, I’ll leave that to the skilled players! It’s obviously an honour to get the recognition for that by the coach!

Murray commented

Dan was very impressive on the special teams this year scoring several key goals on the powerplay and playing heavy minutes on the kill.

Looking ahead to next season Lackey finishes by saying

I’m sure it’s going to be another competitive year, with teams making a few changes – that’s not a bad thing as competitive hockey is always the most fun to play and watch! Hopefully we can do the same again and push for the top spots, with a better playoff run this time round!

Murray adds

This season I am expecting more of the same from Lackey as he continued to lead from the front both on and off the ice!

Lackey will return to the Devils in shirt #9. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2022-23 Signing Alert – Chico Cole

COLE SECURED BY SOLENT

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Netminder Chico Cole.

With an SVP never lower than 91.60% since 2016, Chico has made the league’s All-Star team line-up every year since then too. The supporters favourite returning in the #1 jersey will be back between the pipes as the last line of defence in to 2022-23 league campaign.

Commenting on his reason for returning Chico stated

“I love the game, in front of the net is my second home with my hockey family and our fantastic supporters”

Head Coach Murray said

I’m delighted we have re-signed Chico for next season!

Chico has been a vital part of our squad for over a decade and continues to perform night in night out for the club.

Chico is one of the best goalies in the league and wins us games on his own during the seasons. We look forward to another strong year from our starting goaltender as we aim to push for some silverware.

Chico continues with his thoughts on the season ahead

“I never have any expectations as we are in a very competitive league now, where anything can happen, last season was tough especially the first few games, that was reflected in the final leagues positions with one point separating three teams”

When asked about a highlight from last season, there was no hesitation in his response

“Away game at Chelmsford with over 70 shots on goal and arguably our greatest ever comeback to steal the win. Everyone knows where they were on that memorable night!”

Turning attention to the team, when asked what he looks for in a teammate, Chico adds

“Nothing but passion and hard work, next season we need to turn the screw even tighter in defence and lock out the opposition”

Just before the season commences Chico will be celebrating a milestone birthday, we asked about his thoughts on turning 30… rolling his eyes Chico said

“Jheeze thanks for the reminder! I’m just warming up so be prepared for even more from me!”

Chico will return to the Devils in shirt #1. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

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”

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.