SOLENT DEVILS ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE TWO-WAY SIGNING OF KRIS NEKROSEVICIUS AND CHARLIE WEDGE

Nekrosevicius and Wedge join the main roster at the mid-point of the season. Both players have made rapid progression after competing at U18 level last season, where Nekrosevicius accumulated 29 goals and 13 assists in 46 games with Chelmsford, Streatham and Romford and Wedge formerly at Basingstoke and our own junior club, getting 3 goals and 12 assists in 26 games.

Commenting on the signings Murray said

I’m delighted to add these two young British trained players to our roster on a more permanent basis.

Our relationship with the Junior NIHL 2 team is as strong as ever and this is exactly its purpose! Both Charlie and Kris took their chances when we had injuries and suspensions, impressing the entire team.

On hearing the news Charlie said

This is something I’ve always worked towards since juniors it’s a great accomplishment to be part of the team for the rest of the season. Hopefully we can finish off the season strong and score some goals on the way!

Kris adds

It feels amazing to be signed to such a great club and amazing organisation.
I am so thankful, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Murray continues

The signing of two-way agreements is just reward for both players. Charlie brings energy and speed to our forward line, whilst Kris is a massive presence on the blue line and a true gentleman on and off the ice!

I intend to have them involved for the second half of the season when required, whilst continuing to play regularly for the NIHL 2 team.

Wedge will be wearing # 22 and Nekrosevicius # 2

This evening, the Solent Devils are excited to announce the return of top British forward, Kev Tanner.

Tanner returns for his 4th season with the Solent Devils after taking a career break at the end of 2014 with 81 points in 94 appearances for Solent, commenting on his return Tanner said

It feels great to be back with the Devils after so many years away! I look forward to helping the team kick on during the second part of the season, as well as add a big personality to the dressing room.

Speaking about the challenge ahead Tanner continues

My goals for this season are to support the team in bringing back some silverware, as well as wear the Devils jersey with pride in front of our fantastic home crowd!

Commenting on the new signing Murray said

I’m delighted to be able to bring back Kev to the Solent Devils after several years away from the game! Kev is a real character on and off the ice and will add personality, confidence, goal scoring and a presence on the ice as we head into the business end of the season.

Murray concludes

I expect Kev to find his feet quickly and begin to influence games like I know he can, he has a rocket of a shot so will hopefully help on the powerplay! We were lacking right-handed forwards so after a brief conversation with Kev a few weeks back, he jumped at the chance to return and help the team!

Tanner will return to the Devils in shirt #11. If you would like to sponsor Kev then please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

WEEKEND TEAM NEWS

Following the news announced earlier, the Solent Devils have additional roster changes ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Romford Junior Raiders.

The Devils are delighted to announce that after icing for the Bison in preseason fixtures, Elliot Lewis has been called up this weekend to play for the Basingstoke Bison in the National League.

Head Coach Alex Murray has spoken of his delight

Elliot has been working hard all season, training with the Bison weekly, so I’m delighted he has been called upon this week

In additional to Circenis and Lewis, the Devils will be without Ben Lock and Dan Lackey who both picked up injuries last weekend. With this in mind, Head Coach Alex Murray has called up Charlie Wedge, Riley Panter & Kristijonas Nekrosevicius from the Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2 squad.

Commenting on the team news, Murray spoke of the opportunities for young players

Whilst it’s not ideal to be missing 4-5 of our top 10 players over the next few weeks, it provides an opportunity for others to step up, including those we have signed on two ways from the Junior Devils. We are delighted we have such a positive relationship with the Junior club and I’m impressed with Charlie, Kris and Riley in training. They will be ready if called upon on Saturday to show what they can do

Solent face off against the Raiders at 5pm Saturday 13th November with tickets still available at https://iceaccount.co.uk/ice-events/gosport/event/?event_id=6141

Tonight the Solent Devils have agreed to the release of Latvian born forward Ralfs Circenis.

22 year old Circenis who is currently the Devils top point scorer has been given the opportunity to play in Sweden in the Vastra A league.

Speaking about the departure Head Coach Alex Murray said of the loss

Ralfs will be a big loss for the Devils, but he has all of our support and best wishes as he pursues the opportunity in Sweden. Ralfs is a talented player and things just haven’t worked out for him in the National league in England, so I’m delighted he has been given another opportunity to test his skills at a really good level

Circenis leaves having amassed  75 goals and 67 assists in 114 games for the Devils.

Everyone at Solent wishes Ralfs well for the future.

This evening, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of top British netminder, Chico Cole.

Chico returning for his 12th season with a career 284 games, 15 shut outs and a 2019-20 season SVP of 92.82% comments on the goals for next season

“This season is to take off where we left the year before last, competing for the league title!”

Solent Head Coach Alex Murray commented

“To have the best goalie at this level is really pleasing. Chico gives us so much confidence when in net, that we also feel we have a chance to win any game we play. Chico has won us so many games with his individual performances, but his team work, communication and knowledge really helps everyone else out on the ice!”

Chico continues

“The goals are always set high and I want us achieve the best we possibly can.”

“The spring cup was great! I liked the competition going into the unknown with players from the league above and it was great to come out on top.”

Regarding the impact of lockdown and isolation Chico adds

“Focusing on the positives the last 18 months has brought me a new home, lots of rest from hockey, with time to physically recover and lots of work.”

On the subject of expectations from team mates Chico said

“I will always bring my best to every single game and in return the players give their best to help me out when needed.”

Finishing with the question of favourite rink Chico says

“I’ve always loved Nottingham’s rink and would love to play there with full house of fans.”

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