Category: Player News

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.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SOLENT DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER ELLIOT LEWIS

Elliot Lewis has won the inaugural player of the month for December awarded by the off ice team staff, officials and supporters club members.

The purpose of the award is to recognise a player we feel has demonstrated performance, passion, and determination throughout the calendar month.

Lewis stood out this month with his continuous efforts in chasing down every opportunity, creating plays for teammates and focusing resolutely on giving his absolute all.

Comments from the panel included

He remains focused at all times and doesn’t get distracted from the task

He is constantly listening to feedback, improving, adapting and demonstrating strength on the puck

Elliot will be receive a formal reward at the next home game.

2021-22 Signing Alert – Kris Nekrosevicius and Charlie Wedge

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