Bison’s Peacock returns to Solent

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to confirm they have signed British forward Jack Peacock from the Basingstoke Bison.  

Speaking on his return Peacock said

“It feels good to return, I’m excited to get going again with the boys and I feel like I left at the right time but now I also feel returning for the 23/24 season was the best choice to continue my development.”

In January Peacock left the Devils to pursue an opportunity with the Basingstoke Bison as he became the clubs first branded academy player. Speaking on the impact of playing at national, Peacock said

“I feel moving up into the national league helped me gain more experience and helped me to understand systems and how to correctly deal with most situations on the ice. Which in turn I feel has benefitted my all-round game and upped the level of hockey I can bring back into Solent”

Peacock who iced 27 times for the Bison last season still thinks he has more to learn, when he stated

“My goals are to put what I’ve learnt into practice and become a key member of the team. I’m also still learning so I will very much be continuing my development to improve my all-round game as a forward.”

Speaking on the return of Peacock, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the clubs identify

 “The philosophy and identify of our club have not changed since I took charge. We want to be a place where young players can come, learn, and develop as well as have an opportunity at senior hockey. I want to progress these players as far as I can, which is why I was pleased to see Jack get a chance at national last year. He now returns with a little more experience which I hope will help him compete for a regular spot with the us, whilst contributing offensively”.

Peacock will wear #51 and will be sponsored by Towergate for the upcoming season.

Copper continues with Solent

The Solent Devils continue their preparations for the 2023-24 season with the re-signing of experienced forward Scott Cooper.

 The Geordie who joined from Billingham in 2019 said

“It feels great to be back with the Devils for another season. I’m really looking forward to getting started in the next month or so, we have some new faces on the team which is exciting and shows the upwards trajectory of the club that we can still attract players from a higher level. We have some unfinished business from falling just short at the playoff weekend.”

With several retirements, Cooper who is 32 in November spoke of the additional responsibilities he will have

“Being considered now as one of the older heads on the team, I hope to bring a sense of calmness to the younger players on the team when they are maybe being put in situations that they are not used to. Additionally, I will look to offer help and guide where I can. I will continue the family mentality we have in the dressing room even with some big characters leaving.”

The versatile journeyman, has spoken of his goals ahead of the new season

“My personal goals for the season are to simply help the team anyway I can and look to solidify my centre position where we can build some chemistry on every line without relying too much on the top guys on the team.”

Speaking on his latest signing, Murray said Coopers versatility and character are key components

“Scotty has such a great mix of personality and ability to really help our team’s depth. He can play across the forward positions as well as defence and has begun to develop into a reliable PK player. I’m looking at Scotty to really support the new boys joining and continue to step up when called upon.”

Scott who will wear the #24 jersey will be sponsored by Fasteners Plus for the 2023-23 season with the Devils

British forward Evans re-signs for Solent

The signings for Solent continue as the Devils confirm Oscar Evans is retained for the 2023-24 season.

Evans returns for his 3rd full season with Solent having originally joined from the Basingstoke Bison in 2021.

Speaking on his return, Evans had this to say

“It feels great to be back with the Devils I really feel at home here now and I’m excited to get going again.”

After reaching the 10-goal mark last season, Evans has set his sights on contributing more for the team

“My aim this year is to make more goal contributions for my team and hopefully go all the way this year.”

Head Coach Alex Murray also said it’s an important season for Evans

 “I was impressed at Oscar’s progression last season, which saw him move up the line up regularly. His effort was rewarded with a good return in goals last season, but similar to others, I am hoping for a breakout year for Oscar as he aims to increase his role within the team.”

Oscar will be sponsored by The Riff Raff and will continue to wear the #47 jersey.

Prospect Wedge retained by Solent

Charlie Wedge is the latest player to return to Solent after signing a two-way deal with the NIHL 2 Devils.

Speaking on his return, the 20-year-old said

“It was an easy choice for me to sign for another season with such a great team. Playing in NIHL 1 & 2 is a great opportunity to develop and become the best player I can be.”

The speedy winger amassed 43 points in 43 games across both teams last season and is looking to push on with his development

“Next season I’d like to contribute more for the team and hopefully bring home some trophies!”

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray said

“Charlie is one of our most exciting prospects. After a successful transition period last year, we are expecting him to have a big impact in South 1.”

Wedge will continue to wear the #22 jersey and will be sponsored by 2Teck.

Award winning Hutchison returns

The Solent Devils continue their preparations for the upcoming season, with the re-signing of Connor Hutchison.

The Shane Clacy award winner from last season has penned a deal to begin his 3rd season with the Devils. Speaking on his return Connor said

“I’m looking forward to the start of my 3rd full season with the Devils. It was an easy decision to return to such a great organisation. The most enjoyable part about this club is the fans of the team, the back-room staff and everyone involved, they are just one big family to me.”

After reflecting on last season’s accomplishments, Hutchison, who has previously played for Bracknell and MK said

“It was devastating to lose in the final after having such a successful season, which is a credit to the whole team and that’s what fires me up for the upcoming season”.

Speaking on his latest recruit, head coach Alex Murray said

“I’m really pleased to get Hutchy back again this year. Connor is a team first guy, who is willing to do whatever he can to get momentum for our team. He is skilful and physical, and I will be looking for him to increase his production as I know he as the potential”.

Connor will continue to wear the #6 jersey and will be sponsored by Pipeline Plumbing Solutions and we would like to thank them for their support.

If you would like to sponsor any of our Devils for the upcoming season, then please get in touch with Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

Devils retain Duffy

Today the Devils have penned a deal to see experience goaltender Mark Duffy stay at Solent for the 2023-24 season.

The former Oxford and Bracknell shot stopper is the first of three to sign for Solent this season and was an integral part in the team’s cup run last year.

Speaking on his return, Duffy who turned 35 in April is looking forward to his return

“It feels good to be back! I’ve loved being a part of this club and I’m so excited to have another season. I can’t wait to get back into the room with the boys and to play in front of the great Solent fans!

Reflecting on last season, the Camberley born tender said

“I feel like I had a good year last season, I loved playing alongside Chico who’s leaving behind big boots that I’m excited to try and help fill them this year. Last year was one of my better seasons in terms of numbers and I’m hoping to push on this season.”

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the important role Mark plays within the team

“Duffy’s value is both on and off the ice and I’m really pleased to have him back again this season. His performances in goal last season when called upon where really positive and I think he only dropped one game all year! Duffy’s influence in the room is also something we really value, he is such a great character in the room, but also someone players and coaches go to for advice and reason.”

Mark had a .914 save average in the cup last season and spoke of the role he will be playing off the ice as well

“Being one of the older guys now means I have the opportunity to try and help these younger guys in the room. I’ve seen a few different things now in terms of team set ups and tough scheduling and I hope I can help the guys through some of the inevitable tougher patches we’ll see this year. I hope I can be someone the younger guys look to for advice and can be there for them when they need me on and off the ice”.

Duffy will continue to wear the #98 jersey for next season. If you are interested in sponsoring Mark or any other Devil please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com