Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of young defender and 2019/20 Shane Clacy award winner, Harry Cloutman.

Cloutman will be playing on a two way contract with the Solent Devils and the D2 Devils during 2020/21.

“The Devils are the team I always wanted to play for,” says Cloutman, “growing up in Gosport, they’ve always been my home team.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray said

“I am please Harry has returned for his first full season with the Devils.  Harry is a wonderful talent, with a great attitude towards learning and improving his whole game.”

In the 2019/20 season, Cloutman contributed four assists in his twenty five games for the Solent Devils, while on a two way with the Devils D2 team and playing for the under 18 team.  Cloutman was also the winner of the coveted Shane Clacy award, presented to the player who has shown an exceptional attitude throughout the season, both on and off the ice, on game days and in training.

“Last season was a good season,” says Cloutman, “my overall play has developed, and I am proud of my points, even though my numbers are not the highest.  Being presented with the Shane Clacy award was an honour, something I am really proud of.”

Murray goes on to say,

“The set up in the club has allowed Harry to be on the ice a lot last season, including junior hockey, NIHL 2, and coaching, in addition to the Devils.  This has allowed Harry to develop his all round game and also learn what it takes to play senior hockey.  Harry’s commitment to training, games and the club is unquestionable.  He is always the first player to arrive and the last to leave, his dedication should be rewarded and I was delighted to present him the Shane Clacy award, especially as Harry started and played most of his career at Solent.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Cloutman sets out his expectations,

“This season coming, I am hoping to make a positive impact on the team, both on and off the ice.  I feel that we are going to be battling at the top of the table again.  Last thing to say is that I am excited for the upcoming season, I can’t wait to see everyone on game days, and hear all the fans.”

Murray, too, has expectations for the 18 year old,

“Harry has to continue his development across both NIHL 2 and the Devils, logging bigger minutes with more responsibility at NIHL 2 until he is ready to hold down a regular role with the Devils.  I am sure that regular ice with the senior Devils is not far away.”

Cloutman will return to the Devils in shirt #18.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of Elliot Lewis.

 

“There isn’t enough time for me to give all the reasons I’ve come back to the club this year,”

says Lewis, excitedly,

“a few of the reasons behind my choice, are the people and the professionalism of Solent as an organisation.  From my teammates to the fans, it feels like a really big family atmosphere the minute you walk into the rink.  The club is run by a really dedicated group of volunteers who put in so much hard work to make our club have a professional edge, that’s why I love playing here – it’s home.”

Lewis, now heading in to his third season with the Devils at just 19 years old, spent some time in the junior programmes in Swindon and Guildford, as well as Solent, including being on two way contracts with the U18s and Devils 2, over the last two seasons.

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, says

“Elliot is a wonderful, raw talent, who has a mature head on young shoulders.  Elliot will eventually follow several other Solent players in transitioning to the National League, but for now we are delighted to have him continue his development with the Devils!”

During his time with the Solent Devils last year, Lewis played 31 games, contributing 8 goals and putting up another 8 assists, keeping down to just 10 penalty minutes.  This brings Lewis’ Devils career to 54 games played, 15 goals and 11 assists, which includes a trip to Bracknell at the end of the 2018/19 season, where Lewis was a part of the playoff team, competing in the final against Chelmsford Chieftains.

“There are always things you can do better in your personal game to contribute to the team.” Says Lewis.

“Overall, I would say it is always a confidence booster, putting goals and assists on the board, where I can help the team get two points from games.  However, it’s what I was playing like off the puck that I was not satisfied with last year.  I was still playing with bad habits on some occasions, and I was not happy with that.  I was making silly mistakes that were easily avoidable, that did not benefit the team.  Last year was still my first official year as a senior player and I learned an awful lot from the experienced players, who pointed out when I was making mistakes and gave me corrective advice to improve me as a hockey player.”

“I’m really impressed with how Elliot performed last season,” says Murray.

“Elliot played the majority of the season as our second line centreman, which is a big responsibility for someone so young.”

Continuing Lewis’ comments about how the other players help in the development of the younger players, Murray goes on to say,

“Elliot is great in the dressing room, he is loved by everyone so there are always people in his ear helping him develop.  His father, Mark, is also a very experienced hockey player and coach, so he is lucky he will be getting feedback from his peers and parents, as well as his coaches, from every training session and game.”

Looking forward to the new season, Elliot outlines a few of his goals and how he hopes to contribute towards the Devils in their upcoming campaign,

“Personally, this year I would really like to cement my position within the squad, with getting more time on special team situations, but that wont be given to me, I have to make sure I’m doing all the right things, and listening to what Alex is telling me, as well as working hard in training.  My main goal is to bring my work ethic to the team, with the plan to bring back silverware to Solent, which the fans rightfully deserve.”

Aligned to the young player’s thoughts, Murray agrees,

“Elliot has to continue his progression, being more consistent with his performances, as well as set a points target to achieve.  Elliot is humble enough to accept this, and work tirelessly on improving, which I know he will.”

Lewis will return to the Devils in shirt #19.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

 

 

 

Tonight, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of seasoned defenceman, Calumn Perella-Fox, for his third consecutive year with the club.

When asked why he has returned to the Devils, Perella-Fox says,

“A few things that come to mind, the changing room and the team is great, we are like a family and I couldn’t see myself not returning.  The fans are great at Solent, too, they make the game days so much better.”

“I am delighted to welcome back our players player from last year,” says Alex Murray, Solent Devils head coach.  “Calumn is a valuable asset to our club, his versatility allows him to play in several positions and roles within the team throughout the season.  He is a team first guy, never giving less than his all.”

Last season, Perella-Fox scored once and earned four assists, with just twenty four penalty minutes from his 31 games, and was awarded Solent Devils players player of the year, an especially prestigious award, as this is chosen by the other members of the team.

“I was happy with my performance last season,” says Perella-Fox, “but feel I could also bring a lot more to the team on the ice.  Hopefully, as my confidence grows, I will keep improving.  Being awarded players player is such a great award to get, and I feel that was my best achievement from last season.”

Murray goes on to say,

“Calumn’s performances are not about statistics.  His work rate, versatility and consistency are all the reasons why he was recognised by his peers, his efforts every week in training, the way he applied himself, this is only visible to the guys in the locker room.”

This may be Perella-Fox’s third consecutive year with the club, but he is not new to the Devils, having come through the youth system at Solent into senior hockey, including being with the ENL2 championship team in 2011/12.  Perella-Fox moved to Wightlink Tigers for the 2012/13 season, where he played for two years, before taking a few years out of ice hockey, returning to Solent for the 2018/19 season.  Looking ahead to the new season, Perella-Fox says

“I know I still have a lot more to show, and I want to continue to develop.  I am here to help the team, but I will also, hopefully, get some more points on the board.”

“Confidence is a massive part of the game, and while I may apply pressure with the coaching techniques I use, I will be helping Calumn to build his confidence during games.  Calumn already knows that his performance is enough to get him a spot on the team, but every player on the team knows they need to work to keep their spot, consistency is a big part of that.”

Perella-Fox will return to the Devils in shirt #44.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of last season’s Coach’s player, Mark Pitts.

Pitts returns to the Devils for his fifth consecutive year, where he has been a solid player for the club as they battled back in the old NIHL 1, and was a part of the team that lifted the Playoff cup at the end of the 2018/19 season.

“Everyone is here because they enjoy playing hockey, everyone wants to be here,” says Pitts.  “There are never any arguments or animosity in the team, we have an excellent core of guys who make sure the dressing room has one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever been a part of.  Additionally, the Devils off ice team and the Devils organisation as a whole, is second to none.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome back one of the best centremen in the league,” says Alex Murray, Solent Devils head coach, “Mark is by far the most underrated player in the league, he is equipped to play in any moment of the game, in whatever role is required.  His work effort and attitude is exceptional, leading by example for all of our younger players.

Last season, Pitts played 29 games, putting away 14 goals and chipping in a massive 40 assists,

“Goals and assists are something I’ve never really paid much attention to,” Pitts says.  “I had plenty of opportunities to put the puck in the net last season that I missed, so that’s obviously something to improve on next season.  Overall, I am happy with my points production last season – it becomes much easier when you’re centring two of the best scorers in the league!”

Murray though, is clearly excited by the contribution from Pitts last season,

“Mark was simply our best all round player last season.  His ability to play any role, at any time means he is indispensable to our team.”

Pitts’ senior career has been an impressive 219 games since 2005, starting in Guildford, moving to Basingstoke in 2007, then joining the Solent Devils for the 2016/17 season, where he has now played 107 games, driving home 52 goals and helping out with 117 assists, making his career contributions, so far, a huge 135 goals with 233 assists.  These numbers though, don’t seem to excite the humble player,

“As I said, scoring is important, but I’s never been my focus, I leave that to the guys with flair and skill.  I focus a lot on endurance and strength, and I try to do the ugly stuff well – battling in the corners, blocking shots, taking hits trying to make a play.  Working at both ends of the ice is vital for me, there’s no point in being offensively strong if you’re defensively weak, so being fit enough to cover the whole ice, for the whole game, is a priority for me.”

Looking towards the new season, Murray makes it clear that he doesn’t expect Pitts to change his attitude towards games,

“Next season, I am looking for pretty much the same.  I think if there was any area of improvement, Mark would agree that it would be his finishing – that said, I am entirely happy with Mark as a player, and I am delighted he is back again!”

Pitts, ever the team player, is looking to what the team can achieve, but seems confident in the team he will be with and having Alex Murray at the helm,

“If the league structure remains similar, a top three finish would be a good target this year.  It is a highly competitive league with some very good teams, most people didn’t give us a chance last season and I feel we proved everyone wrong, but we will need to pick it up again this season.  Every game will be a fight, but with the team Muzza is putting together I am sure we will be up for the challenge.”

Pitts will return to the Devils in shirt #5.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of Dan Lackey

Lackey returns to the Devils for his third consecutive year, having spent most of his hockey career in Basingstoke.

“I’m very happy to be back in a Devils shirt next year,” says Lackey, “a lot of credit goes to Muzza for what he has achieved with the club’s direction – I’m sure his dad would be very proud.  It makes it an appealing place to be.  The club is professionally run, from the off-ice team through to the dressing room, so it means we can just focus on playing hockey.  The fans are great too, they turn up every week and make a hell of a lot of noise, which is great to play in front of.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, spoke of his excitement at Lackey’s re-signing with the Devils,

“Dan is a very experienced, versatile player.  I’m delighted Dan has agreed to return to Solent.  Lackey is a team first guy, who likes to get his nose dirty and can play any role for the team, including roles on both special teams.”

Last season, Lackey picked up 7 goals and 12 assists in 27 games, bringing his Devils stats up to 55 games played, with 16 goals and an impressive 41 assists – including one during their play off run at the end of the 18/19 season.

“I’m quite critical of myself, I expect a lot so always want more!” says Lackey, modestly, “I’m happy overall with the two years at Solent, that’s why I am back – oh, and to try and get some more silverware back to the Thunderdome!”

Murray, however, is somewhat more vocal about the solid player’s contribution to the team,

“Dan was exceptional last year, a close contender for Coach’s player and Player’s player due to his team first attitude and hard work ethic.  His performances were amongst the best in the team, week in week out, he competes consistently at a high level.”

Over the course of his career, Lackey has amassed 99 goals and 148 assists throughout his 329 games, and has won the title for most goals by a defenceman three times (2012/13, 2014/15 and 2015/16), was BUIHA tier one national champion in 2014/15 and WPIHL champion in 2015/16.  Lackey has also played in three playoff competitions, including the finals with the Devils in 2018/19.

Continuing to be modest, the quietly spoken Lackey goes on to say,

“I think I mentioned it last year, but I am not really a points guy.  At the end of the game, there are only two points that matter.  I’m just as happy standing in front of shots as putting the puck in the net.  One of my main skills is my versatility, other than taking Chico’s place, I played in every position last season.  One thing I think I can improve on though, is scoring, a few more goals may help the team, and we are all here to win.”

Murray’s confidence in the experienced player is evident though,

“Dan knows what it takes to play at this level.  I think for the team next season, we will still need Lackey to be versatile as we manage player availability and injuries, but I know regardless of what role Dan plays, he will perform to his best.”

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

Tonight, the Solent Devils are overjoyed to announce the re-signing of dedicated defenceman, and long-time captain, Alex Cole.

“I’m delighted to be able to welcome back our club captain for next season,” says Devils head coach, Alex Murray.  “Alex is a well-respected member of the team, who I lean on a lot for off ice duties, including fitness programmes and support for interactions with our fans.  Alex has been with me from the start, so he is one of my senior wing men within the organisation.”

Cole, as the longest serving Devil with 318 games, has contributed 20 goals and 128 assists in his eleven seasons at Solent, and has been with the team since before they became ENL 2 champions during the 2011/12 season.  When asked why he has returned to the Solent line up, Cole says,

“It’s the journey that brings me back, I remember only a few years ago, stepping up to the NIHL 1 and being smashed every game, we were lucky if we won four games in the season!  Now look at last season, no one’s playing for the money, they’re playing because we want to be there.  Competing for top spot last season against teams with huge wage bills, that’s what keeps me coming back.”

With 4 goals and 20 assists in the shortened 2019/20 season, Cole continues talking about the amazing season the Solent Devils had over the last year.

“Last season was great, we overcame so many hurdles.  The team had just about two lines at one stage and carried our unbeaten run for several games.  The aim at the start of the season was mid-table, if you look at the line-ups and structures in the league last season, I would have said that was a good point to aim for.  Quickly, we proved that it doesn’t always matter who’s on the ice, it’s who wants to be there and who can perform when it’s most vital.”

As captain of one of the smallest teams in the country, and with virtually no budget, Cole continues to talk about how rewarding it is, and how much the fans mean to both the team, and him personally.

“We’ve never been blessed with a big squad, but we always work with what we have.  I don’t like an easy path, I prefer to work for it as it seems much more rewarding, and I think the fans respect that.  We have a lot of support and get a good following to our away games, which definitely doesn’t go unnoticed.  Without the fans, we wouldn’t be here, they are as vital to the game as we are.  The supporters are fantastic, I personally have bonded with so many of them, their families and their kids.  It’s so great to see them after the games at the Sailmaker so we can get to know the fans and not just see them through the glass.”

It was Murray who made Cole captain, back at the start of the 2015/16 season, after pinning an “A” to his chest the year before.  This doesn’t seem to be anything that Murray has had any reason to question or raised any doubts in his mind, as he says,

“Alex is a leader for this club, simply because he is as committed and passionate about it as me.  You need your captain to be loyal and lead by example, Alex does both of these things, on and off the ice.”

“Every season I set myself goals, I work and train in the summer to adjust any areas or improve on weaker ones.  I was notoriously a stay at home defenceman, two years ago I went about trying to change that and to impact the team going forward, not just going back.  My target was to match last seasons points in a tougher and stronger league, and be more patient defensively in our end.”

In the season before last, Cole was the NIHL 2 leading defenceman for both assists and points – this in the season after Cole captained the team to a playoff championship,

“I’m sure I managed 33 points in 2018/19, so I was on target with 11 games left to get another 9 points last season, and I have become much more confident with play-making.  The importance of winning is key, my personal points of course contribute towards results, as do everyone else’s, so I am extremely happy with a point a game.”

These goals and targets, and the increase in confidence from Cole don’t go unnoticed by the ever-diligent Murray,

“Alex always likes to set himself targets and goals each season.  Off the ice, he is very humble and always wanting to improve.  I’ve been impressed with his offensive contributions recently, but more so how he has begun to be so effective in his decision making during the big games and in the big moments.  I was very pleased with Alex’s contribution last season, he often plays with our second forward unit, so contributing on the board has helped the team overall.”

As thoughts turn to the future, Cole goes on to say,

“Next season we have to push for the top spot, I know everyone else will be looking for that and I’m sure other clubs will be aware of that.  With that in mind, we have to remember that no clubs will be unprepared and we wont catch them snoozing, it will be a very tough grind but if we can pull it off then what a feeling that will be!  A personal goal of mine will be to be more clinical with shooting and have more confidence and patience in the offensive zone – I can’t wait to get started again.”

Murray concludes simply, and with confidence in his captain,

“Next season is a complete unknown, I know Alex will be ready regardless and I will be looking for him to start the new season just like he did the last, as we look to hit the ground running.”

Cole will return to the Devils in shirt #8.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.