Rhys McCormick returns to Devils

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of Rhys McCormick.

This season, we are delighted to announce McCormick will be sharing his time between Solent and Basingstoke as he secures a two way deal with Ashley Tait’s Bison.

Last season, McCormick played 27 games for the Devils, picking up 5 goals and 6 assists.  McCormick, has come up through the Junior system in Gosport, with 93 games, 25 goals and 38 assists.

“Rhys has great potential,”

says Devils head coach, Alex Murray,

“he was a Gosport junior so I have always had a great connection with him, we get on really well and he is someone who I would like to help develop into league one in the very near future.  He has a great shot and skates well, which are key attributes to get to the next level.”

McCormick says he didn’t hesitate in returning to the Gosport,

“Coming back to the Devils for me, was an easy decision after the successful season we had, winning the play offs and narrowly missing the league title by one point.  It was a huge achievement for us as an organisation.  The professionalism of this team is second to none, which, as a player wanting to take their career further I feel you need that level of professionalism.  I committed to the Devils at the start of the summer, but had a fantastic opportunity to take a two-way with the Bison, Alex [Murray] was very supportive in my decision to take it, which means a lot to me.”

Looking to the year ahead and what McCormick will bring to the team, he says

“I definitely expect a lot more out of myself this season, last season was a great learning curve for me, trying to soak up as much experience and advice from some of the core players in the team to enhance my development.”

Development is something Murray continues talking about

“Rhys understands that for him to be effective at senior level, he has to become more confident in his ability and the application of his skill set during games.  It’s easy to train well, but to implement that into a game environment when points or titles are on the line is no easy feat, and so we will look to work on that together this year.”

“I think I will bring a hard working attitude to the team,”

McCormick says,

“I’ve always liked to be a hard working player.  I personally bring a lot of speed with my skating ability, quick hands and my ability to shoot in my stride, also, being able to shoot the puck quickly if pursued.  I think that is something offensively I can bring to the team.  Ideally, I see myself as a two way player, but that’s something I still need to work on to piece everything together, along with the physical side of the game.”

These thoughts are clearly echoed by Murray,

“Rhys is progressing very well, considering he started the game as a teenager he is very committed and passionate about the sport and this will help with his development.  We look at all aspects of training, from physical to mental and to ensure he is ready for the challenge ahead.”

McCormick continues looking ahead

“This season, I feel will be slightly more challenging for us, with no disrespect to the teams in the league last season.  The other teams have improved their line-ups over the summer, and we have lost some key guys.  That doesn’t stop us from wanting to be – and having the ability to be – champions again.  Every team is going to want to beat the champions, that is in any sport, but as a team we have to take each game at a time, and stick to the systems Alex will put in place for us, by doing that I certainly feel we can carry on our success from last season.”

McCormick will be returning in shirt 29, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Perella returns to ice hockey and the Solent Devils

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce that after leaving the Solent Devils in 2012 and a three year break, Calumn Perella-Fox will be returning to ice hockey and re-joining the Solent Devils.

Perella-Fox’s career with the Devils spanned 25 games, where he scored four goals and earned four assists. Perella-Fox also played in the junior programme in Gosport, 78 games with 41 goals and 41 assists.

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

“It’s the love of the sport, I have missed ice hockey ever since I stopped playing, and I played most of my hockey at Gosport. I always wanted to return to Gosport, and I know a lot of the guys there, and I know they are a good bunch.”

“Calumn is a player I coached as a junior at Gosport,”

says Devils head coach, Alex Murray,

“I have continued to watch him develop at inline hockey, playing in national and European championships. Once I realised we would be short on defence this season, it was a no brainer to ask Calumn to join the Devils.”

A three year break in ice hockey, is quite a period of time and the gap is obviously something Perella-Fox is thinking about,

“My goal is to build my confidence as a player, and get back playing at a competitive level of ice hockey. I know the Devils already have a strong defence, I hope I can add to that.”

Murray, however, is confident that Perella-Fox will fit into the line up well,

“Calumn is a team first guy who will fit into our ethos with ease! He is a good puck carrier who reads the game well, he can help us on special teams with his calmness and energy.”

“I’m looking for Calumn to hit the ground running,”

continues Murray,

“he will be expected to play a vital role in our defensive unit and he will need to settle back into ice hockey quickly.”

Despite any nerves he may be feeling, Perella-Fox is excited to be coming back to hockey

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice and playing with a great bunch of guys, I’m also looking forward to the atmosphere on game days.”

Perella-Fox will be playing in shirt number 44, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Evan Crockford returns to Solent…

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of Evan Crockford, one of the players who was in the Devils line up for the 11/12 season when they achieved promotion to ENL1.

Crockford came up through the Solent youth programme, and in his 78 games he provided 172 goals and 71 assists. His time in the under 18s team, Crockford holds the records for U18 all time points (147) and U18 all time goals (100).

Crockford then took a break from hockey, returning in the 2017/18 season where he played 18 games for the Devils, contributing three goals and a pair of assists.

When asked what made him come back for the new season, Crockford replied

“There is an unbelievable team atmosphere in the dressing room that is filled with an unprecedented amount of experience. I chose to re-sign with the Devils because of the professionalism of the organisation and the desire to win, and the opportunities to develop under guys who have been there and done it.”

Devils head coach, Alex Murray talks highly of Crockford,

“Evan is a fantastic talent, who grew in confidence last year and continued to improve as he adapted to the standard of the team and league. With his size, natural strength and handedness, it was a no brainer for me to ask Evan back, and I’m delighted he agreed.”

 

“Looking back on last seasons’ performance, I feel as though my game improved as the year went on,” said Crockford, “however, I know I still have a lot to bring to the team. I am looking forward to completing a full season with the Devils this year, and developing my confidence and skills to help the team reach the next level.”

Murray continued his thoughts on Crockfords performance last year,

“It took a couple of games for Evan to fully understand the level of league hockey, but he is a fast learner and so you could see improvements game on game. He would work hard off the ice as well, developing his knowledge of the team’s systems so he was ready for any situation, should he be required.”

“My goals for the season are to retain the play offs and secure the league title.” Crockford said, looking towards next year, “Individually, I want to develop as a versatile player, who can be used to play numerous roles within the team. This will build my trust with my teammates, build my own confidence, improve my skills and really show the spectators what I can do. I know this will take a lot of hard work, so I will be training at full intensity both on and off the ice to put up points for the team and make an impact across the league, with hopes of developing enough to move in to the NIHL.”

Murray, however, declares his trust for the young forward,

“Evan had the trust and confidence from me, he just needs to believe in himself. That said, there will be more expectation put on Evan to produce points next season, as he looks to break into the top six. A big strong left winger is very useful to have, and he understands what I want from him next season.”

Crockford will be returning in shirt number 20, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Pitts returns to Devils

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce that Mark Pitts will be returning for his third year as a Devil.

Devils head coach, Alex Murray, was very vocal when asked about bringing Pitts back this year, saying

“Mark was one of the first players I wanted back this year!  Since joining the Devils, he has become a team guy first, and is very respected in the dressing room.  Mark’s energy during training and in games raises the bar for everyone else, keeping the rest of the team on their toes.”

Pitts himself simply said

“Deciding to come back as a Devil was always going to be an easy decision to make.  It’s a great atmosphere in the dressing room and a real togetherness about the club as a whole.”

When talking about his performance last year where he was fourth in points for the Devils, in a season where he earned 20 goals and 31 assists – 16 of those points coming in the power play – from his 29 games played, Pitts is factual and somewhat modest, and reflects on his team leading 86 penalty minutes,

“In terms of personal performance last season, I play a fairly physical style of game and at times I struggled to keep out of the box, so my points production was inconsistent.  As soon as a few key players returned, the line became settled and I found the consistency in scoring.”

Murray, when talking about Pitts role in the upcoming season says

“Mark will become an alternate captain for the Devils next season, so his role will change slightly.  The decision was simple for me, he is very well respected in our dressing room, he has a great work ethic and is a team first guy.  With this in mind, I expect Mark not only to be prepared to perform every training and match this up and coming season, but also help bring the younger players through and support them in their development and preparation.”

Looking forward to next year, Pitts goes on to say

“The team Alex [Murray] is building next season, with so many of the key, experienced guys returning, the hungry younger guys and some new faces/old friends joining the club, the goal has to be going one better as a team.  Losing the league by a point was rough, so a league and play off double has to be the target for me.”

Murray continues with his increased expectations, adding

“Mark understands his game well and knows his role within the team and plays to his strengths.  He is a player all opposition hate to play against, he scores goals, creates chances and never gives up on the puck.  I will expect Mark to support Alex [Cole] and Richard [Facey] with additional off ice and on ice responsibilities whilst continuing to be able to perform at a high level consistently.”

Pitts will be returning in shirt number 5, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Wild step up for Mason

The Solent Devils tonight wish to share the news that Mason Wild is leaving the Devils after three years, accepting an offer from an NIHL 1 team.

All at the Devils extend their thanks to him for all the hard work he has put in over the last three seasons, he leaves with nothing but well wishes for his future and congratulations on receiving the offer.

Devils Number 1 Back Between Pipes…

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of netminder, Christian “Chico” Cole.  Cole, returning for his ninth year as a Devil, after 2017/18 saw him post 2.17 GAA and an impressive 92.8% SV in his 27 regulation games, and an awe inspiring 1.67 GAA and 94.4% SV in the play offs.

Devils head coach, Alex Murray, talks highly of the young netminder

“Chico is the best goalie in the league.  He is a big game player, who wins games single handedly – the play offs were a perfect example, where he backstopped us to the cup!”

The modest Cole simply states;

“I’ve returned for another year with the Solent Devils, as I feel very at home and it is where I play my best hockey.”

Murray continues his praise further by saying

“Everyone in the team is very comfortable and confident when Chico is behind them, he gives you a chance to win every game.”

Looking towards the upcoming season, there is a high expectation on the Devils to perform following their fantastic season last year, and Cole is preparing for this.

“I always set myself very high targets and expectations.  This year I will certainly be looking to improve on last season, with eliminating the losses we had, and secondly to improve on my stats – although this is less important as long as we are winning the games.”

“I don’t think the pressure will change at all in the upcoming season, we put the pressure on ourselves last year – to chase the league and the play offs.  The same thing applies this year, but we want all three trophies!”

Murray, too, is looking for another good year for Cole, setting his expectations out early by saying

“I expect Chico to continue performing at a high level, winning games, and giving us a chance in every game.  Chico experienced a different side to being a goalie last season, when he will go through games only facing 10-15 shots, when you are used to facing 50 or 60 shots a night, that kind of swing can off set you a little.  I’m glad Chico is developing that side of his game and keeping focused when he isn’t involved as much.”

Talking about his development, Cole is still working on his fitness and performance over the summer, always looking to improve in anyway he can.

“I’m not on top until we, as a team, win all three trophies next year.  Saying that, I work very hard on and off the ice to achieve this, and I’m being coached by Chris Peden at Hope & Anchor Fitness, so the best of me is yet to come.”

As much as Murray talks about Cole being the one to win games, there is obviously the whole team in front of him where there are expectations too,

“All we expect Chico to do, is make the first save.  If he stops the first shot, the defence must do the rest.  Keeping forwards to the outside and putting opponents in limited scoring positions will give Chico a better chance to keep the puck out of the net.”

As a final piece in the conversation, Cole was asked what, if anything, he is looking forward to next year.

“I’m looking forward to another successful year at the club with all the existing and the new players – and also singing ‘Country Roads’ with the fans after every game!”

Cole will be returning in shirt number 1, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com