2017/18 Best Defenceman, Ben Lock, returns to Solent Devils

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce that defenceman, Ben Lock will be returning to Gosport for his fifth year in the 2018/19 campaign.

“It was an easy decision to return to Solent.  Since I arrived, the club has grown so much.” said Ben, “The squad Alex [Murray] is assembling is very impressive and we will be tough to beat again.  The team is like my second family and the dressing room atmosphere is incredible, and now, coaching with the junior programme I never thought to leave.”

Murray himself speaks very highly of Lock, saying

“I’m delighted Ben is returning for his fifth season with the club.  Ben is a high calibre, solid defenceman.  Ben was our main threat from the point on our power play last season, and he is our best shot blocker.”

Lock’s stats for last year were 4 goals and 6 assists in his 25 games played.  These points make up a large proportion of all the points in Lock’s 223 adult career, where he now totals 14 goals and 25 assists.  Lock also won the 2017/18 Solent Devils award for Best Defenceman.

Looking forward to the new season, Lock said

“My goals are very similar to my previous seasons, try to keep everything simple – block shots and protect our own end.  I’ve built up a good partnership with Alex Cole, which is good as we play a very similar game.  If I could chip in with a few more points next year, that would be a bonus!”

This partnership didn’t go unnoticed by Murray either,

“Ben’s partnership with Alex Cole was exceptional,” said Murray, “and I will likely be looking for the same from Ben again.  Ben needs to continue with his strong defensive plays, as well as influencing our special teams again.”

As the talk of next season continues, and the pressure the Devils will be under following their fantastic season in ‘17/18, Lock simply states

“Personally, it won’t affect me.  Every season, I take it a game at a time and never look too far ahead.  Since we decided to enter NIHL 2, we have had a target on our back as one of the top teams.  Now, being play-off champions, we have to keep the momentum going, and by doing what Murray preaches in practice that will win us more silverware.”

Obviously, being second place in the league and play off champions is big talk over the summer, and the Devils themselves are wanting more for their trophy cabinet, Lock being no exception to this

“I’m looking forward to challenging for more silverware again.  Every year the league gets tougher and it makes the games much more exciting.  I know Murray has some brilliant plans for our squad, and I can’t wait to get to work in September.”

Lock will be returning in shirt number 71.  If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Dan Lackey joins Solent Devils

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the signing of a new Devil, Dan Lackey.

Lackey joins the Devils after a long career at Basingstoke, with 273 games played, scoring 83 goals and with 105 assists, and having been a part of the EPIHL 2015/16 Championship team.

“With the loss of key, experienced players this season, including the retirement of Drew Campbell, I knew I needed to replace a few of them with similar players to ensure I have the right balance of youth and experience.” Said Devils head coach, Alex Murray, “Dan is a player I have known since juniors, I have seen him develop into a very good hockey player from afar, and is someone I speak to most summers to try and convince him to sign at Solent.  I’m delighted I have managed to finally convince him to join us, Dan will help us achieve our goals this season, as well as pass on his knowledge to our younger players.”

Lackey also notes Murray’s persistence

“Alex has been speaking to me for a few seasons now, it’s good to know you’re wanted.  His commitment and professionalism to the Solent Devils makes it an appealing club to come to.”

Lackey has been keeping an eye on the Devils over the past few years, and seems impressed by their coach

“I’ve been following the Devils for the last three or four years now, when they took the step to join EIHL 1 and everyone expected them to be defeated every week, but Alex pulled together a squad that surprised most!  The core of that squad is here, and I know a lot of them so that makes this move easier.”

When asked about the move to Devils, and some of his reasons behind it, Lackey simply says

“I like winning and am keen to get my hands on some silverware, Solent are a competitive team and will be looking to pick up where they left off last year with the play-off win.”

This is clearly something on Murray’s mind too, as the 2018/19 season will be bringing many games with increased pressure as the Devils try to improve on their fantastic year last year and the other teams in the league try to prevent them doing so.

“Dan will bring skill, size and a ton of experience to the team, having played for Bison in the EPL for several years.  Dan will be used to big occasions and important games, he will hopefully help us in those situations, but he is also a down to earth guy who the younger players can speak to and gain advice in training, and on game days.”

As a new player to the Devils, Murray will need to find where the versatile Lackey fits in to the team

“You never really know how the line up looks over the summer,” says Murray, “whilst you have an idea of how things will shape up, you never know until pre-season practice.  That said, we are expecting Dan to play as a forward on our top two lines, his versatility gives us options, we need to find the right balance and work out who compliments each other.”

This thinking from Murray, is clearly not new thoughts and looks to continue how Lackey has been playing for the last few years

“All through Juniors I was a defender,” Lackey says, “I made the switch quite late, when I was asked to do a job with Bison in the EPL as a power forward.  My strong stride, physical presence and strength on the puck makes me good in the corners on offence.  I am more than happy to play wherever the boss wants though if it helps the team win.”

When asked about his goals at Solent he answers

“My main focus is just to play at the level I know I can and help the team be successful.  Obviously I’d like to put up as many points as possible, personally, but that’s not the only job.”

Lackey will be wearing shirt number 9, 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

Devils captain returns to Solent

The Solent Devils are please to announce the return of the man who captained the team to Play-off glory, and the spectacular 2017/18 season, Alex Cole.

Cole, the longest serving Devil (263 games), was given the captaincy, back in 2015 under Devils head coach, Alex Murray.  It would seem that Murray values his captain as the two were talking early,

“A few weeks from the end of last season, Alex [Murray] approached me to see my views on next season, which, at that point I hadn’t even thought about the following year as we were hunting the league title and were thinking about the Play-offs!”  Despite the early advances from Murray, Cole was pleased, and continues, “I’m happy where I am and how I have progressed in the club, I’m not one to hold out for a ‘Summer Inbox’ and mess people around, so I was excited and humbled that he had asked me to return and I gave him my promise then!”

Murray was obviously happy too, saying,

“I’m delighted Alex is back for another season with the Devils, he was Coaches Player this past season due to his work rate and commitment to our club.  Not only does Alex show up ready to play each game, but he takes training very seriously, he increases the intensity during practise and the guys respect that a lot.”

For those that remember the eighteen year old who used to come out on the ice with the Devils, it is difficult to compare him to the confident captain that now pushes the team forward.  Those that speak to Cole may describe him as bold or flamboyant, but when you actually start to question him, you find that he is actually quite inciteful and modest,

“I’m not the biggest voice on the team, and I am still viewed as quite a young captain.  I take every opportunity I can to listen and learn, and the team have come to listen to me when I speak, they respect what I say, even though being captain doesn’t automatically put you on top.”

Murray echoes this by saying

“When I first arrived back at Solent, Alex was somewhat disillusioned with his role and position on the team.  He wasn’t seeing much ice time and there wasn’t any scope for him to develop.  Once I took over the coaching role, I took him under my wing and gave him goals to achieve, and slowly but surely, he turned in to a very talented player.  Given reassurance and motivation, Alex grew into a confident player and the club are seeing the benefits now.”

Last season saw Cole add to his points tally with three goals and fifteen assists (giving him totals of 10g + 15a), and when pushed on these figures he always responds with the same thing

“I’m a stay at home D-man, while it is nice to help out the team when I can, I want to do that at the back by stopping the opposition getting through to the goal.”  When pressed on his personal goals for the upcoming season, he gives little away about his game plan but responds “It’s a bit early to be thinking about that, but 482 days saying I narrowly missed out on the All-Star team is something I personally would love to achieve next season, I’ll continue to work hard this summer, inside and outside the gym in preparation towards that.  I like to set a few personal improvement goals, which I chip away at during the summer, then implement during the season.”

These sentiments are enhanced further by Murray,

“Alex has several roles within our team, he is ultimately responsible for the team, he ensures players are prepared and ready for training and games, as well as leading a fitness programme weekly with the guys.  Alex is someone the boys look up to and someone the majority will aspire to be.  Alex has continued to improve his game and is more confident in the offensive end, and as a result has seen more ice on special teams.  Alex will continue to improve as he is never content, he is always wanting to learn more and that is a great trait to have.”

Continuing to look forward, and talking about the pressure on the Devils in the upcoming season, Cole says

“Personally, I think it’s what you do with the pressure that makes or breaks you, this season, some important times we didn’t use the pressure as momentum to get us the win.  We proved in the play-offs that we had adapted and lifting that trophy is an accolade to the entire team, and the boys hard work, in which I was proud to have been a part.”

As one of the fan favourites, Cole is also quick to recognise the support and often expresses his feelings on it, frequently using his regular spot in the programme know the boost it gives the team, but emphasises the point further by saying,

“This season the crowds and support, home and away, was phenomenal and definitely gave us a buzz, I will be very excited to see that again.  Having the fans behind the team really gives us the motivation to keep pushing.”

Cole will be playing in shirt number 8 again this year, 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

Images courtesy of DC Photos and flyfifer.photography

Player of the Year returns to Solent

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of NIHL player of the year, Richard Facey.

Facey, who has played ninety nine games as a Devil, and will return for the 2018/19 season to start his one hundredth.

In that time, Facey has amassed one 189 points, from 84 goals and 105 assists, with last season contributing 48 goals and 47 assists.

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray states

“I am ecstatic to be able to secure the services of Richard for next season. Richard was the stand out player in the league last season and for him to commit this early in the summer shows the level of commitment he has to our club. Whilst I know there would have been many clubs interested – including several from the league above – I am humbled he has chosen to stay at Solent.”

When talking of his performance last year and coming back as a Devil, Facey says

“I’m very happy to be back at Solent, and I don’t think that there was any doubt that I wanted to come back. I started playing hockey at Gosport ice rink, and it feels like it has all come full circle and I hope to play out the end of my career with the club.”

Those 48 goals made Facey the highest scoring player in the league last year, and to go with all those goals, he took the title for most short handed goals (8) and most game winning goals (9). On top of that, Facey earned nine hat tricks – five of which came in five straight games.

These kinds of performances obviously put pressure on the players to continue to perform,

“For the pressure and expectation, I have been one of the players used in key situations for a number of years,” says Facey, “I’m always excited to be on the ice at key moments in games and hope that I can continue to compete and perform at a level that means I get that opportunity. There is plenty of support from other quality scorers in our group, who will be pushing me for that opportunity, I am looking forward to that.”

Continuing the thoughts of next season, Facey continues

“For the upcoming season, the goal has to be the Devils in contention for all the competitions that we enter. This year, it was fantastic to be in meaningful games for the league championship, all the way up to the second to last game of the season, and then to win the play-offs. You don’t always get to be in that position, but it is always fun when you are.”

At the end of last season, one of Facey’s line mates, Drew Campbell, announced his retirement,

“With the retirement of an elite scorer like Drew, and some of our other top guys getting opportunities at the next level, I’m excited to see some of our younger players take up bigger roles this year, there will be openings for those guys to really grab the bull by the horns and have a pivotal role in our campaign.”

As a stabilising force within the Devils, his cool head often a calming influence on the rest of the team, Facey is a huge proponent of developing the younger players on the team and is also one of the coaches for the Junior Devils. Talking about the team moving in to next year, and the development within the club, Facey says

“With the programme that Alex has put together, I believe we are a top club to play for, that gives good opportunity for young guys to grow and improve by playing along side more experienced, established players. I’ve enjoyed being part of that and hope to help it to continue. I’ve also really enjoyed working with the junior club, which has been a great opportunity for me, it’s a big part of the reason I wanted to be a part of the setup at Solent. I can see lots of talented young players coming up through the ranks and it is a lot of fun helping them develop into top senior players here.”

This is echoed by Murray, who goes on to say

“His effort on the ice for the Devils is only one benefit from having Richard. Richard’s experience helps guide and develop the younger players, while his work with the juinior club is ensuring the next generation of Devils have the best opportunity at succeeding.”

Facey will be playing in shirt number 28 again this year, 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Play off winning coach returns to Solent…

After one of their most successful campaigns – coming second in the league and winning the play-offs – the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of the man who was instrumental in their success, Alex Murray.

Murray will be returning as player coach for the 18/19 season and will be looking to bring home more silverware for the trophy cabinet. Speaking after the play-off final, Murray had nothing but praise for his team;

“I am really proud of the guys, and I am really proud of how we have played all year, to have missed out on the league by one point but to come to the play-offs and beat a team who are notoriously difficult in play-off stretches, I am incredibly proud of the whole team.”

As well as coaching the Devils for the 17/18 season, Murray performed rather well on the ice, racking up sixty eight points (20 goals + 48 assists) from the twenty six games in the regular season, plus another eight (3 goals + 5 assists) in the three play-off games.

The 17/18 season saw Murray pick up some other achievements too, as he became one of four men to play more than two hundred games as a Devil and became the all-time leader for assists (187), which also saw Murray break the Devils record for the most assists in a single season (48).

Looking at other club records, Murray is currently fourth for all time goals (87) and third for all time points (187).

Upon hearing the news, Solent Devils manager, Steven Ferguson said

“It will be great to work with Alex again next season, the play-off win this season is testimony to the fantastic work that Alex does as a coach and player, Alex has that special talent of helping others discover and harness their latent potential, realising their capabilities and applying them to bring success to the team and themselves.”

This will be Murray’s ninth year with the Devils, and is now looking at the summer to see he can guide the team to improve on last season’s impressive performance and defend the cup in the post-season competition.

“My plan is to try and build a team ready for next season,” said Murray, “with a mixture of experience and youth. I also have to try and ensure we obtain sponsorship for next season, so we remain financially stable.”

Looking in to next year, Murray talks about the rest of the team,

“My goals for next year are all based around the development of each individual player in my team, to ultimately achieve success as a team.” Announcing his return so early following the previous season, means the league structure is still somewhat fluid and the details still need to be worked out, “Once the league structure is confirmed, we will set specific goals and targets for the team and continue to develop and improve as a club.”

With the season the Devils – and Murray as an individual – have had this year, it can only be expected that Murray would be a man in demand, but before the noise of the play-offs had fully died away, Murray was already declaring his desire to continue playing at Solent.

“There is no better place to be. I have invested pretty much my whole life to this club, and to see the strides the club has made in the last five years gives me the motivation to ensure the improvements continue for the next five years and beyond.” When asked to elaborate, Murray continues, “It begins with supporting the juniors again, and ensuring that Solent is a home that develops talented players.”

Murray will be returning in shirt number 73, 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

Images courtesy of DC Photos