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
Chris Hocquigny returns to Solent Devils
Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of Chris Hocquigny to the line up.
Hocquigny won the Shane Clacy award at the Solent Devils 2017/18 presentation, an award given to the player viewed as the most dedicated over a season. ‘17/18 also saw Hocquigny pick up 6 goals and 6 assists in his 28 games.
Head coach, Alex Murray talks highly of the 18 year old,
“Chris is a great prospect player who came to my attention when the Slough rink closed down over a year ago, he had a great work ethic and was very mature for a teenager. He has bags more potential and I am excited to see him develop with the Devils.”
On his return, Hocquigny says
“There’s a great team atmosphere, Alex and the senior players really helped me out and pushed me to develop, and the exposure to the new NIHL 2 has really helped me developing my confidence and other skills.”
Looking toward the future and how the league is developing, Hocquigny says
“The way the league is changing over this off-season suggests this is going to be a tougher league and I feel this benefits everyone, this pushes everyone to work harder. I’m looking forward to this challenge and it is another test for me. This will also make it a more interesting league for all the fans and followers, as games will be closer and the league title may not be as clear cut.”
Despite his youth, Hocquigny fitted in well with the more senior Devils last season, a point not missed by Murray,
“Chris has grown and adapted well to senior hockey, he has great speed but also a gritty side which has allowed me to use him across all three lines, as well as the penalty kill and power play last season.”
The Devils have always called themselves a development club, and this is spearheaded by Murray. Hocquigny, as one of the youngest on the team does not escape this treatment, and Murray goes on to say,
“Chris knows he needs to take the next step and become a key player for the Solent Devils. If we, as a club, are unable to progress into NIHL 1, Chris is a player I would like to be able to progress on into the league, and for that to happen he has to start putting up a few more points and to continue to develop his game, working hard in training and learning for the experienced players in our squad.”
This talk moves towards Hocquigny’s goals for the upcoming season, and his words show why he won the Shane Clancy award,
“My goals for the season are to develop my personal skills and try to benefit the team as much as I can, whether this me through hard work or putting up points for the team.”
Hocquigny will be returning in shirt number 93. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com
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
