Lackey lines up again for Solent 

Today the Solent Devils have penned a deal that sees fan favourite Dan Lackey return for the 2023-24 season. 

Speaking on his return the British utility man said

“It feels great to be back! It’s a great club to play for, with fans that make the home ice atmosphere pretty awesome! Not to mention the attendance at the playoffs, the moment after the Invicta game was special! I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice again”.

Lackey who won a national playoff championship with the Bison suffered a serious injury during last season’s playoffs, which saw him admitted to hospital for over a week. Speaking on the Injury, Lackey was looking ahead

“The injury situation wasn’t ideal; I was gutted I couldn’t play the final. Recovery is going well right now, I am slowly but surely getting back to 100%. A few more months left to get ready for the season!”

Head coach Alex Murray has spoken of the importance in securing the experienced Brit

“After losing some of our core, it was crucial to get Dan back. He leads with his on ice performance, work rate and energy. When Dan speaks everyone listens, and it will help our younger team this season.”

Looking ahead to next year Lackey knows the importance of his leadership

“Next year will be a competitive year for sure with the league getting a lot stronger over the summer. I’ll be there to do my part to try and get 2pts each week. Hopefully I can add a few more goals to fill the gaps left by the guys that retired last year! 

It’ll be a different team for sure this season, with some big characters retiring last year, some big shoes to be filled! But the team and core is still very strong and it’s a big opportunity for some of the younger guys to up their ice time and take the opportunities available!”

Dan will continue to wear the #9 jersey and they are available for sponsorship. If you are interested in sponsoring Dan or any of our players, then please get in touch with Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

Solent add depth to the D core 

The Devils have today penned a deal to see the return of defence-man Kris Nekrosevicius.

The former Chelmsford and Romford junior returns for his third season following a move down south for university. Speaking on his return, Kris said

“It feels great to re-sign and be back with the team.

I feel I performed to a valid standard, but I aim to do better in the upcoming season.”

The 6’5 giant, shared his time last season between Solent and the Junior Devils in the NIHL 2 which Kris states has helped him become more experienced 

“I’ve enjoyed getting to play a lot of minutes, especially at the finals weekend which was a great experience and a brilliant feeling. I aim to help my team get back to playoffs and pick up some more points and experience along the way.”

Speaking on his latest returnee, head coach Alex Murray said

“it’s really important to have players such as Kris in our group. He is a young exciting talent who has the build to be a national league defenceman. I’m working really hard with Kris to get him comfortable in his body and I was really impressed how physical and dominate Kris was in the later stages of last season. With the likes of Kris and Joe in our defence, we hope that we will be a tough team to play against especially at home”.

Kris will continue to wear #2 next season and is looking for a sponsor – if you would like to sponsor Kris or any Devils please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Devils retain Wild

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After a week of new faces, the Solent Devils return to a familiar one with the re-signing of British Defenceman, Mason Wild.

Wild who will return for his 8^th season spoke of the comfort that comes with playing for the Devils

“Re-signing with Solent, it’s a sensible choice for me. There’s a certain comfort in familiarity and I’ve got that with the Devils. Over the years, we’ve built up a camaraderie that’s hard to match anywhere else. As for why I chose to sign again – well, the answer is pretty straight forward. The South Coast is where I live now, and Solent Devils are my home team. There’s something about playing for your home team. I started my journey with the Devils and I find it fitting to continue here. The support from the fans has been fantastic, they’ve been behind us every step of the way.”

Speaking on his latest re-signing, head coach Alex Murray stated the importance of Wild in the locker room

“Mason is a voice of reason within our locker room. He is someone who remains calm in all situations and is a person players often speak to which is important. His calm nature transitions onto the ice and the value of his Defensive capabilities as well as the offensive threat he can bring means his return is really valuable.”

Wild, will continue in his role as Alternate Captain, and is looking for another full season, following several plighted with injury

“It’s a refreshing change, I won’t lie. I’ve spent seasons in the past fighting off knocks and niggles, so to be able to lace up my skates without that hindrance, it’s been quite liberating. It’s been a chance to focus on honing my skills and contributing more to the team’s success, without the concern of physical setbacks. But you know, it’s part of the game. Injuries come and go but the love for the game remains constant.”

Wild will return in his familiar #41 jersey and is available to sponsor. For more information on player sponsorships or to sponsor Mason, please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Russell returns home.

Today the Solent Devils have secured the marquee signing of former GB u20 Cain Russel from the Bristol Pitbulls. 

Russell who began his hockey career with the Solent Junior Devils has already played 40 games at national level as well as representing GB at the World Juniors at both u18s and u20s. 

Russell spoke of his decision to return back to where it all started

“I feel great about coming home it’s a special place to me. I decided to come back to Solent because it’s a good organisation and a great chance for me to focus on hockey and my personal life.

The 19 year old winger has spent time across the pond playing in the USPHL Premier for the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, as well as icing for Swindon, Basingstoke and Bristol in the National league. Last season, Russell iced 35 times scoring 3 goals and 12 assists. 

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the importance to secure young talent

“it’s great to be able to sign a player of Cain’s calibre. I know he was heavily sought after at national level; however I’m pleased he saw the chance to come home and get his head down is the best for his development on and off the ice right now” 

Russel will wear the #96 jersey and will be sponsored by Perella Plumbing.

If you are interested in sponsoring a player for the upcoming season please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com for more information.

Llewellyn lured to Solent 

Tonight, the Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British Defenceman Joseph Llewellyn from the Bristol Pitbulls. 

Joe, who played on a two way for Oxford in NIHL South 1 and Bristol in the National league is the first of two new faces to join the Devils this week! 

Speaking on joining the club, the 6’3 defender couldn’t wait to get started:

“I’m excited to join the Devils and can’t wait start the season with a good group of guys. After speaking to a couple of current/former Devils and hearing how highly they spoke of the club and the club’s values it was an easy choice.

The 21-year-old OHA product played alongside former Devil Elliot Lewis for the England U23s back in 2022 and is renowned for his size and wow factor

“I’m a hardworking, skilled, tough player that’s always looking to excite the fans and get them involved in the game. The goal for next year is to get some silverware and have a good year with the boys.”

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his eagerness to bolster his defence

“I was really keen to ensure we added to our D core after the retirements of some key players. When I knew Joe was available, I jumped at the chance to bring him on board given his skill set. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can utilise Joe’s size and strength in our rink, which is something we will need. I have heard great things about Joe from former teammates so I’m excited to see how he settles in.”

Joe will wear the number #82 jersey and is available for sponsorship. If you are interested in sponsoring Joe please contact Kerry on devilssupport@outlook.com

Cloutman commits to Solent

Tonight, the Solent Devils can confirm that Defenceman Harry Cloutman has committed to the club for the 2023-24 season.

The former Junior Devils will continue on a two way with the NIHL 2 team as well as continue his coaching role with the second team.

Speaking on his return Cloutman spoke of his decision to sign again

“I’m really happy to be signing again, there is such a good chemistry in the room that it just makes you want to come back. I’m excited for the coming season and the challenge it brings”.

Cloutman who iced 25 times last season had a season ending injury after Christmas but is determined to come back stronger

“After my season was cut short it was hard knowing that in some of the games missed there was something I may have been able to add. I’m looking to come back strong this year and make up for the time lost.”

Speaking on his split role, the left-handed defenceman is looking forward to the additional responsibility

“I’ve been coaching the Junior club for the past 4 years it’s very rewarding watching the upcoming players develop through the ages. Last season my role as a coach took over some more of my time coaching the NIHL2 Solent team, I really enjoy coaching at that level. I just like to use the knowledge that I’ve gained from the Devils when coaching, which does also give me time to develop more of an understanding of what needs to be happening at all times.”

Speaking on his return, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his importance

“Harry is certainly experienced beyond his years. He is incredibly valuable not only on the ice but off it as well. He understands the game very well and we coach together a lot , meaning he can pass on vital information if I’m on the ice”.

Harry will continue to wear the #18 jersey and will be sponsored by Morgan’s Barbers again this season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support.

If you are intersested in sponsoring any of the players shirts this season please get in touch with Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com