The Coach is back

We are pleased to announce that Alex Murray returns for his 11^th consecutive season as player/coach for the Devils having led them to NIHL 1 South League and Playoff runners up in the 2022/23 season.

Murray has demonstrated his leadership skills through many tricky encounters this season, not least in the semi finals of the playoffs at Milton Keynes, where those of you watching will have seen his management skills push the Devils to an extremely tight win over the Invicta Dynamos.

Alex, who will be heading into his 14^th season as a Devils player has this to say about his return:

I’m delighted to be returning to the club following a really successful past year!

With certain players retiring, the season ahead will be one of the most challenging to be competitive and successful.

I’m looking forward to working with a new kool squad and developing our younger local talent.

Murray will return to the Devils in shirt #73. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Ozzy re-joins the Devils

The Solent Devils are delighted to confirm that Steve Osman has joined the squad for the remainder of the 2022-23 season!

Following on from a successful dual registration with the Pitbulls, the Bristol organisation kindly agreed to allow Steve to transfer for the remainder of the season, as the Devils look to keep up pace in the hunt for silverware.

Speaking on his return to Solent, ‘Ozzy’ spoke of his excitement to be back at the Devils cauldron

I am really excited to be back with the Devils and love the way the team all plays together and everyone wants what’s best for the team. Solent was always my first choice as I have loved my time there in the past and I like Alex’s coaching style and the way the team plays fits my playing style.

Speaking on the signing, Head Coach – Alex Murray spoke of the importance to add goals to the line up

Ozzy is a fantastic acquisition at this stage of the season. We have started the year off really well and with this latest addition, I think we have a great chance of competing for some silverware. Ozzy will add so much to our team at both ends of the ice, on special teams and in the face off circle. He has already shown this season what he can do in. Devils jersey!

The Swindon born forward has iced for the Devils previously in the 2019-20 campaign and during the Spring Cup (whilst in lockdown) and has amassed 18 points in 14 games for the club.

Osman continued by speaking of the teams chances this season

I think we have a good chance to close the gap to Streatham at the top of the league and win some silverware this season, we have all three trophy’s still in our sights which is an exciting prospect. I can’t wait to play in front of those noisy passionate Devils fans again.

Steve will once again wear the #83 shirt and will join the team when the return to the ice in January.

Solent Secure Sutton

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British forward Ryan Sutton from the Basingstoke Bison for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

The 27-year-old forward, who has played over 150 games at EPL and NIHL level mentioned his joy at joining the Devils

I’m excited to get going again after a short break from hockey. Signing with the Devils is a great opportunity for me, and I am looking forward to getting started with the guys!

Sutton was released from the Bison earlier in December following a request, and whilst there were several suitors, the Basingstoke born forward said Solent was the place to be.

After speaking with Alex, I knew that Solent was the right place to be for where I am at with my personal life and playing career. Also after speaking to some of the current players, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the room and the team.

My goals for the rest of the season would be to win some silverware and I will give 100% to help the team achieve this.

Commenting on the signing Head Coach, Alex Murray spoke of the importance at this time of year

We are really pleased to secure Ryan for the remainder of the season! Sutts is a player I have admired for a several years and like most players, it takes me 4-5 years to convince them that Solent is a good club to play for! Ryan will add experience and scoring to our forward unit at a time when the schedule begins to get busy. I’m excited to see how he fits into our squad

Ryan will wear #61 and is actively looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in owning and loaning Ryan’s home and away jersey, please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Lastly, the Devils would like to announce that the club has accepted a request from Jack Peacock to leave the club due to personal reasons.

The club would like to thank Jack for his service and wish him well for the future.

SOLENT LAND FITZPATRICK

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Defenceman Jamie Fitzpatrick.

With the return of Fitzpatrick to Solent the defensive line up is completed. With almost 250 league appearances at a senior level for Solent, Fitzpatrick demonstrates his loyalty and commitment to the team. With 30 league goals and almost 100 assists, Fitzpatrick has seen the club through the highs and the lows, another supporters favourite and a player who brings calm and strength to the ice.

Head Coach Murray

I’m delighted to retain Jamie for the season ahead. Fitzy is Solent through and through having come up through the junior system, he understands what it means to play for this club!

Jamie is a solid, strong defender who can play across all special teams and eat up big minutes on the ice. We will be expecting Jamie to lead with his experience and contribute offensively.

Fitzpatrick will ice for the Devils in shirt #15.

SOLENT SIGN TRENDALL

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Forward Alex Trendall.

The 26 year old will return for his seventh season as a Devil, with over 150 league appearances putting away 59 goals and assisting on 64 more.

Trendall part of the 2017-18 Playoffs Champions squad and the 2020-21 Spring Cup series champions, brings an element of unpredictability on the ice, with tremendous agility and pace he can surprise the opposition by creating space from nowhere to make a game changing play.

Head Coach Murray

It’s great to be able to add Trendall to the line up for the up and coming season.

We are lacking in proven goal scorers who can play on the top lines, Alex provides us with the goal threat we need to ensure we take our chances when they arise.

Trendall is a fast, skilled, a fan favourite, who brings energy to the line up. This late addition will be a great boost to our squad.

Trendall will ice for the Devils in shirt #10.

SOLENT SECURE PITTS

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Centre Mark Pitts.

Pitts returns for his sixth full season with Solent, with 26 appearances in the last years league campaign Pitts scored 9 goals and provided the assist on 35 more. So far Pitts has racked up 60 goals and over 150 assists during his time with Solent demonstrating why he was presented with the Coaches’ award in 2020 and in 2022 received the Best Forward award in recognition of his absolute commitment in every moment of every game to the win.

When asked about why he’s returned, Pitts said

Great team mates, great off ice team, great fans. Although it’s not always been easy, it’s always been fun playing for Solent.

Head Coach Murray

I’m delighted to have secured the return of Mark in time for the season!

Pittsy is the heart of the team and is our engine room! He leads the team on the ice with his work rate, energy levels and ability at both ends of the ice.

We will be managing Marks workload this season to ensure he maintains a healthy balance throughout the season given the minutes he plays during games. His experience is going to help massively on the ice whether even handed or on special teams.

Reflecting on highlights from last season Pitts continues

The last second come from behind wins – not sure if I would say highlights but they certainly give you a massive buzz.

Speaking about how gruelling the season can be, Pitts adds

The nature of how I play the game means physically it was very tough for me. I definitely don’t recover as quickly as I used to, so I probably need to improve my post game routine.

On the question of what do you get from the sport, Pitts said

Weirdly hockey has always been a good stress reliever for me. A way to switch off, refocus and keep fit.

Speaking about what he looking forward to Pitts finishes

Getting back to work with the boys. Win or lose the camaraderie in the Solent room is a great feeling.

Pitts will ice for the Devils in shirt #5.