SOLENT GO WILD

The Solent Devils are ecstatic to announce the re-signing of British defenceman Mason Wild.

Wild returns for his seventh consecutive season at Solent. On the ice Wild brings a sense of calm, with the ability to slow the pace of the game, giving players time to regroup, before setting up the next play. Wild demonstrated stamina, resilience, and mental strength throughout last season, over 25 games contributing 4 blinding goals and 5 assists. Wild has a special place in the hearts of fans when he remained on the ice and blocked nearly every shot to kill the 5 min penalty that helped Solent become Play off champions in 2018.

When asked about re-signing Wild said

I’m enjoying hockey again, travelling can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Having a long time out made me realise how much I missed playing and has helped motivate me to continue my career a little longer.

Head Coach Murray comments

It’s great to secure Mason for another season, as he brings so much experience and composure to our team!

With great awareness, poise and control, Mason is one of the top defenders in the league! He often goes through games unknown to those watching and that in itself is a reason he is so good for us! Mason will continue to regularly play big minutes against the tops lines of opposing teams, giving us a chance to win every game

Reflecting on last season Wild says

There were so many great moments, four dramatic overtime wins, playing in front of big crowds and beating some of the toughest teams.

Overall we had some good results even though we knew we weren’t playing our best. There were some tough moments in the season. Through effort rate and determination, we managed to grind out some great results, and as the season went on, we started to get in our stride. Alongside, some outstanding individual performance allowed us to claim 2nd place.

Wild shares his thoughts on what the sport means to him

I’ve been playing hockey since I was eight years old, and it’s always been such a good release of energy and a great way to keep your mind off work and other responsibilities. I’m starting to feel older, so I want to continue enjoying the game whilst I can, and it’s a perfect way to keep fit.

Wild concludes

Whilst I can’t complain about the summer break, it’ll be great to be back on the ice with the boys. The team’s core group has always been the same, which helps our success. The fans have always been fantastic, so I’m looking forward to playing in front of them again.

Wild will return to the Devils in shirt #41. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

NEKROSEVICIUS CONTINUES WITH SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of British trained defenceman Kristijonas Nekrosevicius.

Lithuanian born Nekrosevicius joins Solent on a 2-way with Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2. Nekrosevicius played at Junior level for Chelmsford, Streatham and Raiders before joining Solent last season. In his 11 NIHL 1 games Nekrosevicius managed to get his first senior goal, also getting 2 goals and providing 3 assists over 16 games in NIHL 2 along with a goal and a couple of assists in 3 games for EIHA Showcase at the U19s.

On signing Nekrosevicius said

I’ve returned for another year because Solent is a brilliant team with a lot of talent and I would very much like to continue to contribute to the clubs success.

Head Coach Murray comments

I’m looking forward to welcoming back Kris for next season following a breakout year last time out!

Having arrived in the south coast after the start of the season, it quickly became apparent that Kris had all the attributes to develop into a top defencemen in the next 2-4 years! With the opportunities available at Solent, Kris will be able to get good minutes under his belt and step into a more responsible role as the season continues. His size and strength really benefits us on our small pad.

Nekrosevicius continues

Last season was difficult as it was my first season playing senior hockey. I earned some experience and I hope to gain more in the upcoming season.

When asked what he gets out of Ice Hockey, Nekrosevicius said

The sport helps to keep me active, meet new people and friends as well as travel around the country.

Nekrosevicius concludes

Next season I look forward to being a part of the team and playing more hockey.

Nekrosevicius will return to the Devils in shirt #2. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT SECURE COOPER

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British forward Scott Cooper.

After moving to the South Coast and previously competing in NIHL 1 North, Cooper has become a fan favourite, a tenacious worker on the ice, Cooper iced in 31 games last season contributing 5 goals and 5 assists to the Solent tally that took them to runners up in NIHL 1 South.

On re-signing Cooper said

I couldn’t think of any other team I would rather play for in the league, the connection our team has with the fans is like nothing I have experienced before and I feel as a group we can only get better and build on what we have achieved over the last few seasons.

Commenting on the signing Head Coach Murray said

Signing Scotty was a priority of mine this season! He is a versatile player who can play a multitude of positions, which he demonstrated last season with the move to 3C which enabled us to absorb the loss of Ralfs mid season.

Scotty is a team first guy who has a positive impact on the entire locker room. In recognition of his contribution last season he was awarded the Shane Clacy Trophy which just shows the kind of player he is.

Reflecting on last season Cooper adds

My personal highlight has to be winning the Shane Clacy award which showed that my efforts and contributions are valued by the rest of the team. As a team I feel we overcame a lot of challenges throughout the season, such as Injuries, COVID and players moving on, and this will only make us stronger going forward.

When asked about how tough NIHL 1 South is. Cooper said

I think any team can beat anyone on the night and if we play our game and not become distracted from the targets we set ourselves we can achieve some good things.

In terms of what the game means to him, Cooper continues

The last couple of years, especially at the height of the pandemic showed how much the sport means to me, and how much it helps with all of the players mental and physical well-being and it cannot be taken for granted.

Finally looking forward to next season, Cooper concludes

Continuing to help the team anyway I can on and off the ice as well as helping  the new players we have coming through settle in as quickly as possible.

Cooper will return to the Devils in shirt #24. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

DUFFY RETURNS TO SOLENT

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British net minder Mark Duffy.

Duffy joined Solent during the pandemic and was part of the 2020-21 Spring Cup Series winning team. The 2021-22 season was not kind to Duffy with the majority of the season off after the squad was disseminated by a COVID outbreak. Duffy managed a 0.859 SVG %, speaking about re-signing Duffy said

Last season was a difficult one personally with missing so much through illness. Looking forward to really bouncing back fully fit this season and doing everything I can for the boys and the team!

Head Coach Murray adds

It’s great to secure Duffy as part of our goalie group for the upcoming season. As alluded to already, Duffy was massively impacted by covid last season which saw him out for long stretches of time! That said, his support during that time on the bench was really beneficial.

Mark is a great team guy and has fitted in well within the locker room so this was a no brainer for me. Someone with so much experience benefits our team massively.

When asked about his reasons for signing Duffy continues

This is one of the most fun teams I’ve been part of. Great group of boys, all set on what we do. Work hard, play hard and party hard after!

Murray continues

We have seen what Duffy can do between the pipes and hopefully we can continue to push Chico for ice time.

Duffy concludes by sharing his thoughts on what he gets from the game

What I get from hockey – everything! I love the sport, love being part of a team and bring so many things from it into life outside of it.

Duffy will return to the Devils in shirt #98. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

CAMPBELL RETURNS TO SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of Canadian and British forward Drew Campbell.

Ontario born Campbell will be starting his 11^th full league season with Solent, with over 200 leagues appearances for the team, scoring more than 200 goals and providing over 200 assists during those games and with 28 appearances last season, contributing 7 goals and 13 assists Campbell remains a key influencer of game outcomes.

Speaking about re-signing Campbell said

I’ve decided to sign again because it’s just a great team to play for. The changing room, the off-ice staff and of course the most amazing fans just make you feel like it’s home away from home.

Head Coach Murray

It’s great we’ve secured Drew for another season! His experience alone is invaluable when it comes to developing younger guys. There are several aspects which are also as important, such as his role on the powerplay and on the draws which adds even more value. I’ll be looking for Drew to continue mentoring the younger players this season and step up at key moments in the year.

Reflecting on last season Campbell adds

Wow what a great season we had. Finishing second was great, the come backs and the never die attitude last season was amazing. But my highlight was a personal one. As being out there on the ice with Tylor was just the icing on the cake. I’ll remember that forever.

Campbell continues

The season was tough, we had some ups and downs, so to come second was a great achievement. Specially after lockdown and uncertainty for 2 years. So yes it was just great to be out there and obviously not take anything for granted.

When asked what Ice Hockey means to him, Campbell said

Hockey is the greatest sport in the world and I was lucky enough to be born in the biggest hot spot for it, and learn to play at a very early age. It has always given me excitement and also can teach you life lessons, the physical side can be tough sometimes at my age, but I still love this game.

Exploring the day his son Tylor stepped between the pipes for Solent, Campbell adds

What a day that was, it’s funny how goals change. Yes we all want to win silverware, and it has always been that way. But when you have kids, life changes. The chance to be on the ice with your son is second to none. It was just a great day for me and also for Ty and our family.

Looking at the season ahead, Campbell concludes

I look forward to the same as last year. But most of all, I just want to help with the development of the club and the young kids. As it’s great to see guys move on and up the ladder of hockey.

Campbell will return to the Devils in shirt #23. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

CLOUTMAN BACK AT SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of British defenceman Harry Cloutman.

Cloutman at 20 years of age has already notched up 66 starts with the Devils, last season getting 2 goals and 4 assists. Cloutman has a thorough understanding of the Solent systems and since stepping onto the ice has been a reliable and confident defenceman. Cloutman on a two way with Solent Junior Devils said

I’m back because of the bond the team has is so strong, which creates a good feeling around the changing room and a powerful dynamic on the ice, and of course for our fantastic support base.

Head Coach Alex Murray

I’m delighted to secure the re-signing of Harry for the up and coming season!

Clouts is developing into a key member of the squad on and off the ice and is in line for a break out season. His work with our junior club has meant he is already a fans favourite.

Looking back on last season’s highlight Cloutman said

Getting my first senior career goal, it’s been a long long time coming!

Cloutman continues

Last season was tough, the league was so competitive, looking back I’m proud of how we performed as a team, we always fight for the victory, no matter the odds.

When asked about his goals for next season Cloutman adds

Next season I want to be out there giving my all for the team, competing for the top spot in the league and getting some playoff silverware.

Murray continues

Harry knows what it takes to get to the next level and I’m confident he will be ready with a good preseason.

Cloutman concludes

I’m really looking forward to being back in the Solent thunder dome playing in front of the fans.

Cloutman will return to the Devils in shirt #18. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com