SOLENT RETAIN COLE

Returning for his 13^th season as a Solent Devil in 2022-23, Cole will wear the Captains C for a sixth season.

Steadfast and reliable defenceman Cole has competed in over 300 senior league games for the club and provided an assist on 10% of goals since 2015.

Commenting on his return Cole said

The fans and supporters club are amazing, I couldn’t leave!

I’ve been with the Devils for many years now, seeing the club develop and come so far is a massive achievement to everyone involved at Solent and Muzza. The team is progressing every season and we’re just getting better.

Head Coach Alex Murray said

I’m delighted we have retained our captain for the up and coming season! I’m looking forward to another year with both the Cole’s in the line up!

When asked about his season highlights Cole adds

I have a few, but the main one was the win against Streatham at home, something we deserved and again proves how good of a setup we are. 

Looking back on the NIHL 1 this season and sharing his thoughts on how tough things were, Cole continues

I’ve been in this league for a while now so I have lots of experience, that said I’m always learning and focusing on specific areas of my game. This season was difficult, constantly adjusting with the impact of injuries and further COVID infections, making it tricky to find the right line combinations.

The injuries found me again and I spent four games out recovering. This summer I’ll be working out and strengthening my core physical fitness so I can focus on remaining injury free next season.

Murray adds

Coley is an integral part of our team and defensive core. Having been a part of this club from when I took over, Alex’s presence is essential in ensuring the young or new guys come in and buy in to the Solent way!

Speaking about what Ice Hockey means to him, Cole says

Hockey has been a part of me since the age of 5, I find it gives me a release and purpose. Hockey keeps me focused and I continue to develop my physical and mental game.

Commenting on the season ahead Cole concludes

I’d love some silverware and I think that’s achievable if we come together and all work for each other.

Cole will return to the Devils in shirt #8. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT SELECT PANTER

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British Forward Riley Panter.

During the 2021-22 Season Riley iced for the Solent Junior Devils U18’s and NIHL 2 teams along with 4 games with the Devils and the South West U17’s. During the 28 leagues games Riley put away 30 goals and assisted on 9. Panter has risen through the Solent junior program and been a key player in the success of the club

Hearing the news Panter said

My reaction to being signed as a Devil so early on, is excitement mixed with nerves but also a sense of achievement and determination.

Head Coach Murray shared his thoughts

I’m delighted to have secured Riley for the 2022-23 season.

The opportunity to bring through one of the most talented young players the junior club has produced recently is exciting and I’m pleased we can continue our partnership together to provide opportunities for everyone!

Commenting on his best moment from last season

My best highlight from last season was being called up from the U18s to ice for the Snr Devils vs MK, the difference from NIHL 1 to U18s and NIHL2 is the physical aspect of the game, the speed, and the need to keep your head on a swivel at all times.

Speaking about the season ahead Panter continues

As one of the youngest players I look forward to playing with experienced players who can help me continue to develop my own game but also inspire younger players that they can also achieve their goals and be a role model for other junior Solent players.

Murray adds

Riley is an exceptional talent, which was highlighted in his time with us last season, but also the role he played in our NIHL 2 team at such a young age.

Murray concludes

The two way will allow Riley to ensure he has maximum ice time and exposure to senior hockey whilst still being registered and available for the u18s

The pathway has proven to be a success recently with the likes of Harry Cloutman and Elliot Lewis progressing through the juniors to seniors and beyond. I cannot wait to see how Riley develops this season!

Finally, Panter adds

I look forward to the being part of a winning team, scoring goals and getting the opportunities that lay ahead.

Panter will ice for the Devils in shirt #17. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

LEWIS STEPS UP TO NATIONAL

The Solent Devils bid farewell to fan favourite #19 Elliot Lewis as he moves to compete in the NIHL National League next season, after three seasons with Solent icing for the U18’s, NIHL2 and NIHL1 teams playing 104 league games scoring 95 goals and providing 34 assists, we wish Elliot well on the next step of his journey.

When asked about the move Head Coach Alex Murray said

It’s been a busy period for Elliot and I’ve been in conversation with him throughout. Similarly, to previous young players who developed their game at Solent, we had every intention to support Elliot on his quest to play the highest levels possible.

Murray Continues

Whilst I know it’s disappointing for our own supporters and team to be losing Elliot, he goes with all our blessings and best wishes as he aims to crack the national.

Elliot is a superb talent who we have nurtured over the past 4 years! The set up at Solent has facilitated this and we will continue to ensure we bridge the gap for players to get the opportunities in South 1 to increase their chances of playing national level later in their career.

Elliot had a standout season and deserves his chance, and I’m excited about his chances with his next club.

SOLENT LAND LACKEY

The Solent Devils are excited to announce the re-signing of British Forward Dan Lackey

Lackey was awarded Coaches Player of the Season at the recent presentation evening. Murry recognising the forwards versatility and can-do attitude. Despite 8 weeks out for an injury, Lackey put away 9 goals, provided 14 assists and played an essential role in 26 games over the 2021-22 league campaign.

Speaking of his decision to return Lackey said

It’s a great tight knit club to play for! With the awesome fans and volunteers who make playing here so easy and fun it was a no brainer!

Head Coach Murray comments

I’m delighted that we’ve secure the re-signing of Lackey for the upcoming 22-23 season. Dan is an incredible player who can player numerous positions and roles. Lackeys versatility is essential at this level with injuries, work commitments etc meaning we often rely on Dan for several situations.

Revealing his highlights from last season, Lackey continues

For sure, overall it has to be securing second place in the league, that was some achievement! But the comeback in Chelmo was great to be a part of, what a night!

Reflecting on the season and the capable opposition Lackey said

It’s been the toughest season so far since I’ve been at the Devils, with all the teams getting stronger this year and us having to continually change up lines due to Rich and Ralf not being around, along with injuries! I don’t think I played in the same position in consecutive games!

When asked about being Murray’s versatile player, Lackey adds

It’s one of the strengths of my game, as long as I’m helping the team I’ll play anywhere! I’m not about individual points, I’ll leave that to the skilled players! It’s obviously an honour to get the recognition for that by the coach!

Murray commented

Dan was very impressive on the special teams this year scoring several key goals on the powerplay and playing heavy minutes on the kill.

Looking ahead to next season Lackey finishes by saying

I’m sure it’s going to be another competitive year, with teams making a few changes – that’s not a bad thing as competitive hockey is always the most fun to play and watch! Hopefully we can do the same again and push for the top spots, with a better playoff run this time round!

Murray adds

This season I am expecting more of the same from Lackey as he continued to lead from the front both on and off the ice!

Lackey will return to the Devils in shirt #9. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

COLE SECURED BY SOLENT

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Netminder Chico Cole.

With an SVP never lower than 91.60% since 2016, Chico has made the league’s All-Star team line-up every year since then too. The supporters favourite returning in the #1 jersey will be back between the pipes as the last line of defence in to 2022-23 league campaign.

Commenting on his reason for returning Chico stated

“I love the game, in front of the net is my second home with my hockey family and our fantastic supporters”

Head Coach Murray said

I’m delighted we have re-signed Chico for next season!

Chico has been a vital part of our squad for over a decade and continues to perform night in night out for the club.

Chico is one of the best goalies in the league and wins us games on his own during the seasons. We look forward to another strong year from our starting goaltender as we aim to push for some silverware.

Chico continues with his thoughts on the season ahead

“I never have any expectations as we are in a very competitive league now, where anything can happen, last season was tough especially the first few games, that was reflected in the final leagues positions with one point separating three teams”

When asked about a highlight from last season, there was no hesitation in his response

“Away game at Chelmsford with over 70 shots on goal and arguably our greatest ever comeback to steal the win. Everyone knows where they were on that memorable night!”

Turning attention to the team, when asked what he looks for in a teammate, Chico adds

“Nothing but passion and hard work, next season we need to turn the screw even tighter in defence and lock out the opposition”

Just before the season commences Chico will be celebrating a milestone birthday, we asked about his thoughts on turning 30… rolling his eyes Chico said

“Jheeze thanks for the reminder! I’m just warming up so be prepared for even more from me!”

Chico will return to the Devils in shirt #1. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

MURRAY RETURNS FOR 10TH SEASON AS SOLENT HEAD COACH

The Solent Devils are thrilled to announce the return of player / coach Alex Murray for next season

After leading the team to NIHL 1 South league runners up, Murray returns for his 10^th consecutive season as the head coach and 13^th as a player, commenting on his return Murray said

I’m honoured to continue in my role as Head Coach of the Solent Devils into the 2022-23 season.

The club’s transformation continues, and I still have as much passion, dedication, and willingness to see the club grow both on and off the ice as I did when I first returned to the club in 2013!

With 36 assists in the 2021-22 league campaign and 11 goals over 31 games, Murray demonstrated his leadership on the ice and off, navigating the many challenges the season brought with disruption to the team line-up through long term injuries and pandemic related illnesses.

Last season Murray passed 300 competitive games and 450 points for the Solent Devils, under Murray’s stewardship the team have finished runners up by the narrowest of margins in the league in the last four years and celebrated victory as 2017-18 Playoff Champions and the 2020-21 Spring Cup Series Winners.

Looking ahead to the 2022-23 Season Murray continues

Our quest to remain a competitive team in the NIHL South 1 will remain a challenge as other teams continue to grow financially, but I am excited to see what the new season will bring.

When asked about the line-up next season Murray said

I hope to have most of the core return as well as a few fresh faces and continue to find the balance between experience and youth. I cannot wait to get started again!

2023 will be a testimonial year for Murray, recognising the 10 years of tenure as player/coach with a friendly post season game, celebrating the occasion with players past and present, more details will be announced as the season progresses.

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