Campbell’s “Last Dance”

Today the Solent Devils have completed their roster for the 2023-24 season with the signing of long serving Canadian forward Drew Campbell.

Campbell who has iced for over 10 seasons with the club, will lace up his boots for one last season, before he retires!

The Ontario born forward who is the Devils all-time leading goal scorer spoke of his return and said   

“It’s great to be back. The Devils are an amazing club, and there is no other place I’d want to go. The team is looking good and younger, and I can’t wait to start the season.”

Looking ahead to the season, Campbell who has amassed 425 points for Solent said

“As always for the team our goal is to try and keep in contention for trophies. We have the best fans and off ice officials, and they deserve to see us pushing for trophies. Personally, I’m here to help anyway I’m needed. If that’s helping the new or younger guys get the systems or win face offs, try score goals, I’ll do it.”

Speaking on his “Last Dance” Campbell said

“After a few long conversations, first with myself in the mirror, and then with family and finally with Muzza. I just want to let everyone know that this will be my last year as a player. It’s has been a blast for the last 42 years of competitive hockey, and I’m sure I’ll see people around this season.”

Head Coach, Alex Murray said

“It was a summer of uncertainty for Drew but I’m really pleased he is happy with his decision and I’m looking forward to one more season alongside him. We will ensure we give our best for Drew who has been a stalwart in British ice hockey for several decades”.

Campbell will wear the #23 jersey and will be sponsored by The Norridge Family.

He will go straight into the lineup for this weekend’s home opener against the Dynamo, on Saturday.

Forsyth returns to Solent.

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British forward Luke Forsyth.

Following a successful return to ice hockey after over a decade away, Luke made an instant impact on the team with his offensive ability. Speaking on his return, Luke said

“It feels great to be back for a second season with the Devils. It’s such a great club to be a part of and the support we have home and away makes all the difference.”

The former Junior Devil amassed 9 goals and 7 assists in last season’s campaign and reflected on his first season with the club

“It was hard work for sure! I knew it was going to be a difficult season with lots to learn but we took one game at a time and got stronger as the season went on. I built some great chemistry with the guys and I’m really looking forward to getting back on the ice.”

Looking ahead, Luke talks of his goals for the season

“With some great players retiring it’s going to be a tough season. I hope to step up from my first year and bring more points to the table, bring a sense of calmness when needed and help the team in anyway that’s needed.”

When Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his eagerness to continue to add to his roster

“Luke is a great addition to the team, he hit the ground running last season scoring some big goals for us on our second unit. I will be looking for more of the same offensively this coming year.”

Luke will wear the number #77 and his jersey has been sponsored In Memory of Sue Morse.

Solent retain shot stopper.

Today the Solent Devils have penned a deal to secure the services of Rory Martin – Edwards between the pipes for the 2023-24 season.

The 21-year-old goaltender remains at Solent in what will be his 3rd season with the club. Speaking on his return, Rory said

“I am really happy to be returning to the Devils for another season. I have been made to feel part of the Devils right from the beginning, and playing my favourite sport with such a great team of dedicated players is what it’s all about!

The Portsmouth born stopper continued by speaking of his preparation this off season

“This Spring, following a very long and competitive application process, I joined the Royal Navy and will be training in my specialist branch for the next couple of years. Joining the Navy has taken me to a whole new level of fitness and has challenged me both mentally and physically. I am stronger, fitter and more confident in my approach to life, and I believe this will put me in competitive position physically and mentally for the upcoming season.”

Speaking on his return, head coach Alex Murray spoke of his desire to retain the young prospect

“Rory is the future of Solent in his position. With the other goalies at the later stages of their careers it’s important Rory continues his develop and gets game time at both NIHL 2 and 1 this season.”

Speaking about his own expectations the former Bracknell Bee said

“Ice hockey is all about teamwork and although my personal goal is obviously to play more games, I recognise that its only one goalie in the net at a time! I hope my improved fitness and determination will shine through this season so that I can do more of what I love to do – Stopping pucks.”

Rory will continue to wear #50 and will be sponsored by Stormlight Hypnotherapy, who we would like to thank for their support.  

Junior Devils Mills makes the jump! 

Solent continue to add youth to their line up with their latest signing, Ben Mills, on a two-way with the Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2 team. 

Speaking on joining, Mills who is a product of Solent’s junior system said

“I am very excited and extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to sign on a two way. It’s been something I’ve been working towards for a long time now, and I am happy with the progress I am making so far but it is not over yet as I do want to keep improving and truly reach my potential”.

When asked about how this signing will inspire the current juniors at the club, the 19-year-old forward said

“I hope this will give the juniors hope that it is possible for anyone of them to sign for the Solent Devils in the future and I hope this is something that helps motivate them to keep improving, working hard, and working towards their goals that they have, then reaching those goals and making a real impact. Coming through the ranks of the junior club I have been extremely lucky with the people I have met, the teammates I have shared the ice with, and very importantly the coaches I have met along the way, they have all helped make this possible by moulding me into the player and young man I have become today. I would like to thank Coach Richard Facey who has been a big part of my development and was a great coach to play for. “

Looking ahead, the former junior club captain said

“This season will be my second season in senior hockey and at an even greater level, I have a lot to learn from this year and so with this learning and taking on as much as I can in training and games from all my coaches, teammates, and experiences I can gain throughout the year. Along with my improvements of understanding the game a lot more at this level I still want to be making an impact every time I get to go out there on the ice. So being consistent out there on the ice and being as competitive as I can be. As a team I think we can still be in title contention and have a great chance of making another great run into playoffs at the end of year. “

Speaking on his latest addition, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the importance of this signing

“Ben is the perfect example of a player sticking in our junior system and getting the same benefit at the end. We lose far too many of our junior players to those supposed bigger academies, so I’m pleased that Ben has remained loyal, got his head down and really worked on his game to get to this level. I have known and seen Ben develop for many years and I’m excited to see him get his opportunity this year with the club. I hope it inspires more of our junior members to remain with us and keep working hard to achieve your goals.”

Mills will wear the #4 jersey and will be sponsored in the upcoming season by The Riff Raff who we would like to thank for their continued support of the team.

Lunn signs 2-way agreement

Today the Solent Devils have secured the signing of British prospect Lewis Lunn on a two-way deal with the Cardiff Fire.

The 17-year-old forward returns to these shores after a season in Canada playing for the Ontario Hockey Academy in both double A and triple A u18s.

Speaking on joining the Devils the youngster said

“I’m really excited to be signing a two way with Solent which have an impressive mixture of experience, talent and youth with a winning mentality which is what originally drew me to the club in the first instance. I see signing with Solent as an excellent opportunity for me to develop further as a player into the 23/24 season and join a fantastic organisation.”

Lunn who was heavily sought after this Summer cannot wait to get started

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Alex and the Solent Devils organisation for signing me into the team for this upcoming season. I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and keen to start training hard so I can support them and contribute to what will hopefully be a successful season ahead. I cannot wait for the season to get started and am super proud to be part of the Solent Devils Family!”

The two-way agreement with Cardiff will provide Lewis with plenty of opportunity, which is something he is looking forward to

“Splitting my time between Cardiff and Solent this season is giving me an incredible opportunity for my first year in senior UK hockey after returning from last season playing both AA and AAA hockey in Canada. I tend to play a physical game and rely on my speed for the fore and back check with a hard shot and like to look for those pinpoint passes or snipes on goal when I can.”

Speaking on his latest signing, head coach Alex Murray said

“Signing such a young talent in Lewis is a real boost for our club. We had some great chats over the summer, and I was so impressed about his maturity and eagerness to learn as much as he can. I am looking forward to getting Lewis in the line-up this season and seeing how we can support his development. I’d also like to thank Cardiff Fire, Mark and Ellis really bought into my plan for Lewis and I’m delighted to begin our partnership.”

Lewis will wear the #11 jersey and is looking for a sponsor, if you are interested in sponsoring him, please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com