Category: Team News

2021-22 Signing Alert – Alex Trendall

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of English forward, Alex Trendall.

“This year, I’ve trained most the summer, so I’m much fitter, stronger. I’d like to bring a bit more all around to the team, especially as I’m getting older now too. Once again we have a solid squad of guys this year“

Head Coach – Alex Murray commented

“Alex is a wonderful talent. He has great speed and a very good shot which has always helped him be productive every season with the Devils! Alex knows that confidence and concentration will help take him to the next level and be a regularly top end scorer in this league and we will be working hard to ensure that it is this season! I know Alex has been working hard off the ice to be ready for next season and already looks fresh in training”

Trendall with 157 games for Solent Devils, 57 goals and 60 assists said about his goals for the season ahead

“Our goal has to be to finish in top 3 in the league and do well in the play offs.”

Commenting on the Spring Cup Series Trendall said

“The cup was definitely a good opportunity to enjoy some hockey and escape the sofa.”

About a favoured venue Trendall added

“I really enjoy playing in Streatham, it’s a big pad and has big changing rooms!”

Trendall will return to the Devils in shirt #10.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Signing Alert – Jamie Fitzpatrick

The Solent Devils are proud to announce the return of English defenceman, Jamie Fitzpatrick.

“The Devils are a great team to play for, every player that wears that Jersey knows to bring the intensity, passion and motivation from the second they walk into an ice rink.”

Solent Coach, Alex Murray commented

“I have played with Jamie most of my life, he is a great player, with a tremendous work ethic and always puts the team first. It’s this type of player which makes our club so unique and successful and I look forward to working with Fitzy again this year. Jamie will add depth to our defence allowing other versatile players to play forward”

Looking ahead to the season Fitzpatrick said

“My main goal now is getting game fit. My previous injury left me on the side lines for longer than I would of liked. All the physio sessions over the past year and half have been hard work and has given me confidence that I am fully fit and ready for the season.”

Fitzpatrick a seasoned traveller concludes

“Gosport is a unique rink, maybe a small rink but everyone on that ice feels the energy from the supporters. My next favourite rink to play in would be Raleigh Centre Ice, North Carolina. Slightly bigger than Gosport but it has the same feeling. Great ice, Low ceiling, spectators stood around the Plexi. Also the practice facility of the Carolina Hurricanes.”

Fitzpatrick will return to the Devils in shirt #15.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Signing Alert – Connor Hutchison

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of English forward, Connor Hutchison.

“I’m hoping to bring some physicality to the team as well as putting up some points!”

Devils Head Coach, Alex Murray commented

“Hutch has been a great addition to the team, he had a depth to the left wing, brings physicality, grit and skill which is a rare combination. Now Hutch has had time to settle in, I expect him to be a fans favourite for sure!”

Hutchison with 127 games in his senior career with 22 goals and 24 assists returns after joining the team last season.

“Participating in the spring cup meant a lot to me it was something a little different to any hockey I’ve played before for example the rules and testing before entering the rink. “

Hutchison said of his goals for this season

“…for me this coming season is to work hard help the team out bringing home some trophies and put some points up! “

Looking back over lockdown Hutchison adds

“The positives that came from the last 18 months meant that I could focus and good a really good life/work balance.”

Hutchison finishes

“One of my favourite rinks besides Gosport has to be Cardiff, I love how big the pad is and how good and smooth it is to play on!”

Hutchison will return to the Devils in shirt #6.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Signing Alert – Elliot Lewis

This evening, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of the bright young forward, Elliot Lewis.

Lewis with 60 games so far for Solent Devils, collecting 16 Goals and 11 Assists comments on signing

“I will bring what I think I bring best which is energy!”

Lewis continues

“I’d like to think of myself as a very active player meaning that whenever I’m on the ice I will give my all, in whatever way I can to help put points in the bag. As that’s what it all comes down to in the end.”

Head Coach – Alex Murray commented

“Elliot is a great player for us, he is ready for his breakout season and I fully suspect this to be his year, he will be given every possibility to succeed and the experienced players will help him through.

Elliot is fast skilful and has solid strength for a kid so young, I cannot wait to see how he performs this season!”

Looking ahead Lewis adds

“My goals are to perform as a more principal player within the squad this year. What I mean by that is being stronger both offensively and defensively but mainly contribute more to the special teams situations on penalty-kills and power plays.”

Lewis reflecting on the opportunity to play during lockdown

“The spring cup series was a brilliant experience for not only the boys but for the fans watching at home. It was great to see all the interaction over social media seeing all the fans enjoying watching us as much as we enjoyed playing. I think it was just what the Devils community needed as it really helped get us through the 3rd lockdown. After a tough period for everyone. “

Continuing Lewis says

“I think that as much as the last 18 months have been some really tough times for everyone.  There are a lot of positives to take out of the unfortunate circumstances such as spending more time with my family which traditionally I don’t get a lot of time to do during the season, it was really nice to enjoy their company throughout the pandemic.”

Finally, about a favourite rink Lewis reveals

“I’d have to say ice Sheffield as it brings back many memories as a junior travelling up there every summer to play in the tournaments. Every time I play / go back there it’s a good reminder to realise where I’ve come within my time of playing hockey.”

Lewis will return to the Devils in shirt #19.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Signing Alert – Rory Martin-Edwards

This evening, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of the talented young goaltender Rory Martin-Edwards.

“I am really looking forward to starting the season – it seems such a long time since we have had any league games and I can’t wait to get started and working hard.”

Says Martin-Edwards

Head coach, Alex Murray comments

“Rory is a really exciting prospect, he will sign on a two-way with the NIHL 2 team to ensure he gets the game time he needs to develop but seeing him in training he has great size and potential.”

Completing 38 game so far in his senior career with a save percentage of 89.62%, Martin-Edwards continues

“I plan to maintain my high level of fitness, train hard, absorb what I can from Chico and take every opportunity to get between the pipes when I can!”

Speaking about his experience with the Bracknell Bees…

“Participating in the Spring Cup was an unexpected opportunity for me. I was asked by Bees head coach to serve as back up for the Spring Cup and it was really great to train with the Bees. I was really stretched by some of the Elite League players who joined the squad for the Cup and it was a hugely valuable experience for me.”

When asked about the impact the pandemic has had…

“The last 18 months have been difficult – it was my first year at Southampton University and the whole programme was delivered online. I’m really sociable and I found it hard attending lectures from my bedroom rather than a classroom – I still haven’t met anyone on my course yet! The general lack of ice hockey has been disappointing, but I guess the positives are that I have got really good at golf!”

Martin-Edwards comments on how he will complement the team dynamic

“What I bring to the team is commitment, enthusiasm and a passion to learn and develop as a netminder. It can be a bit lonely as a goalie sometimes, but I am very much a team player and really enjoy the camaraderie and support the comes from being part of an ice hockey team.”

Martin-Edwards will return to the Devils in shirt #50.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Team Jerseys

The Solent Devils are delighted to release the 2021-22 team jerseys which will be sponsored  by JRC and Dunamis Sports!

The club have worked in partnership with Dunamis for over 7 years and are delighted with this seasons jerseys which incorporates the new direction the club is going.

The teams main Sponsor will once again be JRC who has supported the club for over 5 years with invaluable support and finances to enable them to compete at this level.

Head coach Alex Murray has spoken of his delight with the new jersey’s

“Every year I enjoy working alongside Alex at Dunamis to create a design that is better than our last! I was really happy with our Spring Cup jerseys and I couldn’t believe it when the new design came in, it far surpassed my expectations. Alex at Dunamis is quick to make any changes required and has produced a simple but impactful set of jerseys!

Murray continues…

We couldn’t decide which two of the three to choose so we are delighted that Dunamis have supported us in ensuring we get the third Jersey and we cannot thank them enough. Lastly, I must give thanks to John at JRC who is a great advocate for clubs in Gosport. John is really passionate about sport in the local community and we are really pleased to be supported by JRC again”

The Solent Devils have own and loan opportunities to sponsor players – if you are interested in getting your hands on the game worn jerseys at the end of the season please get in touch with Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com