Category: Team News

2021-22 NIHL 1 South League News

NINE CONFIRMED FOR SOUTH 1 AS 21/22 SEASON LOOMS LARGE


Almost 18 months since Streatham IHC clinched a league and cup double, the puck with drop again for the clubs in NIHL South 1 with a nine strong cast list ready to do battle.


Bristol Pitbulls, Chelmsford Chieftains, Invicta Dynamos, MK Thunder, Oxford City Stars, Romford Junior Raiders, Slough Jets, Solent Devils and defending champions Streatham IHC will make up the division from September.


The clubs will play two home and two away against each other to complete the league campaign which starts on September 11th and runs through until April 10th.


Playoffs will see the top eight teams qualify for the quarter final round, played as a two-legged tie (1v8 2v7 3v6 4v5) over the weekend of April 16&17.  The winners will then play at the South 1 Finals Weekend on April 23 and 24.


League champions from South 1 will also face off in a National Championship game against the North 1 league winners at Coventry on Sunday May 1 as part of the National Finals Weekend.


The cup competition will see the first league game home and away in the schedule will also count towards the Cup standings. The semi finals will be over two legs in early/mid December, with the Cup Final also over two legs scheduled between 8 and 16 January 2022.


Bristol Pitbulls return to the top division this year but also their home city in a new rink.  Co-owner Richie Hargreaves said:

“For many of us the last 18 months has felt like a life time of no hockey.  Here in Bristol it pretty much has been that and a lifetime out of the city.


“We are looking forward like many others to the thrills and spills of our beloved ice hockey this September.  We are very much excited as a club to be once again participating in South 1 and looking forward to our new chapter here in Bristol. But I think most of all is the return of that sixth player the fans who bring the energy night in night out which can only be found in our sport.”


Ben Pitchley, Romford Junior Raiders GM and head of hockey operations added:

“After the longest lay off ever, we are just glad to be able to get back on the ice, and fingers crossed, playing in front of fans again!”


One of the teams who played in our behind-closed-doors spring series, MK Thunder, are celebrating a special anniversary this season.  GM Lauren Cox commented: 

“The coming season marks 20 years of Thunder and we’re excited to be competing in a nine team league. The Spring and Rugged Stock Cup enabled us to play alongside and against some great talent, which has added more depth to our experience. Welcome to Bristol, we look forward to seeing their brand new rink.”


Work is underway between clubs and the NIHL fixtures secretary and the schedule will be published as soon as it is available.

NIHL SOUTH 1 KEY DATES:

  • Pre-season – September 4-5 2021
  • Regular season start – September 11 2021
  • Regular season end – April 10 2022
  • Cup semi finals – December 4/5 11/12 2021
  • Cup Final – January 8/9 15/16 2022
  • Playoff quarter finals – April 16-17 2022
  • Playoff Finals Weekend – April 23-24 2022
  • National Final v N1 champion – May 1 2022

2021-22 League News

NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH & SOUTH READY FOR LAUNCH


The EIHA and NIHL are pleased to confirm that details of the Division 1 & 2 competitions will be announced over the next four days advising the competing clubs, league format, playoffs and cup competition information.


Clubs and the league have been involved in discussions in recent weeks about the return of competitive play in the NIHL after successful events played behind closed doors during the spring.


We are delighted to have 39 teams signed up to take part in the 21/22 season playing in four divisions.  League format, any cup competitions and post-season formats have been agreed and will be announced division by division starting with North 1 (Moralee) on Friday July 30.


Pre-season play will commence from September 4 2021 with regular season beginning either September 11 or 18 depending on the division.  The latest date that post-season play will end is on Sunday May 1 2022.

The divisions for 21/22 will be:

  • North 1 (Moralee) – 8 teams
  • South 1 (Britton) – 10 teams
  • North 2 (Laidler) – 9 teams
  • South 2 (Wilkinson) – 12 teams


Full details will be announced one division per day starting tomorrow, Friday July 30.


EIHA director Andrew Miller, who leads for the NIHL, said:

“We are pleased to have our competition formats agreed and myself and the Board are grateful to the clubs for engaging with us to make the NIHL return to play as good as it can be.


“The formats we will announce have teams playing at the right level with the right amount of games to suit their own club model. We are also pleased to be able to support clubs wishing to enter what would have been U20 sides into the NIHL, cementing the league’s place in the development pathway for our athletes moving from junior to senior hockey.


“After ceasing the leagues in March 2020 we are looking forward to welcoming supporters back into our rinks at all levels of the NIHL and for our teams to serve up an enjoyable, competitive season which will draw to a close with league title races, cup finals and playoff championships that everyone involved can get behind!”

2021-22 Signing Alert – Scott Cooper


This evening, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing English forward, Scott Cooper.

Since joining the Solent Devils Cooper has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in his 24 games, speaking about his return Cooper said

“I’ll be looking to bring an energy and maturity to our line each night and to continue developing and playing the Solent way”

Solent Head Coach, Alex Murray spoke of the bond Cooper has made with the team since joining

“We have a close group of guys on our team, and it feels like Scotty has been a part of it from day one! He is a great team guy, influential in the locker room and an asset on the ice across all lines and special teams. Now Scotty is settled down South I am expecting a big season from him, I know he has been working hard throughout the pandemic to remain healthy and ready for when we return!”

When asked about what the Spring Cup Series meant to him, Cooper continued

“Very valuable both mentally and physically it was a real relief to be able to play the sport we all love during such a testing time for everyone. The boys and I were very privileged and none of us took it for granted. I believe that showed in the performances we put in each game throughout the series.”

The pandemic has taken it’s toll on life and the things we take for granted, Cooper reflected

”I think it gave me a real perspective for what’s important and to make the most of each opportunity that comes my way as things can be taken away just as quick as they appear.”

Looking forward to the season ahead Cooper concluded

“We have a very solid core group of players that show up every night but we just need to make sure we make each other accountable and show that group mentality that got us through a lot of tough games last year.”

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

2021-22 Signing Alert – Harry Cloutman

This evening, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of Defenceman Harry Cloutman.

Cloutman will play on two way with Solent Junior Devils NIHL2, commenting on his return

“My goals this season are to play a consistent role for the squad at NIHL 2, and get out there and prove myself as a Devil in NIHL 1.”

The 19 year old has picked up 4 assists in the time he’s been on the ice in NIHL 1 and 3 goals and 3 assists in NIHL 2.

Head Coach Alex Murry comments

“It’s great to have Harry back in the squad this season. He a great young local player with lots of talent and a great hockey brain! Harry will get a perfect balance of experience and game time between both NIHL 1 and 2 teams at Solent and we look forward to seeing Harry continue to develop.”

Looking back on the Spring Cup Cloutman continues

“The spring series was great, it got the team back on the ice which is a step forward to normality. It was a hard fought Series.”

“It was good to be back on the ice, but seeing the rest of the team was great, it had been a long while since we’d all seen each other. The series was also a very good learning experience for me.”

Discussing the challenges ahead in 2021-22 Cloutman said

“This year I expect that we are all going to bring hard work and a lot of dedication, that’s how the teams played since I first signed and that’s the ways we’ll play now.”

When asked about his favourite rink

“I enjoy playing at Cardiff the most, the ice is just great to skate on and there’s so much room on the ice.”

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.

2021-22 Signing Alert – Dan Lackey

This evening, the Solent Devils are excited to announce the re-signing of the talented utility player , Dan Lackey.

Back for his fourth season at the Solent Devils the instrumental play maker commented

“I want to ensure we pick up where we left off with the spring cup win and take the momentum into the league this year.”

Speaking about the return of Lackey, Head Coach Alex Murray said

“Lackey is a great player to have back on board! Dan is a great option in both positions and is one of the best in both departments at this level. Lackey brings experience, toughness and leadership on the ice, which will help those around his be more successful. I’m hoping Dan continues the great work he has already begun with the Devils next season!”

Lackey continues

“As always, I wouldn’t mind contributing a few more goals, but I’m just as happy blocking shots as I am getting points, as long as the team benefits.”

With the past 18 months being a tough period for everyone, looking back Lackey said

“In what was a tough/challenging time for most people, we were very lucky to be able to carry on playing with some level of normality in our lives. And to be able to stream it to friends, family and all the fans was great, giving them something to change up the usual monotonous lockdown evenings.”

As a keen golfer Lackey continues

“We won a league and cup, and my golf game got a little better, but that wasn’t hard to improve though! On a more serious note, I think it allowed a lot of people the time to reflect and realise the more important things in life we often lose sight of.”

Looking forward to the season ahead and the challenges of a full season of hockey, when Lackey was asked to share his thoughts

“Well, some would say I’m pretty versatile playing everywhere but in goal last year and I do think that is my biggest strengths. I know if Murray asks me to play somewhere/do a job I have confidence in myself to do it.”

Lackey has played 60 games for the Solent Devils accruing 17 goals and 41 assists, reflecting on his contribution Lackey continued

“I am my own biggest critic no one else can be as hard on me as I am when it comes to hockey, so I try to lead by example though actions not words, if I make a mistake, I’ll go out there and do what I can to make up for it, and I expect that from my team mates as well, we set the bar high!”

When asked about his favourite rink besides Gosport Lackey said

“It has to be Basingstoke, it’s a big part of my life and it’s sad to see it in the state it is now. It’s a shame more local councils don’t invest in the rinks that provide great community ethics and sporting opportunities.”

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.


2021-22 Signing Alert – Mark Pitts

This evening, the Solent Devils are excited to announce the re-signing of centre man, Mark Pitts.

The South African forward is returning for his 7th season with the Solent Devils, when asked about returning to the team, Pitts said

“The team is made up of a great bunch of guys and I’m expecting them to bring the same high levels of commitment they bring every year.”

Head Coach Alex Murray has spoke of his pleasure in securing his influential alternate captain

“It was a priority of mine to get Mark back for next season, he is such an integral part of our squad. I would go as far as saying he is the most underrated player in the league! Mark is productive offensively, plays both special teams and is dominate in the face off circle! Mark has been a crucial component in our recent club success and I hope he can support us in achieving more”

Leading the charge on the ice Pitts has attained 175 points for the Solent Devils with 54 goals and 121 assists over 112 games.

Pitts continues

“I aim to bring as much energy to the team as possible. I try to base my game on high work rate, heavy work load and doing the gritty things well allowing the skill guys more opportunity to score.”

Looking forward to the 2021-22 season

“The goals for next season remain the same as every other. As a group we need to remain hungry and push to compete with the top teams in the league. The league is only getting tougher and there’s no easy games, so we have to be ready to preform every game or we could find ourselves out of contention very quickly.”

Reflecting on the Spring Cup after the disruption to the end of the 2019-20 season, Pitts said

“The spring cup was great, getting to play some competitive hockey in such uncertain times was a real relief. It was well run with all the necessary safety measures strictly adhered to, ensuring the health of all involved. I feel it was a real positive for all of the teams mental health to get back to what we all love to do.”

Pitts will return to the Devils in shirt #5.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.