This evening, the Solent Devils are thrilled to announce the re-signing of team captain, Alex Cole.

Cole returning for his 13^th season and 7^th as the captain commented

“As captain I’ll bring everything I always do, that’s commitment, passion and hard work.”

Solent Devils Head Coach Murray said

“I’m delighted to have secured the service of Alex for another season! He is a leader on and off the ice, as well as being a fans favourite. Coley is a role model to many young athletes who aspire to take sport seriously and apply themselves every day to become better.”

With 323 games, 21 goals and 129 assists the experienced defenceman spoke about his goals for the season ahead

“Goals are what they always are and have been, we don’t enter a season with arrogance, every season the teams strengthen. What the devils have and pride themselves on is our bond as team many of us have been together for many years. The team members have big commitments with work, family and travel outside of ice hockey but playing for the devils is a privilege, every training session we are competing for a spot, we train hard to play hard.”

 Reflecting on the Spring Cup victory, Cole explains why the series was important for psychological and physical state of the players

“I always try to stay in shape in summer around hockey and train to be a better hockey player around my other commitments, the previous season didn’t finish and then the next one didn’t start”

Speaking on behalf of the team Cole continued

“You gear yourself up to compete in a tough league then it doesn’t happen, it’s very disheartening. When Murray said we are playing lots of games in a short period I was excited. Everyone is in the same boat, you could only prepare for a couple of weeks or so and this goes back to the heart and commitment of the devils so when things get tough games we know how to pull through.”

When asked about emotional wellbeing and coping with the impact of the pandemic on everyday life Cole contemplated

“The positive being honest is that the group stayed in contact, during lockdown we video called, then when the restrictions were lifted we were able to go in groups to play golf. We are very lucky with the way the team is setup and run, the comments from players who have joined from other clubs is that we are like no other”

Looking forward to the start of the season ahead

“I am very self-critical and I look to my peers to give me feedback on area’s I can strengthen. This summer has been very tough for me with a lot going on with a house build, but it’s tied in perfectly to the new season. Only 8 weeks until it kicks off and I can’t wait to commit to the team and give our fans everything they deserve.”

Murray commented

“Alex has improved every year working on all parts of his game.

He will bring a really strong presence in our end as well as our changing room!”

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.

This evening the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the return of prolific goal scorer – Drew Campbell for the season ahead.

Commenting on his return, the Canadian born forward said how he was eager to get back at it

“I can’t wait to just be in the dressing room with the greatest bunch of guys I know, having a laugh and playing in front of the best fans in the league.”

This will be Campbell’s 24th season in British Ice Hockey where he has amassed over 1,000 points including 4 points in the Spring Cup! When asked about the series Campbell spoke of the impact it had on him,

“The Spring cup was a blessing. As at my age I need to be on the ice as much as I can to keep up with fitness. As these you guys are just faster, stronger, and more physical than ever. But boy did I miss the fans in the rink”.

Campbell continued

“The past 18 months have not only changed the way we look at life, but all the things we took for granted, the world has changed. Many people have lost loved ones, and many have seen the strength in loved ones fighting this virus. Seeing it unfold first hand, isn’t great.”

Head Coach – Alex Murray spoke of the importance in retaining the experienced forward Campbell

“Drew is one of a kind! He surpasses expectations year in year out, age seems to be no barrier to his success. Drew has been a wonderful servant for our club and will continue to play a pivotal part next season. Drew really helps on face-offs, special teams, nurturing the younger players and will be a key part of our squad”.

Campbell started his junior and early senior career in Canada, with many hours spent travelling with his teammates, when posed with the question, what is your favourite rink outside of Gosport?

“Now that is hard for me, as you didn’t specify, in the UK or world… in the UK, Slough has always been the best ice pad, but I have always loved the trip to Ally Pally, just a stunning venue, the ice during the spring Cup was amazing to play on. But if I had a choice worldwide, I’d say mountain arena in Hamilton Ontario. An old rink that has a lot of history, including where they filmed Youngblood.”

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

Tonight, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of player / coach, Alex Murray.

Murray is returning for his 12th season as a player and 9th as head coach, commenting upon his return

I’m honoured to be returning as Head Coach of the Solent Devils for the 21-22 campaign. This team is very close to my heart and I look forward to carrying on buildng this great club!

When asked about team and personal goals next season Murray reflected on previous season achievements, stating…

This season is going to be our biggest test yet! With a lot of uncertainty around the pandemic, supporters and guidelines, we simply cannot begin to predict how this will play out. Regardless, we are hoping to continue were we left off, winning the Spring Cup & in the league – competing for the title.

Discussing how valuable was it to the team to participate in the Spring Cup Series, Murray reflected on the tremendous efforts from everyone…

To be one of 4 teams in the south who were able to compete during the Spring Cup is a true testament to how committed our team, volunteers and supporters are! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and have lots of people, including the EIHA to thank for facilitating the event!
It will ultimately help us for next season, understanding COVID protocols will hopefully give us an edge.

With over half of the NIHL 1 teams not competing in the Spring Cup series, how do you approach a match against teams that haven’t played competitively for 18 months?

It will be strange for sure. I quite enjoyed the teams and set up for the Spring cup. Honest teams, all playing within the spirit of the game, made the competition enjoyable. For those returning, we look forward to renewing our rivalries with all teams and we all look forward to returning to the ice

In the past 9 months the governing body for the sport, the EIHA, has under gone significant change in membership and structure, turning his thoughts to a revitalised EIHA

It’s a little unknown at the moment. Obviously a lot has changed over the past year! One things for sure, the EIHA, in particular Andrew Miller, we’re very supportive during the Spring Cup.

Reflecting on the last 18 months with the restrictions in place and the changes in working, travel and life in general what positives came out of that experience for you or the team?

It was the feeling of pride and accomplishment. We successfully competed in a safe environment, with no COVID cases for 4 months! It goes to show that we all should overcome the pandemic soon! We were delighted to be able to provide some entertainment to our supporters and fans from other clubs during a difficult time.
It’s certainly something I will remember for the rest of life.

Speaking about the return of supporters to the venues

We simply cannot wait until the supporters return to the Solent Arena! The Spring Cup was very surreal without our loud, loyal home support. We hope that as many of them as possible are allowed to return, once safe to do so

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.