Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British defenceman, Will Crossley.

Crossley returns to the Devils following two seasons away, having been part of the playoff winning team in the 2017/18 season.

“Having just moved back to the UK after spending the last two years in the US studying, it has always been my goal to be back playing for the Devils.  Each season, the team gets stronger, the fan base grows – and makes a whole lot of noise – and everyone involved is here because they truly love the sport, which makes it such an amazing place to play.  With the likes of Muzza (Alex Murray) and Alex Cole, there are top experienced players I can play with and learn from, helping me develop as a player and a person.”

“I’m delighted to be able to welcome back Will,” says Devils head coach, Alex Murray, “he had a wonderful first season with the Devils during our playoff winning campaign.  Will is going to provide depth, energy and youthfulness to our defensive group, which will help with the demand of this league.”

Crossley spent most of his formative years at Oxford, developing his skills, joining the Devils for his first senior season at the start of the 2017/18 campaign, where the young defender contributed seven assists and only sat eight penalty minutes in his 23 games.  Following that season, Crossley’s studies took him travelling, but upon his return to England it appears he is looking forward to picking up where he left off.

“I have no worries on returning to the Devils,” says Crossley.  “Having trained with the team back in January, I pride myself on being adaptable and being able to fit into any playing situation as needed.  Muzza and the team have always been supportive of me, so it’s very easy to fit back in.  While out in the States, I was playing as much as I could, at all different levels.  I got the chance to experience senior travel hockey, where one of the weekends was spent playing games in front of crowds at the Vegas Knights training facility in Las Vegas.  I am eager to get back to with the team and ready to repeat the successes of 2017/18 and the seasons since.”

Murray seems to have confidence in the returning player too, as he goes on to say

“Will is going to join our defensive group and challenge for the top six spots, he is very calm on the puck, has a great eye for the pass, and has no fear in the corners.  We hope that Will has progressed even further during his two years in the States, and are confident Will is going to impact our line up positively.”

Crossley lays out his aspirations for the new season, leaving no doubt over his desire to prove himself and ensure the Devils remain competitive.

“It goes without saying that I am here to play my part in winning the league and playoffs.  However, I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work against some tough competition.  Personally, I want to keep pushing myself to grow as a player, working on my confidence in the offensive zone, to try to capitalise on the opportunities I get on goal, to help the team.  I will also be working off-ice to increase my strength and conditioning, to help me be more physical in the offensive zone.”

Murray too, has expectations for Crossley, with Murray showing some of the potential he sees in this player.

“I will expect Will to be able to play a variety of roles throughout the season, always being ready when called upon, challenging our top four defencemen, as well as developing his own game further.  I see Will as a player who could go into the national after a few more years exposure at our level.”

Crossley joins the Devils in shirt #7.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are overjoyed to confirm the re-signing of veteran forward, Canadian born, Drew Campbell.

Fans favourite, Campbell, approaching his 44^th birthday, joins the Devils for his fifth consecutive season, but his ninth overall at Solent.  Campbell started playing hockey in England in 1999 with The Basingstoke Buffalo, and has also spent time with Wightlink Raiders and Haringey Racers.

“The guys are amazing,” says Campbell about his return to Solent, “the room is a great family and I can’t think of playing anywhere else now.  I also feel there is some unfinished business after the last season finished prematurely, so the Devils still have a job to finish.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, says

“Drew is the gift that keeps giving.  It is a testament to Drew that he is able to play such a high level of hockey for someone of his age, however, this is not a hinderance – his performances are always consistent and he is a valued member of our core group.”

Last season Campbell played thirty games for the Devils, scoring 20 goals and adding 13 assists, this brings his Devils appearances to 212 games with 210 goals and 203 assists.  These figures make Campbell second in all time points and all time assists for the Devils – second only to Alex Murray in both categories – and the leader for all time goals for the Devils.  Campbell has also been a member of the Devils as they won the ENL2 title and lifting the playoff cup in the 18/19 season.  Campbell’s stats, however, are small when looked at Campbell’s career as a whole – 457 total games, scoring a staggering 565 goals and earning 490 assists.

“I was okay with my performance last season,” says Campbell.  “Having the two shootout goals to beat Chelmsford both times was pretty fun, and also to get that many points as a third line centre was pretty good, but as we all know it’s the two points that we all want at the end of the game.”

Murray, clearly pleased with the decisions he made before the start of the 19/20 campaign goes on to say

“My transition for Drew could not have gone any better.  We knew that for Drew to be effective he could not log the minutes that other centremen do in the top two lines.  The decision to move him to third line centre provided me with the strongest third line in the league, which also kept Drew fresher for the bigger moments in the game, such as special teams, crucial faceoffs and the last minutes of periods and games.”

Heading in to the 2020/21 season, Campbell who also coaches within the Devils youth system, says

“I don’t really have any personal goals, but if I think about it, I guess it would be to help the kids and hopefully play with my son, who will be 16.  For the team, it is to help them finish as high up the standings as possible and to bring silverware back to the Solent Thunderdome.”

Murray knows that Campbell will always play to win, and that he can be relied upon both on and off the ice to help support the club in whatever way is necessary ends by saying

“Drew will know that we will expect pretty much the same from him in the upcoming season, but I am also respectful that Drew is not getting any younger, so we talk regularly to ensure he is not burned out.  His points tally will still be expected, and I am sure he will deliver!”

Campbell will return to the Devils in shirt #23.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are overjoyed to announce the re-signing of netminder, Christian “Chico” Cole.

This will be Cole’s eleventh consecutive season at Solent, where his skill and ability between the pipes have earned this fan favourite, cult status with the club.

“I’ve always loved playing for Solent as I feel it is where I play my best,” says Cole.  “The locker room is always great, and I can’t wait to get back for another season.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray is clearly delighted the veteran goaltender has agreed to return.

“Chico is part of the club’s DNA, he has been a tremendous servant to this club and is the best goaltender in the league!  For me, Chico is one of the first names on the list to get to commit, his loyalty to our club is a testament to the man he is, and we are lucky to have him.”

In the 2019/20 season, Cole posted 19 wins and just 3 losses in a season which saw him make 801 saves, had a goals against average of 2.92 and a save percentage of 92.82 – earning him NIHL 1 South player of the month in November 2019, NIHL 1 South netminder of the year, and saw him named in the NIHL 1 South first all-star team.  Somewhat modestly, Cole simply says

“I am very happy with how last season went, regardless of stats I feel I played my best season yet, and in a very good league.”

In addition to the amazing year and accolades from the 2019/20 season, Cole has had a career where he has played 278 games and has recorded 14 shut outs, won the playoffs in Bracknell at the end of the 2017/18 season and was the netminder for the team as they were runners up the subsequent year.  Additionally, Cole has been named as a part of the all-star team four other times, and was part of the Solent Devils for the 2011/12 season, when the Devils became the ENL 2 league champions, earning promotion to league 1.  With all this in mind, it is fair to say Cole has played in some high pressure games, but as he gets older Cole seems to take the pressure in his stride.

“I prepare for every game the same, but the more years I play I feel I am relaxing more and more, which is why I feel the best of me is yet to come.”

Murray has nothing but good things to say about the Solent Devils number one,

“Chico is an exceptional performer, his stats speak for themselves.  There is never a situation where he lets us down, he is the last line of our defence and almost always comes out winning!  The trust our team have in his ability allow us to be confident in our decision making, as well as play the game we want.  If his best is still to come, I am very excited!  Chico has been the best goaltender at this level for several years, if he can continue his high level of performances next season, then we stand a good chance of repeating our successful campaign.”

With the new season creeping towards everyone with agonising slowness, Cole simply lays out the plan for the future,

“I personally want to help the Devils lift trophies, so if I keep my performances consistent, and the team scores goals we are in with a chance.”

Cole will return to the Devils in shirt #1.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of British utility player, Scott Cooper.

Cooper returns to the Devils for his second consecutive season, and while he is relatively new to the Southern leagues, Cooper’s senior career began in the 2007/08 season with the Newcastle Vipers.

“It was a very easy decision to re-sign this year,” says Cooper, “I think as a team we have unfinished business, considering we were in the running for the league title this year.  I think most of all, to be able to play in front of the best fans in the league, with your closest friends, every week is what makes Solent great.  There is nothing more you could ask as a player.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, is very pleased that Cooper has agreed to return for the upcoming season.

“Scotty was a great acquisition last season,” Murray says, enthusiastically.  “Having moved down south due to work and personal reasons, Scotty had glowing references from his former teams!  Scotty is another team first guy with vast amounts of experience, with the ability to play both forward and defence.”

In the 2019/20 season, Cooper played 19 games, chipping in with 2 goals and helping out with 4 assists, while sitting incredibly few penalty minutes – just 4.  Cooper’s career is now at 224 games, spread across teams in Billingham, Newcastle, Solway, and Slough. In that time, he has scored 22 goals and earned 39 assists.

“I’m always critical of my own game” Cooper says, “but I know my role and it’s not always to put up points, I always try to contribute in other ways such as bringing energy to the line up each night, being that positive team guy and to help the team anyway I can to achieve our goals.”

Murray continues in his enthusiastic talk of Cooper, and what he brings to the team,

“Scotty fitted in perfectly on our third unit with Drew.  He provided depth to our left wing and also the versatility of being able to drop back and play defence.”

During the course of his career, Cooper has been in some big games, and is obviously used to fighting for titles, such has the Devils have been doing for the last few seasons.  Cooper has won his respective leagues twice – once with Newcastle and once with Widnes – and has played in four separate playoff competitions, winning in 2018/19 with the league champions, Widnes Wild.  Looking to the new season, Cooper says,

“I think naturally we have to show ourselves to be a contender for the league title again.  We proved on any given night we can compete with anyone in this league.  Winning will only come with everyone’s contribution and doing our own jobs right every game.  I think consistency will be key, as always, and making sure we turn up with the right attitude and the correct focus for each game.”

“Now Scotty has settled in,” Murray continues, “understands the philosophy of the team and the systems we play, I expect him to really kick in this season.  Scotty will be expected to play more minutes and put up more points, but I know he will thrive on this role and not give anything less than his best for the club.”

Cooper will return to the Devils in shirt #24.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of young defender and 2019/20 Shane Clacy award winner, Harry Cloutman.

Cloutman will be playing on a two way contract with the Solent Devils and the D2 Devils during 2020/21.

“The Devils are the team I always wanted to play for,” says Cloutman, “growing up in Gosport, they’ve always been my home team.”

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray said

“I am please Harry has returned for his first full season with the Devils.  Harry is a wonderful talent, with a great attitude towards learning and improving his whole game.”

In the 2019/20 season, Cloutman contributed four assists in his twenty five games for the Solent Devils, while on a two way with the Devils D2 team and playing for the under 18 team.  Cloutman was also the winner of the coveted Shane Clacy award, presented to the player who has shown an exceptional attitude throughout the season, both on and off the ice, on game days and in training.

“Last season was a good season,” says Cloutman, “my overall play has developed, and I am proud of my points, even though my numbers are not the highest.  Being presented with the Shane Clacy award was an honour, something I am really proud of.”

Murray goes on to say,

“The set up in the club has allowed Harry to be on the ice a lot last season, including junior hockey, NIHL 2, and coaching, in addition to the Devils.  This has allowed Harry to develop his all round game and also learn what it takes to play senior hockey.  Harry’s commitment to training, games and the club is unquestionable.  He is always the first player to arrive and the last to leave, his dedication should be rewarded and I was delighted to present him the Shane Clacy award, especially as Harry started and played most of his career at Solent.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Cloutman sets out his expectations,

“This season coming, I am hoping to make a positive impact on the team, both on and off the ice.  I feel that we are going to be battling at the top of the table again.  Last thing to say is that I am excited for the upcoming season, I can’t wait to see everyone on game days, and hear all the fans.”

Murray, too, has expectations for the 18 year old,

“Harry has to continue his development across both NIHL 2 and the Devils, logging bigger minutes with more responsibility at NIHL 2 until he is ready to hold down a regular role with the Devils.  I am sure that regular ice with the senior Devils is not far away.”

Cloutman will return to the Devils in shirt #18.  If you would like to sponsor a Devil, or find out about becoming a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com.

Today, the Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of Elliot Lewis.

 

“There isn’t enough time for me to give all the reasons I’ve come back to the club this year,”

says Lewis, excitedly,

“a few of the reasons behind my choice, are the people and the professionalism of Solent as an organisation.  From my teammates to the fans, it feels like a really big family atmosphere the minute you walk into the rink.  The club is run by a really dedicated group of volunteers who put in so much hard work to make our club have a professional edge, that’s why I love playing here – it’s home.”

Lewis, now heading in to his third season with the Devils at just 19 years old, spent some time in the junior programmes in Swindon and Guildford, as well as Solent, including being on two way contracts with the U18s and Devils 2, over the last two seasons.

Solent Devils head coach, Alex Murray, says

“Elliot is a wonderful, raw talent, who has a mature head on young shoulders.  Elliot will eventually follow several other Solent players in transitioning to the National League, but for now we are delighted to have him continue his development with the Devils!”

During his time with the Solent Devils last year, Lewis played 31 games, contributing 8 goals and putting up another 8 assists, keeping down to just 10 penalty minutes.  This brings Lewis’ Devils career to 54 games played, 15 goals and 11 assists, which includes a trip to Bracknell at the end of the 2018/19 season, where Lewis was a part of the playoff team, competing in the final against Chelmsford Chieftains.

“There are always things you can do better in your personal game to contribute to the team.” Says Lewis.

“Overall, I would say it is always a confidence booster, putting goals and assists on the board, where I can help the team get two points from games.  However, it’s what I was playing like off the puck that I was not satisfied with last year.  I was still playing with bad habits on some occasions, and I was not happy with that.  I was making silly mistakes that were easily avoidable, that did not benefit the team.  Last year was still my first official year as a senior player and I learned an awful lot from the experienced players, who pointed out when I was making mistakes and gave me corrective advice to improve me as a hockey player.”

“I’m really impressed with how Elliot performed last season,” says Murray.

“Elliot played the majority of the season as our second line centreman, which is a big responsibility for someone so young.”

Continuing Lewis’ comments about how the other players help in the development of the younger players, Murray goes on to say,

“Elliot is great in the dressing room, he is loved by everyone so there are always people in his ear helping him develop.  His father, Mark, is also a very experienced hockey player and coach, so he is lucky he will be getting feedback from his peers and parents, as well as his coaches, from every training session and game.”

Looking forward to the new season, Elliot outlines a few of his goals and how he hopes to contribute towards the Devils in their upcoming campaign,

“Personally, this year I would really like to cement my position within the squad, with getting more time on special team situations, but that wont be given to me, I have to make sure I’m doing all the right things, and listening to what Alex is telling me, as well as working hard in training.  My main goal is to bring my work ethic to the team, with the plan to bring back silverware to Solent, which the fans rightfully deserve.”

Aligned to the young player’s thoughts, Murray agrees,

“Elliot has to continue his progression, being more consistent with his performances, as well as set a points target to achieve.  Elliot is humble enough to accept this, and work tirelessly on improving, which I know he will.”

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