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

Taylor returns for last dance.

Today the Solent Devils continue preparations for the start of the season by securing the signing of former Devil Aaron Taylor.

The British born goaltender was previously a part of the playoff winning Devils back in 2018. Speaking on his decision to return, Taylor said

“It feels a little surreal to be getting back on the ice after such a long absence but I’m excited – I feel like I have a lot to give both on and off the ice.

A number of factors helped my decision, you’re a long time retired, I’d like my kids to see me play before I do hang them up and I feel I have some close friends on the team that I will always try to help if asked to.”

Taylor continued by ensuring fans he’ll be giving everything to win games for the Devils

“I’m not new to a lot of the fans but I hope they know that I will do everything in my power to ensure we win as many games as possible.”

Speaking on his latest acquisition, head coach Alex Murray said

“Obviously it’s been a big question mark this session since the retirement of one of the greatest goalies to play at this level, however I feel the addition of Aaron will really help bolster my group. Aaron is mentally very strong and has a winning mentality. I have been really impressed with him this Summer and I’m delighted he has agreed to return’.

Taylor will wear the number #92 jersey and is looking for a sponsor, if you are interested in sponsoring him please get in touch with Kerry at devilssupporters@ouitlook.com

Bison’s Peacock returns to Solent

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to confirm they have signed British forward Jack Peacock from the Basingstoke Bison.  

Speaking on his return Peacock said

“It feels good to return, I’m excited to get going again with the boys and I feel like I left at the right time but now I also feel returning for the 23/24 season was the best choice to continue my development.”

In January Peacock left the Devils to pursue an opportunity with the Basingstoke Bison as he became the clubs first branded academy player. Speaking on the impact of playing at national, Peacock said

“I feel moving up into the national league helped me gain more experience and helped me to understand systems and how to correctly deal with most situations on the ice. Which in turn I feel has benefitted my all-round game and upped the level of hockey I can bring back into Solent”

Peacock who iced 27 times for the Bison last season still thinks he has more to learn, when he stated

“My goals are to put what I’ve learnt into practice and become a key member of the team. I’m also still learning so I will very much be continuing my development to improve my all-round game as a forward.”

Speaking on the return of Peacock, head coach Alex Murray spoke of the clubs identify

 “The philosophy and identify of our club have not changed since I took charge. We want to be a place where young players can come, learn, and develop as well as have an opportunity at senior hockey. I want to progress these players as far as I can, which is why I was pleased to see Jack get a chance at national last year. He now returns with a little more experience which I hope will help him compete for a regular spot with the us, whilst contributing offensively”.

Peacock will wear #51 and will be sponsored by Towergate for the upcoming season.