Evan Crockford returns to Solent…

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of Evan Crockford, one of the players who was in the Devils line up for the 11/12 season when they achieved promotion to ENL1.

Crockford came up through the Solent youth programme, and in his 78 games he provided 172 goals and 71 assists. His time in the under 18s team, Crockford holds the records for U18 all time points (147) and U18 all time goals (100).

Crockford then took a break from hockey, returning in the 2017/18 season where he played 18 games for the Devils, contributing three goals and a pair of assists.

When asked what made him come back for the new season, Crockford replied

“There is an unbelievable team atmosphere in the dressing room that is filled with an unprecedented amount of experience. I chose to re-sign with the Devils because of the professionalism of the organisation and the desire to win, and the opportunities to develop under guys who have been there and done it.”

Devils head coach, Alex Murray talks highly of Crockford,

“Evan is a fantastic talent, who grew in confidence last year and continued to improve as he adapted to the standard of the team and league. With his size, natural strength and handedness, it was a no brainer for me to ask Evan back, and I’m delighted he agreed.”

 

“Looking back on last seasons’ performance, I feel as though my game improved as the year went on,” said Crockford, “however, I know I still have a lot to bring to the team. I am looking forward to completing a full season with the Devils this year, and developing my confidence and skills to help the team reach the next level.”

Murray continued his thoughts on Crockfords performance last year,

“It took a couple of games for Evan to fully understand the level of league hockey, but he is a fast learner and so you could see improvements game on game. He would work hard off the ice as well, developing his knowledge of the team’s systems so he was ready for any situation, should he be required.”

“My goals for the season are to retain the play offs and secure the league title.” Crockford said, looking towards next year, “Individually, I want to develop as a versatile player, who can be used to play numerous roles within the team. This will build my trust with my teammates, build my own confidence, improve my skills and really show the spectators what I can do. I know this will take a lot of hard work, so I will be training at full intensity both on and off the ice to put up points for the team and make an impact across the league, with hopes of developing enough to move in to the NIHL.”

Murray, however, declares his trust for the young forward,

“Evan had the trust and confidence from me, he just needs to believe in himself. That said, there will be more expectation put on Evan to produce points next season, as he looks to break into the top six. A big strong left winger is very useful to have, and he understands what I want from him next season.”

Crockford will be returning in shirt number 20, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Pitts returns to Devils

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce that Mark Pitts will be returning for his third year as a Devil.

Devils head coach, Alex Murray, was very vocal when asked about bringing Pitts back this year, saying

“Mark was one of the first players I wanted back this year!  Since joining the Devils, he has become a team guy first, and is very respected in the dressing room.  Mark’s energy during training and in games raises the bar for everyone else, keeping the rest of the team on their toes.”

Pitts himself simply said

“Deciding to come back as a Devil was always going to be an easy decision to make.  It’s a great atmosphere in the dressing room and a real togetherness about the club as a whole.”

When talking about his performance last year where he was fourth in points for the Devils, in a season where he earned 20 goals and 31 assists – 16 of those points coming in the power play – from his 29 games played, Pitts is factual and somewhat modest, and reflects on his team leading 86 penalty minutes,

“In terms of personal performance last season, I play a fairly physical style of game and at times I struggled to keep out of the box, so my points production was inconsistent.  As soon as a few key players returned, the line became settled and I found the consistency in scoring.”

Murray, when talking about Pitts role in the upcoming season says

“Mark will become an alternate captain for the Devils next season, so his role will change slightly.  The decision was simple for me, he is very well respected in our dressing room, he has a great work ethic and is a team first guy.  With this in mind, I expect Mark not only to be prepared to perform every training and match this up and coming season, but also help bring the younger players through and support them in their development and preparation.”

Looking forward to next year, Pitts goes on to say

“The team Alex [Murray] is building next season, with so many of the key, experienced guys returning, the hungry younger guys and some new faces/old friends joining the club, the goal has to be going one better as a team.  Losing the league by a point was rough, so a league and play off double has to be the target for me.”

Murray continues with his increased expectations, adding

“Mark understands his game well and knows his role within the team and plays to his strengths.  He is a player all opposition hate to play against, he scores goals, creates chances and never gives up on the puck.  I will expect Mark to support Alex [Cole] and Richard [Facey] with additional off ice and on ice responsibilities whilst continuing to be able to perform at a high level consistently.”

Pitts will be returning in shirt number 5, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Wild step up for Mason

The Solent Devils tonight wish to share the news that Mason Wild is leaving the Devils after three years, accepting an offer from an NIHL 1 team.

All at the Devils extend their thanks to him for all the hard work he has put in over the last three seasons, he leaves with nothing but well wishes for his future and congratulations on receiving the offer.

Devils Number 1 Back Between Pipes…

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of netminder, Christian “Chico” Cole.  Cole, returning for his ninth year as a Devil, after 2017/18 saw him post 2.17 GAA and an impressive 92.8% SV in his 27 regulation games, and an awe inspiring 1.67 GAA and 94.4% SV in the play offs.

Devils head coach, Alex Murray, talks highly of the young netminder

“Chico is the best goalie in the league.  He is a big game player, who wins games single handedly – the play offs were a perfect example, where he backstopped us to the cup!”

The modest Cole simply states;

“I’ve returned for another year with the Solent Devils, as I feel very at home and it is where I play my best hockey.”

Murray continues his praise further by saying

“Everyone in the team is very comfortable and confident when Chico is behind them, he gives you a chance to win every game.”

Looking towards the upcoming season, there is a high expectation on the Devils to perform following their fantastic season last year, and Cole is preparing for this.

“I always set myself very high targets and expectations.  This year I will certainly be looking to improve on last season, with eliminating the losses we had, and secondly to improve on my stats – although this is less important as long as we are winning the games.”

“I don’t think the pressure will change at all in the upcoming season, we put the pressure on ourselves last year – to chase the league and the play offs.  The same thing applies this year, but we want all three trophies!”

Murray, too, is looking for another good year for Cole, setting his expectations out early by saying

“I expect Chico to continue performing at a high level, winning games, and giving us a chance in every game.  Chico experienced a different side to being a goalie last season, when he will go through games only facing 10-15 shots, when you are used to facing 50 or 60 shots a night, that kind of swing can off set you a little.  I’m glad Chico is developing that side of his game and keeping focused when he isn’t involved as much.”

Talking about his development, Cole is still working on his fitness and performance over the summer, always looking to improve in anyway he can.

“I’m not on top until we, as a team, win all three trophies next year.  Saying that, I work very hard on and off the ice to achieve this, and I’m being coached by Chris Peden at Hope & Anchor Fitness, so the best of me is yet to come.”

As much as Murray talks about Cole being the one to win games, there is obviously the whole team in front of him where there are expectations too,

“All we expect Chico to do, is make the first save.  If he stops the first shot, the defence must do the rest.  Keeping forwards to the outside and putting opponents in limited scoring positions will give Chico a better chance to keep the puck out of the net.”

As a final piece in the conversation, Cole was asked what, if anything, he is looking forward to next year.

“I’m looking forward to another successful year at the club with all the existing and the new players – and also singing ‘Country Roads’ with the fans after every game!”

Cole will be returning in shirt number 1, and is currently looking for a shirt sponsor. If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Chris Hocquigny returns to Solent Devils

Today, the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the return of Chris Hocquigny to the line up.

Hocquigny won the Shane Clacy award at the Solent Devils 2017/18 presentation, an award given to the player viewed as the most dedicated over a season.  ‘17/18 also saw Hocquigny pick up 6 goals and 6 assists in his 28 games.

Head coach, Alex Murray talks highly of the 18 year old,

 

“Chris is a great prospect player who came to my attention when the Slough rink closed down over a year ago, he had a great work ethic and was very mature for a teenager.  He has bags more potential and I am excited to see him develop with the Devils.”

On his return, Hocquigny says

 

“There’s a great team atmosphere, Alex and the senior players really helped me out and pushed me to develop, and the exposure to the new NIHL 2 has really helped me developing my confidence and other skills.”

Looking toward the future and how the league is developing, Hocquigny says

“The way the league is changing over this off-season suggests this is going to be a tougher league and I feel this benefits everyone, this pushes everyone to work harder.  I’m looking forward to this challenge and it is another test for me.  This will also make it a more interesting league for all the fans and followers, as games will be closer and the league title may not be as clear cut.”

Despite his youth, Hocquigny fitted in well with the more senior Devils last season, a point not missed by Murray,

“Chris has grown and adapted well to senior hockey, he has great speed but also a gritty side which has allowed me to use him across all three lines, as well as the penalty kill and power play last season.”

The Devils have always called themselves a development club, and this is spearheaded by Murray.  Hocquigny, as one of the youngest on the team does not escape this treatment, and Murray goes on to say,

“Chris knows he needs to take the next step and become a key player for the Solent Devils.  If we, as a club, are unable to progress into NIHL 1, Chris is a player I would like to be able to progress on into the league, and for that to happen he has to start putting up a few more points and to continue to develop his game, working hard in training and learning for the experienced players in our squad.”

This talk moves towards Hocquigny’s goals for the upcoming season, and his words show why he won the Shane Clancy award,

“My goals for the season are to develop my personal skills and try to benefit the team as much as I can, whether this me through hard work or putting up points for the team.”

Hocquigny will be returning in shirt number 93.  If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2017/18 Best Defenceman, Ben Lock, returns to Solent Devils

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce that defenceman, Ben Lock will be returning to Gosport for his fifth year in the 2018/19 campaign.

“It was an easy decision to return to Solent.  Since I arrived, the club has grown so much.” said Ben, “The squad Alex [Murray] is assembling is very impressive and we will be tough to beat again.  The team is like my second family and the dressing room atmosphere is incredible, and now, coaching with the junior programme I never thought to leave.”

Murray himself speaks very highly of Lock, saying

“I’m delighted Ben is returning for his fifth season with the club.  Ben is a high calibre, solid defenceman.  Ben was our main threat from the point on our power play last season, and he is our best shot blocker.”

Lock’s stats for last year were 4 goals and 6 assists in his 25 games played.  These points make up a large proportion of all the points in Lock’s 223 adult career, where he now totals 14 goals and 25 assists.  Lock also won the 2017/18 Solent Devils award for Best Defenceman.

Looking forward to the new season, Lock said

“My goals are very similar to my previous seasons, try to keep everything simple – block shots and protect our own end.  I’ve built up a good partnership with Alex Cole, which is good as we play a very similar game.  If I could chip in with a few more points next year, that would be a bonus!”

This partnership didn’t go unnoticed by Murray either,

“Ben’s partnership with Alex Cole was exceptional,” said Murray, “and I will likely be looking for the same from Ben again.  Ben needs to continue with his strong defensive plays, as well as influencing our special teams again.”

As the talk of next season continues, and the pressure the Devils will be under following their fantastic season in ‘17/18, Lock simply states

“Personally, it won’t affect me.  Every season, I take it a game at a time and never look too far ahead.  Since we decided to enter NIHL 2, we have had a target on our back as one of the top teams.  Now, being play-off champions, we have to keep the momentum going, and by doing what Murray preaches in practice that will win us more silverware.”

Obviously, being second place in the league and play off champions is big talk over the summer, and the Devils themselves are wanting more for their trophy cabinet, Lock being no exception to this

“I’m looking forward to challenging for more silverware again.  Every year the league gets tougher and it makes the games much more exciting.  I know Murray has some brilliant plans for our squad, and I can’t wait to get to work in September.”

Lock will be returning in shirt number 71.  If you would be interested in sponsoring any of the Devils shirts, or becoming a team sponsor, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com