Solent Secure Sutton

Today the Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British forward Ryan Sutton from the Basingstoke Bison for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

The 27-year-old forward, who has played over 150 games at EPL and NIHL level mentioned his joy at joining the Devils

I’m excited to get going again after a short break from hockey. Signing with the Devils is a great opportunity for me, and I am looking forward to getting started with the guys!

Sutton was released from the Bison earlier in December following a request, and whilst there were several suitors, the Basingstoke born forward said Solent was the place to be.

After speaking with Alex, I knew that Solent was the right place to be for where I am at with my personal life and playing career. Also after speaking to some of the current players, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the room and the team.

My goals for the rest of the season would be to win some silverware and I will give 100% to help the team achieve this.

Commenting on the signing Head Coach, Alex Murray spoke of the importance at this time of year

We are really pleased to secure Ryan for the remainder of the season! Sutts is a player I have admired for a several years and like most players, it takes me 4-5 years to convince them that Solent is a good club to play for! Ryan will add experience and scoring to our forward unit at a time when the schedule begins to get busy. I’m excited to see how he fits into our squad

Ryan will wear #61 and is actively looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in owning and loaning Ryan’s home and away jersey, please contact Kerry at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Lastly, the Devils would like to announce that the club has accepted a request from Jack Peacock to leave the club due to personal reasons.

The club would like to thank Jack for his service and wish him well for the future.

SOLENT LAND FITZPATRICK

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Defenceman Jamie Fitzpatrick.

With the return of Fitzpatrick to Solent the defensive line up is completed. With almost 250 league appearances at a senior level for Solent, Fitzpatrick demonstrates his loyalty and commitment to the team. With 30 league goals and almost 100 assists, Fitzpatrick has seen the club through the highs and the lows, another supporters favourite and a player who brings calm and strength to the ice.

Head Coach Murray

I’m delighted to retain Jamie for the season ahead. Fitzy is Solent through and through having come up through the junior system, he understands what it means to play for this club!

Jamie is a solid, strong defender who can play across all special teams and eat up big minutes on the ice. We will be expecting Jamie to lead with his experience and contribute offensively.

Fitzpatrick will ice for the Devils in shirt #15.

SOLENT SIGN TRENDALL

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Forward Alex Trendall.

The 26 year old will return for his seventh season as a Devil, with over 150 league appearances putting away 59 goals and assisting on 64 more.

Trendall part of the 2017-18 Playoffs Champions squad and the 2020-21 Spring Cup series champions, brings an element of unpredictability on the ice, with tremendous agility and pace he can surprise the opposition by creating space from nowhere to make a game changing play.

Head Coach Murray

It’s great to be able to add Trendall to the line up for the up and coming season.

We are lacking in proven goal scorers who can play on the top lines, Alex provides us with the goal threat we need to ensure we take our chances when they arise.

Trendall is a fast, skilled, a fan favourite, who brings energy to the line up. This late addition will be a great boost to our squad.

Trendall will ice for the Devils in shirt #10.

SOLENT SECURE PITTS

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Centre Mark Pitts.

Pitts returns for his sixth full season with Solent, with 26 appearances in the last years league campaign Pitts scored 9 goals and provided the assist on 35 more. So far Pitts has racked up 60 goals and over 150 assists during his time with Solent demonstrating why he was presented with the Coaches’ award in 2020 and in 2022 received the Best Forward award in recognition of his absolute commitment in every moment of every game to the win.

When asked about why he’s returned, Pitts said

Great team mates, great off ice team, great fans. Although it’s not always been easy, it’s always been fun playing for Solent.

Head Coach Murray

I’m delighted to have secured the return of Mark in time for the season!

Pittsy is the heart of the team and is our engine room! He leads the team on the ice with his work rate, energy levels and ability at both ends of the ice.

We will be managing Marks workload this season to ensure he maintains a healthy balance throughout the season given the minutes he plays during games. His experience is going to help massively on the ice whether even handed or on special teams.

Reflecting on highlights from last season Pitts continues

The last second come from behind wins – not sure if I would say highlights but they certainly give you a massive buzz.

Speaking about how gruelling the season can be, Pitts adds

The nature of how I play the game means physically it was very tough for me. I definitely don’t recover as quickly as I used to, so I probably need to improve my post game routine.

On the question of what do you get from the sport, Pitts said

Weirdly hockey has always been a good stress reliever for me. A way to switch off, refocus and keep fit.

Speaking about what he looking forward to Pitts finishes

Getting back to work with the boys. Win or lose the camaraderie in the Solent room is a great feeling.

Pitts will ice for the Devils in shirt #5.

WEDGE SIGNS FOR SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the resigning of British forward Charlie Wedge.

Wedge returns for his second season on a 2 way with NIHL 2 Solent Junior Devils, in his first senior season Wedge played in 33 games for both clubs and managed 4 goals and 4 assists. Wedge also participated in the 2021-22 U19 Showcase representing the South West.

Speaking about returning Wedge said

I started my junior career at Solent and it’s great to continue next season. The players, the staff and of course the fans make it feel like home.

Head Coach Murray

I’m really happy to have secured Charlie for next season!

Charlie is an exciting talent with bags of potential. I’m looking forward to see if he can step up and play more minutes this season whilst continuing to play a lead role in our NIHL 2 team.

Charlie’s speed, energy and enthusiasm is perfect for the big ice and helps us considerably in particular during away games.

This could potentially be a breakout season for Charlie so it’s one I’m looking forward to.

When asked about his highlights from last season Wedge said

Seeing the team coming together to win big matches, especially in the dying moments.

Speaking about how tough his first season was Wedge continues

Being my first year of adult hockey it was tough and a big learning curve, I know what I need to work on this season and hopefully I can contribute to the teams success.

Looking forward to the season ahead when asked about his thoughts Wedge concludes

Winning games and having fun!

Wedge will ice for the Devils in shirt #22. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT BACK FORSYTH

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British forward Luke Forsyth.

Forsyth maybe returning to the ice for his first senior year since Juniors, but has firmly established his reputation as a leading talent in inline, representing GB in the IIHF World Championships in 2015. Forsyth has spent the summer preparing for the season ahead.

When asked why Solent? Forsyth said

Solent is the obvious choice, I have a few close friends at the club and I have a lot of respect for Alex as a player/coach, I’ve really enjoyed skating with some of the guys throughout the summer and I look forward to working together.

Head Coach Murray

I’m really excited to be bringing in Luke this season and I look forward to seeing how he gets on in his first ice season, since a junior.

Luke is no novice, having played inline all his life, his hockey IQ is exceptional and he is very talented on the puck! He has been skating all summer and once he gains more confidence on his feet then he’ll be a really good player at this level.

Posing the question why the change to ice, Forsyth continues

Its something I’ve always wanted to do but never made the change. Mason suggested going along to a summer skate session and I’ve not looked back. I was young when I last played and never gave it my all, my game in inline has changed a lot in that time and I’m intrigued to see how transferable that is to ice.

About the transition, Forsyth adds

It’s going to be tough for sure! Although there’s many similarities it’s a very different game. I hope to bring a new energy and work hard in whatever aspect of the game is needed from me.

Speaking about what he gets from hockey, Forsyth said

I love the game, it gives me a reason to keep active and healthy. I’ve made a lot of lifelong friendships playing the game. When I’m on the rink I love zoning in and only thinking about the game in hand.

Turning to the imminent opening game Forsyth finishes

I’m Looking forward to the transition, developing my game on ice and being part of a hard working team.

Forsyth will ice for the Devils in shirt #77. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com