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

SOLENT SIGN COLEMAN

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the signing of British forward Liam Coleman.

Coleman joins Solent from Bristol after competing in both the NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 division, with 36 games last season Coleman put away 3 goals and provided 9 assists. Coleman a graduate of the Swindon junior programme, Basingstoke Bison and three seasons participating in the Canadian junior hockey league brings a fresh face and a new dimension to the team.

When asked about his reasons for the move Coleman said

I decided to sign for Solent due to the competitive nature and feel around the club. I want to win games with structure, and I felt this was the best move for me.

Head Coach Murray

I’m delighted to be able to bring in Liam after what seems to be a decade of trying to sign him!

Liam has been on our radar since he was across the pond playing junior hockey, but things have never really worked out. He adds fresh energy and speed to our forward line up as well as experience of playing in this league, but even though he is still young. He adds options to some of our special teams and is another player who we hope to provide a platform to showcase his skills.

We have been looking forward to introducing some fresh blood into the line up to replace some of the players we have lost and Liam will certainly be one to watch next season.

Murray concludes

I would like to thank Jamie at Bristol for supporting this move and hope that we can provide the opportunity Liam needs at this level to excel.

When asked about a highlight from last season Coleman continues

Playing in-front of the fans in Bristol it was a great experience. One I’ll remember for a life time.

Commenting last seasons experience in NIHL 1, Coleman adds

Initially strange, since we were a new team to everyone in a new rink so I didn’t really know what to expect going into it.  However, the experiences with the Pitbulls were good, reaching the playoff weekend was a great achievement for us and I hope to bring the winning mentality here to Solent.

Speaking about what he gets out of the sport Coleman said

Hockey for me is a release and the place I’m at my happiest.

Looking forward to the rapidly approaching start in September, Coleman finishes

This season I’m looking forward to playing with a new set of guys hopefully to achieve good things this year, win as much as we can and create more memorable moments.

Coleman will ice for the Devils in shirt #34. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT SECURE MARTIN-EDWARDS

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British Net Minder Rory Martin-Edwards.

Martin-Edwards returns for his second season with Solent with an SVG % of 0.855 in NIHL 1 and 0.862 in NIHL 2. Taking over the net in 3 games last season for Solent Devils and with 19 appearances for Solent Junior Devils Martin-Edwards saw plenty of action. He may have only turned twenty this year but he’s a built a solid foundation playing at senior level since sixteen and training within the National league.

Martin-Edwards shares his thoughts on signing

I really enjoyed my last season with the Devils – signing on a two-way with both the Devils and the NIHL2 Junior Devils meant I got to play plenty of hockey, which is what it’s all about. I’ve never been one for sitting on a bench so the opportunity to train and play for both teams suited me really well and has helped me continue to develop my net-minding skills. I feel that I am a good fit for the Devils which has a real team solidarity, hardworking and can-do ethos, as demonstrated in the final result of the season. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t want to be with any other team right now.

Head Coach Murray…

I’m delighted to have retained such a promising prospect in Rory. The two-way deals allow maximum opportunity for Rory who as mentioned needs to keep playing at his age to develop. Too often goalies in particular think that sitting on a bench at the highest level possible is good for them, but personally I feel it’s the complete opposite. Allowing Rory game time in NIHL 2 not only helps his team but also himself personally.

Rory had some standout performances in NIHL 2 and so we can all see the potential he has. It’s also great to see Rory working really hard this off season, with Richard to ensure he is doing all he can to raise his game!

Looking back on last season’s highlights Martin-Edwards said

That has to be the Oxford away game in January. Things weren’t going our way and Alex decided to swap me into the net and of course I was excited for the opportunity! We didn’t come away with the win but I came away from the game with a 100% save percentage and a big confidence boost! The fans that day were amazing and so supportive – it’s not just about winning, it’s about the way we play.

Martin-Edwards reflects

The season had its challenges in both NIHL1 and NIHL2. There was one very dominant team In NIHL1 of course, but I am happy to say that the Devils not only beat that team on one occasion, but we also came second to them in the league with 40 points. With the Junior Devils we had some very difficult games due to a shortage of players which was down to game clashes between the Devils and Junior Devils, often leaving the Division 2 team short benched. My take-away from the season is that with hard work, team spirit and dedication the underdogs can come away on top!

Speaking about what he gets out of the sport Martin-Edwards adds

Ice hockey is obviously a very physical and tactical sport, and it goes without saying that it is both physically and mentally challenging. As a netminder you need to have helicopter vision during the game, so concentration is an absolute must.  I have been involved in ice hockey since I was 9 years old and although it sounds a bit cliché, ice hockey really is like a family. Some of my greatest friends are ice hockey players – we play hockey, we play golf, we go camping, our families socialise – what more could you want from a sport that you love to play?

Turning to the season ahead Martin-Edwards continues

I have been really working on my fitness levels during the off-season. On top of regular golf, I have been training with former Devils player, Richard Facey, who has developed a bespoke training programme for me to help build speed, strength, and stamina. To be honest, I can’t wait to see how this develops into my net minding skills. I want to play more games, who wouldn’t. The tough part of being a net minder is you are either playing or you’re not, so I am very much looking forward to game opportunities when they come.

Martin-Edwards will return to the Devils in shirt #50. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com