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

SOLENT GO WILD

The Solent Devils are ecstatic to announce the re-signing of British defenceman Mason Wild.

Wild returns for his seventh consecutive season at Solent. On the ice Wild brings a sense of calm, with the ability to slow the pace of the game, giving players time to regroup, before setting up the next play. Wild demonstrated stamina, resilience, and mental strength throughout last season, over 25 games contributing 4 blinding goals and 5 assists. Wild has a special place in the hearts of fans when he remained on the ice and blocked nearly every shot to kill the 5 min penalty that helped Solent become Play off champions in 2018.

When asked about re-signing Wild said

I’m enjoying hockey again, travelling can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Having a long time out made me realise how much I missed playing and has helped motivate me to continue my career a little longer.

Head Coach Murray comments

It’s great to secure Mason for another season, as he brings so much experience and composure to our team!

With great awareness, poise and control, Mason is one of the top defenders in the league! He often goes through games unknown to those watching and that in itself is a reason he is so good for us! Mason will continue to regularly play big minutes against the tops lines of opposing teams, giving us a chance to win every game

Reflecting on last season Wild says

There were so many great moments, four dramatic overtime wins, playing in front of big crowds and beating some of the toughest teams.

Overall we had some good results even though we knew we weren’t playing our best. There were some tough moments in the season. Through effort rate and determination, we managed to grind out some great results, and as the season went on, we started to get in our stride. Alongside, some outstanding individual performance allowed us to claim 2nd place.

Wild shares his thoughts on what the sport means to him

I’ve been playing hockey since I was eight years old, and it’s always been such a good release of energy and a great way to keep your mind off work and other responsibilities. I’m starting to feel older, so I want to continue enjoying the game whilst I can, and it’s a perfect way to keep fit.

Wild concludes

Whilst I can’t complain about the summer break, it’ll be great to be back on the ice with the boys. The team’s core group has always been the same, which helps our success. The fans have always been fantastic, so I’m looking forward to playing in front of them again.

Wild will return to the Devils in shirt #41. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

NEKROSEVICIUS CONTINUES WITH SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of British trained defenceman Kristijonas Nekrosevicius.

Lithuanian born Nekrosevicius joins Solent on a 2-way with Solent Junior Devils NIHL 2. Nekrosevicius played at Junior level for Chelmsford, Streatham and Raiders before joining Solent last season. In his 11 NIHL 1 games Nekrosevicius managed to get his first senior goal, also getting 2 goals and providing 3 assists over 16 games in NIHL 2 along with a goal and a couple of assists in 3 games for EIHA Showcase at the U19s.

On signing Nekrosevicius said

I’ve returned for another year because Solent is a brilliant team with a lot of talent and I would very much like to continue to contribute to the clubs success.

Head Coach Murray comments

I’m looking forward to welcoming back Kris for next season following a breakout year last time out!

Having arrived in the south coast after the start of the season, it quickly became apparent that Kris had all the attributes to develop into a top defencemen in the next 2-4 years! With the opportunities available at Solent, Kris will be able to get good minutes under his belt and step into a more responsible role as the season continues. His size and strength really benefits us on our small pad.

Nekrosevicius continues

Last season was difficult as it was my first season playing senior hockey. I earned some experience and I hope to gain more in the upcoming season.

When asked what he gets out of Ice Hockey, Nekrosevicius said

The sport helps to keep me active, meet new people and friends as well as travel around the country.

Nekrosevicius concludes

Next season I look forward to being a part of the team and playing more hockey.

Nekrosevicius will return to the Devils in shirt #2. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT SECURE COOPER

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British forward Scott Cooper.

After moving to the South Coast and previously competing in NIHL 1 North, Cooper has become a fan favourite, a tenacious worker on the ice, Cooper iced in 31 games last season contributing 5 goals and 5 assists to the Solent tally that took them to runners up in NIHL 1 South.

On re-signing Cooper said

I couldn’t think of any other team I would rather play for in the league, the connection our team has with the fans is like nothing I have experienced before and I feel as a group we can only get better and build on what we have achieved over the last few seasons.

Commenting on the signing Head Coach Murray said

Signing Scotty was a priority of mine this season! He is a versatile player who can play a multitude of positions, which he demonstrated last season with the move to 3C which enabled us to absorb the loss of Ralfs mid season.

Scotty is a team first guy who has a positive impact on the entire locker room. In recognition of his contribution last season he was awarded the Shane Clacy Trophy which just shows the kind of player he is.

Reflecting on last season Cooper adds

My personal highlight has to be winning the Shane Clacy award which showed that my efforts and contributions are valued by the rest of the team. As a team I feel we overcame a lot of challenges throughout the season, such as Injuries, COVID and players moving on, and this will only make us stronger going forward.

When asked about how tough NIHL 1 South is. Cooper said

I think any team can beat anyone on the night and if we play our game and not become distracted from the targets we set ourselves we can achieve some good things.

In terms of what the game means to him, Cooper continues

The last couple of years, especially at the height of the pandemic showed how much the sport means to me, and how much it helps with all of the players mental and physical well-being and it cannot be taken for granted.

Finally looking forward to next season, Cooper concludes

Continuing to help the team anyway I can on and off the ice as well as helping  the new players we have coming through settle in as quickly as possible.

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

DUFFY RETURNS TO SOLENT

The Solent Devils are delighted to announce the re-signing of British net minder Mark Duffy.

Duffy joined Solent during the pandemic and was part of the 2020-21 Spring Cup Series winning team. The 2021-22 season was not kind to Duffy with the majority of the season off after the squad was disseminated by a COVID outbreak. Duffy managed a 0.859 SVG %, speaking about re-signing Duffy said

Last season was a difficult one personally with missing so much through illness. Looking forward to really bouncing back fully fit this season and doing everything I can for the boys and the team!

Head Coach Murray adds

It’s great to secure Duffy as part of our goalie group for the upcoming season. As alluded to already, Duffy was massively impacted by covid last season which saw him out for long stretches of time! That said, his support during that time on the bench was really beneficial.

Mark is a great team guy and has fitted in well within the locker room so this was a no brainer for me. Someone with so much experience benefits our team massively.

When asked about his reasons for signing Duffy continues

This is one of the most fun teams I’ve been part of. Great group of boys, all set on what we do. Work hard, play hard and party hard after!

Murray continues

We have seen what Duffy can do between the pipes and hopefully we can continue to push Chico for ice time.

Duffy concludes by sharing his thoughts on what he gets from the game

What I get from hockey – everything! I love the sport, love being part of a team and bring so many things from it into life outside of it.

Duffy will return to the Devils in shirt #98. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com