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

CAMPBELL RETURNS TO SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of Canadian and British forward Drew Campbell.

Ontario born Campbell will be starting his 11^th full league season with Solent, with over 200 leagues appearances for the team, scoring more than 200 goals and providing over 200 assists during those games and with 28 appearances last season, contributing 7 goals and 13 assists Campbell remains a key influencer of game outcomes.

Speaking about re-signing Campbell said

I’ve decided to sign again because it’s just a great team to play for. The changing room, the off-ice staff and of course the most amazing fans just make you feel like it’s home away from home.

Head Coach Murray

It’s great we’ve secured Drew for another season! His experience alone is invaluable when it comes to developing younger guys. There are several aspects which are also as important, such as his role on the powerplay and on the draws which adds even more value. I’ll be looking for Drew to continue mentoring the younger players this season and step up at key moments in the year.

Reflecting on last season Campbell adds

Wow what a great season we had. Finishing second was great, the come backs and the never die attitude last season was amazing. But my highlight was a personal one. As being out there on the ice with Tylor was just the icing on the cake. I’ll remember that forever.

Campbell continues

The season was tough, we had some ups and downs, so to come second was a great achievement. Specially after lockdown and uncertainty for 2 years. So yes it was just great to be out there and obviously not take anything for granted.

When asked what Ice Hockey means to him, Campbell said

Hockey is the greatest sport in the world and I was lucky enough to be born in the biggest hot spot for it, and learn to play at a very early age. It has always given me excitement and also can teach you life lessons, the physical side can be tough sometimes at my age, but I still love this game.

Exploring the day his son Tylor stepped between the pipes for Solent, Campbell adds

What a day that was, it’s funny how goals change. Yes we all want to win silverware, and it has always been that way. But when you have kids, life changes. The chance to be on the ice with your son is second to none. It was just a great day for me and also for Ty and our family.

Looking at the season ahead, Campbell concludes

I look forward to the same as last year. But most of all, I just want to help with the development of the club and the young kids. As it’s great to see guys move on and up the ladder of hockey.

Campbell will return to the Devils in shirt #23. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com