Category: Team News

2022-23 Signing Alert – Drew Campbell

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 11th 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

2022-23 Signing Alert – Harry Cloutman

CLOUTMAN BACK AT SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of British defenceman Harry Cloutman.

Cloutman at 20 years of age has already notched up 66 starts with the Devils, last season getting 2 goals and 4 assists. Cloutman has a thorough understanding of the Solent systems and since stepping onto the ice has been a reliable and confident defenceman. Cloutman on a two way with Solent Junior Devils said

I’m back because of the bond the team has is so strong, which creates a good feeling around the changing room and a powerful dynamic on the ice, and of course for our fantastic support base.

Head Coach Alex Murray

I’m delighted to secure the re-signing of Harry for the up and coming season!

Clouts is developing into a key member of the squad on and off the ice and is in line for a break out season. His work with our junior club has meant he is already a fans favourite.

Looking back on last season’s highlight Cloutman said

Getting my first senior career goal, it’s been a long long time coming!

Cloutman continues

Last season was tough, the league was so competitive, looking back I’m proud of how we performed as a team, we always fight for the victory, no matter the odds.

When asked about his goals for next season Cloutman adds

Next season I want to be out there giving my all for the team, competing for the top spot in the league and getting some playoff silverware.

Murray continues

Harry knows what it takes to get to the next level and I’m confident he will be ready with a good preseason.

Cloutman concludes

I’m really looking forward to being back in the Solent thunder dome playing in front of the fans.

Cloutman will return to the Devils in shirt #18. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2022-23 Signing Alert – Jack Peacock

PEACOCK RETURNS TO SOLENT

The Solent Devils are pleased to announce the re-signing of British forward Jack Peacock.

Peacocks season was cut short early on last season with a shoulder injury, Peacock on a 2 way with Solent Junior Devils was able to notch up 6 goals and 4 assists in 13 games before the injury. Peacock continued to watch from the side line and has been working hard to be prepared for the season ahead.

When asked about his reasons for signing Peacock said

I learnt so much about senior hockey in the little time I played. It was a shame I got Injured and I really feel like I could of contributed a lot more. The guys are great and the fans are unreal so looking forward to returning in September.

Head Coach Murray

I’m really pleased we have managed to retain Jack! Anyone suffering a season ending injury is going to need to be resilient to bounce back and continue on the development pathway that Jack once was.

Reflecting on the season highlights Peacock shares the same highlight as many did from last season

Got to be Chelmsford away, when we scored to tie in last seconds then went on to win in overtime, never say never.

Commenting on what he learnt in that brief period, Peacock said

In the NIHL 1 league, game play and fitness steps up to another level in skill and speed, time to think is reduced, you have to be thinking about what you’re going to do with the puck before you’ve even received it.

Murray adds

When we saw Jack almost two years ago now, we saw massive potential and we set a 3-5 year plan of making the national league. With the injury we may now be looking at the later part of our target, but I’m confident once Jack finds his feet he’ll replicate the great work we saw early in the season!

Speaking about recovering from the injury Peacock continues

I’ve fully healed now. I was signed off earlier in the summer. It was tough not being able to do anything especially playing hockey for months on end. For me it was an operation that needed to happen, or it would cause problems in the future. I’m just happy to be back playing and looking forward to a good season.

Peacock concludes

I’m looking forward to being around the boys in the room and playing in front of you great fans. Hockey has always been a huge part of my life from a young age and I’m so glad I can lace up again!

Peacock will return to the Devils in shirt #21. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2022-23 Signing Alert – Ben Lock

SOLENT LOCK IN THE LOCK

The Solent Devils are proud to announce the re-signing of British Defenceman Ben Lock.

From the outset Lock has been an absolute rock in defence for Solent, joining for the 2014-15 season, Lock will be starting his 8th full season. In a Devils league career of 164 games with 19 goals and 39 assists and part of the NIHL 2 playoff champions’ squad, Lock is the key. On re-signing for next season Lock comments

Solent is a club that is very close to my heart. The fans are loud and incredible no matter the result and the players and support staff are genuinely like a second family. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.

Head Coach Murray

It’s great to have secured Ben for another season! Locky is one of the most underrated players in our team, and we won’t truly value his impact until he is gone!

Defensively, Locky is sound, compact, and a highly valuable asset on the penalty kill. His block shorting ability is the best in the league, which is why his teammates rate him so highly.

When asked about his favourite moment from last season Lock said

I would say coming second in a league that has tremendous talent was a huge success for us. We really dug in deep last year and fought hard in every single game.

Lock Adds

It was the toughest year I had faced in 12 years in the league. We were depleted at times in the D core due to injuries so playing 30+mins each night was taxing on the body. At times struggled with scoring but the resilience of every player and the bond we have drove us through!

When asked about the moments that stand out so far over his Junior and Senior career, Lock continues

Winning the NIHL2 playoffs with the Devils was incredible. But nothing tops the game winning goal at Chelmsford last season. 5-0 down. Alex scores the tying goal at the buzzer and I somehow score the winner in OT to win 6-5!

Murray adds

Locky has grown offensively as well, with the memorable OT winner in Chelmo as well as several PP points this year. We are hoping Locky can continue his form next season, whilst passing on his knowledge to the young group around him.

Speaking about the future Lock concludes

I’m looking forward to watching some of our younger players step up and take on the ice time they deserve. We have a great crop of young talent and I’m sure with Alex’s coaching they will flourish this year! Let my old bones have a rest!

Lock will return to the Devils in shirt #71. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

2021-22 Season Review

Solent Devils a Season in Review

No sooner had the Solent Devils opened the 2021-22 season with a win on a rainy humid late September afternoon, then it came to a close with a victory on a warm spring evening. But never mind the British weather, what happened in between those games would turn out to be the most unpredictable and exciting season fraught with tests and challenges in some time.

With sport going on hold as the COVID pandemic unfolded, buds of hope emerged in the spring of 2021 with a cup series funded with the help of the EIHA, DCMS and Sport England, setting the backdrop for the 2021-22 season and giving the sport and supporters a lifeline and a much-needed distraction. With free live streaming, unrivalled commentary, and a change in colour the Devils took the title in a close fought series.

With restrictions easing the Devils focused on building a competitive squad, faced with the toughest ever start to a league season not only facing top 4 capable opponents with back-to-back double headers but with the retirement of Richard Facey the team had to find form from the first puck drop.

Securing the opening home game win, the Devils travelled to Chelmsford for arguably the greatest come back in a generation, trailing 5-1 to Chieftains at 43.49 Cooper #24 and Murray #73 set in motion a masterclass in sheer determination and spirit to level the game, 5-5 at 59.58.

What followed was a textbook perfect play with the final step executed to perfection by Ben Lock #71 taking the overtime win, the Riverside in Chelmsford falling silent.

As Autumn gave way to Winter the Devils seem set to dominate at home and compete for the away points, after an opening flurry of home wins against the Stars, Jets, Pitbulls and Raiders the tide turned with the tough calendar taking its toll with injuries, losing the likes of Dan Lackey #9 for eight weeks and then the release of Ralf Circenis #33 to the Swedish league. It would be the end of January before the victory song played again at home.

As the end of 2021 approached the league was hit by wave of COVID infections decimating rosters requiring league management to authorise dispensation, re-arranging fixtures with fines and penalties handed out for missed fixtures. The Devils battled through the outbreak, securing five players from different teams to assist in the away victory at MK Thunder.

# 1 CHICO COLE SAVING THE SEASON

With the changes in line-up the Devils were without an out and out goal scorer, struggling to find the key ingredient, tensions became high in the dressing room as the team stumbled at the start of 2022. During this window of absent wins, Chico demonstrated why the #1 shirt resides firmly on his back, saving the team from defeat and heavy losses as new tactics and lines were experimented with.

With a couple of free weekends in January the team reflected, reset and returned with a 4 point weekend, once again facing the Chieftains at the Riverside this time with an overtime penalty shootout and victory secured by head coach Murray #73.

Top Scorers in 2021-22

As Winter gave way to the early sun of spring, a glimmer of something special emerged, Elliot Lewis #19. With a hardened core of experienced players; Pitts, Lackey, Cole, Murray, the twenty year old found himself on the first line and before long the goals started coming not only for him but his U23 peers as well.

The seasons defeats were out shone by the memorable wins and brightened by the emerging talent in our under 18s and NIHL 2 teams.

Top Assists in 2021-22

This season has seen extraordinary support from our supporters at home and away, despite the hardships and world events, demonstrating that together we are stronger.

#togetherstronger

Finally finishing the season off at the Ageas Bowl with the end of season presentation, with Top Points and Supporters Player going to Elliot Lewis, Best Forward Mark Pitts, Best Defencemen Ben Lock, Coaches Player Dan Lackey, Players Player Calumn Perella-Fox, Shane Clacy Award Scott Cooper and the inaugural Pete Murray Award to Graham Cole in recognition of excellence and commitment to the club.

Select the end of season pic to see the end of season presentation pictures taken by Sam Partridge Photography, thank you all for making 2021-22 a successful and memorable season we look forward to seeing you all back in September! PS. Thank you Steve Smith!

Select to view presentation evening pictures

If you’d like to be a part of this extraordinary team by volunteering to do a game day job, own and loan a shirt or become a team partner through sponsorship then get in contact by e-mailing info@solentdevils.co.uk or by direct message on our social media channels.

2022-23 Signing Alert – Connor Hutchison

SOLENT RETAIN HUTCHISON

The Solent Devils are excited to announce the re-signing of British Forward Connor Hutchison.

Hutchison returns for his second full season with Solent, the experienced young forward has been playing in the senior leagues since he was 16 at Basingstoke and Bracknell. In his 29 league appearances last season Hutchison secured 3 goals and provided 5 assists, on the ice Hutchison demonstrated his tenacious playing ability chasing down every opportunity and not giving the oppositions defence anytime to rest.

Commenting on re-signing Hutchison said

We had a really competitive league and cup campaign last season, the 2022-23 season should be even better and the whole experience with fans, the boys and staff is really enjoyable.

Head Coach Murray commented

I’m pleased to have Connor return to the Devils for his second full season with the club.

Hutchy really settled into the team in the later stages of the season and so I’m excited to see him continue his progression within the team.

Looking back at last season Hutchison continues

I really enjoyed getting the points on the board and getting a streak going, as a team we had our ups and downs, but we always battled hard.

Hutchison adds

My takeaway from last season was finding out the strength in myself and the entire team that when you’re down, you dig deep and you keep pushing for the win, there is nothing like the feeling when you triumph against the odds.

Murray continues

Hutch is a solid winger who plays a gritty game and works hard at both ends of the ice.

Concluding Hutchison says

Next season I’m looking forward to being back with the boys and doing it all over again!

Hutchison will return to the Devils in shirt #6. If you would like to sponsor a Devil or become a team sponsor, contact devilssupporters@outlook.com