SOLENT ADD TO YOUNG CORE

We are just 9 days away from the beginning of the 2025/26 season!

Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to finally reveal the signing of 17 year old British Forward Liam Kennington!

Hockey Career

Kennington has an impressive hockey career at a young age, starting out in the Solent Devils system playing for the Devils U16 team in 2021-22 where he had 8 points in 15 games.

After that season, Liam moved to the Guildford development system where he played for the U16 and U18 teams where he massed 31 points in 55 junior games where the majority of his points were goals.

Last season was a breakout year for Kennington as collected 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 15 games for the Guildford Firekings U18. This landed him a spot on the Guildford Phoenix (NIHL 2) where he played 14 regular season games, where he picked up a goal. He also appeared in the Phoenix’s Playoff roster where he played in 5 playoff games and scored a goal.

Kennington also had a stint in the Solent Devils league (NIHL 1) last season whereby he played 7 games for the Milton Keynes Thunder, here he picked up 3 points!

This season Liam signs a new two-way contract which sees him step up to play for the Guildford Phoenix of NIHL 2 as well as with the Solent Devils allowing the team to call him up to support the team.

Signing Interview

After joining the team, we sat down with the former GB Roller Hockey player to ask him a few questions ahead of the 2025/26 season:

The interview begun with Kennington giving his thoughts on joining the Devils:

I’m looking forward to playing for the Solent Devils. I believe that this will be a good experience, playing alongside the team.

We expanded on this by exploring what made Liam choose the Devils to be apart of his development:

I think it will benefit my career a lot playing in different surroundings to help with my development.

We then asked Liam about his bond with the Solent team and if he knows any of the players from past teams he has been apart of:

I have played with some of the team playing Roller Hockey.
Apart from that I will be playing with a lot of new people, which I am very excited to do so I can adapt my game to how the Devils team play.

We concluded our time by asking Kennington about his past season and his experience with the league playing with the Milton Keynes Thunder:

Last year playing a small amount for Milton Keynes helped me see how fast and competitive the league is so I will be more ready for it this upcoming season.

We then asked Liam “What are you hoping to bring to the Devils line-up this season?”

I will be putting my everything into every shift to help the Devils where I can to get what we need coming out of every game.

We concluded by asking Kennington what his personal goal is for this upcoming season:

My personal goal for this season is to get as much ice time to prove what I can do to help the team.

Coaches Thoughts

After inking his latest addition, Head Coach Alex Murray gave us his thoughts:

Liam is someone I have known for a long time having taught him at Solent a few years ago. I have watched him grow into a player with real potential, size and skill and I’m hoping he can add something a little different to our lineup!

Murray continued to discuss what he hopes Kennington will bring to the Devils lineup.

Liam’s goalscoring threat and work rate are key reasons we feel he will work well with the Devils.

He concluded by discussing Liam’s contract:

I’m also really pleased that Guildford have allowed this two-way agreement which will in turn help develop their player, a pathway which has served both clubs well in the past.

Liam Kennington will wear #19 for the Solent Devils for the 2025/26 season.

Liam Kennington will be looking for an Own and Loan Sponsor, email devilssupporters@outlook.com if you are interested

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

PITTS PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF

We are just over 2 weeks from the beginning of the 2025/26 season!

Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to finally reveal the re-signing of Forward Mark Pitts!

Pitts adds experience and leadership and well as a wealth of skill to the team’s upcoming squad!

The 2024/25 season was shortened for Pitts with him only playing in 20 regular season games.
However, this did not slow down his contributions as he played at an incredible pace of 1.9 points a game! Pitts finished with 10 Goals (7th on the team) and 28 Assists (1st on the team) for 38 points (4th on the team).

Mark also stepped up playing in 2 of the teams Cup games picking up 2 points and both of the teams playoff games where he also collected 2 points!

Signing Interview

After re-signing with the team, we sat down with Pittsy to ask him a few questions to reflect on last season and to gather his thoughts ahead of the 2025/26 season:

The interview begun by asking Mark how it feels to return to the Devils for his 11th season!

I’ve been playing in Solent for a decade now, so the decision to sign in Solent was an easy one. I love the room, the off ice team is great, and the fans are incredible.

Pitts has been a key part of past Devils teams, last season saw him lead by example on the ice, something which allowed the new younger players to excel on their new team.
We asked Pitts how, as a leader, he found the younger Solent team from the past season and how he looks to make an impact supporting them this upcoming season.

We have a talented and exciting group of young players coming through, growing in experience and confidence every season. So, my focus will be to contribute and have a positive impact on the team in whichever capacity they need.

Last season saw Pitts play in his 200th game in a Devils uniform on top of finishing in the top 5 in 2 scoring categories in the limited number of games, here’s what his thoughts were on these achievements.

Yes, I had a few injury issues last season, meaning I missed some time.
So still being able to contribute offensively to the team was a positive.

We concluded our time by asking Pitts to give us an insight into the fans impact on the team.

The support is great, and the boys absolutely love it.
We will be doing everything we can to bring success to Solent!

Mark Pitts will continue to wear #5 for the Solent Devils.

Pitts is looking for an own and loan sponsor, if you or your business are interested, please get in touch at devilssupporters@outlook.com

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

Solent Devils Bench Staff 2025/26

Tonight, the Solent Devils are excited to reveal who will be supporting the team on gameday on the bench for the upcoming 2025/26 season!

Mark Duffy steps up as Bench Coach and Goaltender! Cover

Last season saw Goaltender Mark Duffy’s playing season cut short due to injury, but his dedication and commitment to the team saw him assist Bench Coach Jock Hutchison in his role to help and continue to contribute to the team.

With the retirement of Jock Hutchison, Duffy now looks to step into his role full time with his experience and bond with the team and coach allowing him get the best out of the squad, something he discussed in his interview:

This season is going to be a different season for me but it’s an exciting change!
I’ve loved everything about being a Devil on the ice, and now getting the chance to have more of an impact off of it is something I’m very much looking forward to.
Alex and I have been playing together since before some of our players were born! We’ve always seen eye to eye in the way we need to act, prepare and play the game. I’m hoping to help him deliver this as best I can this year.

I’ll be there to support the boys as much as possible more off the ice this year but still helping out on the ice if and when needed.
I have a great relationship with all the team and a mutual respect between us all. I know the boys trust me and I hope that can bring us together as an even closer unit with everyone bought in to what we are building.

We concluded by asking Mark Duffy what his personal goal is for his first season as Bench Coach.

My personal goals remain the same in this new role as they always have.

To compete in every game, win every battle and to try and bring some silverware to the club!

Team Medic Berni Martin

In addition, Berni Martin from McTimoney Chiropractic re-joins the team as Team Medic to aid the team in injury recovery!

I’m delighted to be returning as part of the Devils team this season, it’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of athletes and staff.
There’s a real sense of family within the team, and I’m excited to be back in that environment and supporting the players’ health, recovery, and performance so they can focus on doing what they do best out on the ice.

Reflecting on last season, we asked Berni how her role adapted with the introduction of new young players to the team.

Last season’s influx of younger players brought a noticeable shift in the team’s energy and dynamics as was great to be involved.
I already knew all the new players from previous roles in junior clubs, and it was really lovely to work with these players again.
My role adapted in the sense that younger players can have different injury profiles and recovery needs, so I adjusted my approach to include more education around injury prevention, recovery strategies, and managing the physical demands of a long season, while also maintaining continuity with the experienced players.

Equipment Manager Ben Powell

Ben Powell joins the team as their equipment manager for his second season on the Devils bench!

We sat down with Powell and discussed his role for the upcoming season:

Last season was your first as the Solent Devils Equipment Manager, how did you find the role?

I thoroughly enjoyed my first season as equipment manager.
Thanks to Alex for allowing me to step up.
It feels good to be back, the role is full-on, there’s always something to do from filling drink bottles to fixing helmets.

This season I will carry on doing what the team needs me to do, roll on September!

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

HERE COMES HUTCHISON

Tonight, the Solent Devils add experience and strength to their depth for the upcoming season with the re-signing of British Forward Connor Hutchison!

The 2024/25 season was shortened for Hutchison with him and his partner welcoming the birth of their first child. The season saw him only play in 22 regular season games, however, Connor was still able to contribute with 3 Goals and 4 Assists for 7 Points.

The 26 year old will be joining the Solent Devils for his 6th season in September and looks to return to form, something he discusses in his signing interview:

It feels great to be returning to the Devils, I’ve been here a few years now and the bonds I’ve built with the boys and the staff are so strong!

Returning to the Devils was a bit of a no brainer as I said above I’ve never played with such a great group of lads! We’ve come so close too many times now and this is our year to bring home some silverware!

Reflecting on last season, Connor added,

With having a baby at the start of the season last year it was great that Muzz let me have a reduced role which meant that I could balance my time with watching my daughter grow and still play at the same time really worked well!

Continuing to add his goal for the upcoming season,

My goals for this season is to come back full time, play hard, and help contribute towards some trophies!

Connor Hutchison will continue to wear #6 for the Solent Devils.
Hutchison is looking for an own and loan sponsor!
If you are interested please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

DEVILS LOCK IN D-CORE

Tonight, the Solent Devils complete their D-Core to begin the season by signing their 7th Defenceman for the upcoming 2025/26 season!

Devils add stability, experience and leadership with the return of Defenceman Ben Lock!

Lock will be joining the team for his 10th season as a Devils this September!
His 9th season with the team saw him help the team by stepping in as injury relief after taking time away from the sport for the 2023-24 season.

Lock made an impact, blocking shots, laying the body and dishing the puck for 3 regular season games and 1 cup final game.

This season, Lock looks to return to the squad in a larger role, something he discussed in his signing interview.

Honestly, it feels incredible to be back.
Solent has always felt like home to me, and after everything we’ve built over the years, it was a no‑brainer to sign back.
The culture in that dressing room, the work ethic, and the bond with the coaches and supporters – it’s special.

Discussing what made Ben come back to the sport, and how he found the return,

Firstly – you always answer the pandas call!
Joking aside, I’d taken about a year and a half out, and that time away really helped my body recover. But the itch to get back out there never went away.
Coming back in January and pulling that jersey on again felt amazing! There were definitely some adjustments – the speed of the game, the physical demands – but once you’re back in the rhythm, it all comes flooding back. By the end of the season, I felt like myself again.

Lock has become a reliable staple of the Solent Devils who has been apart of the teams biggest moments. Building off of his previous response, we asked Ben how he found the younger devils team of last season and how his role adapted.

It brought a lot of energy into the team.
Those younger guys came in hungry, eager to learn, and that gave the whole squad a lift!

Discussing his focus for the upcoming season, Lock added,

My focus is to build on where I left off – be solid, be reliable, and be a presence for the team every shift.
As a group, it’s about pushing for that next level, competing every night, and giving ourselves a real shot at silverware!

Finally, Ben wrapped up discussing how the Solent Devils fans influence the team,

The fans here are unreal. You feel that energy from warm‑up to final buzzer, and it genuinely gives you an extra gear when your legs are burning late in a game.
Knowing they’ve got our backs makes you want to dig deeper.

With his final message to the fans ahead of September being,

Thank you for sticking with us through every high and low.
Keep bringing that noise, because we feed off it.
September can’t come soon enough – we’ll be ready, and we can’t wait to see you all back in the rink!

Ben Lock will continue to wear #71 for the Solent Devils!
Lock is looking for an Own and Loan Sponsor!
If you or your business would like to be the proud owner of Ben Lock’s home and away jersey, please contact devilssupporters@outlook.com

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil

SOLENT ARE IN FOR A PENNY

Tonight, the Solent Devils are pleased to officially reveal the re-signing of British Forward Travis Penny!

Penny looks to add to the squad’s upcoming depth with his center skillset.

The 2024/25 season saw Penny set career highs at the NIHL 1 level with 18 points in 36 games with 6 goals and 12 assists.
This had Penny finishing in the top 10 in team scoring!

After re-signing with the team, we sat down with Penny to ask him a few questions to reflect on his first season with the Devils and to discuss the 2025/26 season:

Full Signing interview

How does it feel to be returning to the Solent Devils for your second season?

I’m over the moon to be back in Solent for the 2025/26 season, it was a no-brainer for me signing again and playing for a well structured team and a great group of boys and playing in front of great fans!

How did you find your first season with the club?

I loved my season as a Devil,
being welcomed by everyone, it felt like home very quick and getting on with all the boys.

What was your overall view of the past season?

I thought last season went well, a new team with a lot of new faces everything clicked really well and really quickly.

Joining the Devils, you were reunited with some familiar faces in the locker room in players such as Coleman and Peacock, as well as continuing to play alongside Buckle and Banner.
How did this help you and the team?

It was great to play with some old teammates again,
the team chemistry was great last year with the old and new teammates,
everyone clicked really quick and was a pleasure to be part of such a great room!

Heading into the 2025/26 season what is your personal focus?

My main focus this season is to win some silverware and give our amazing fans something to celebrate!

The Gosport Ice Arena has become an exciting place to play thanks to the passionate Solent Devils supporters and the electric atmosphere they create.
How has playing at home influenced you and the squad?

The devils fans are amazing, week in week out and playing in front of them every week is a pleasure, they are like the sixth man on the ice and get behind us every week!

Travis concluded his interview with his message to the fans!

Hi Devils fans, great to be back for another year, see all you guys in September!

Travis Penny will continue to wear #42 for the Solent Devils.

Make sure to follow the Solent Devils Social Media pages to stay up to date with the latest 2025/26 season signings and news!

https://www.facebook.com/solentandgosportdevils

https://www.instagram.com/solentdevils?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://x.com/SolentDevil