Solent Devils League Cup Group Revealed!

Following the success of the meeting on Saturday 13th July at Planet Ice Milton Keynes, The Solent Devils can confirm some information regarding their cup groupings ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The Solent Devils will fall into NIHL 1 South Division League Cup Group A, this means that we will be competing against the following teams through 2024 to play in the Cup Semi Finals in order to play the winner of the Group B Semi Finals for the League Cup in 2025.

League Cup Group A

• Streatham Redhawks
• Solent Devils
• Invicta Dynamos
• Milton Keynes Thunder
• Cardiff Fire

As stated before the winner of the Group A Semi Finals will take on the winner of Group B Semi Finals for the League Cup, Group B consists of the following teams,

League Cup Group B

• Chelmsford Chieftains
• Slough Jets
• Romford Buccaneers
• Oxford City Stars
• Swindon Wildcats 2

Please note that the League Cup is a separate trophy to the one awarded to the team with the highest points total at the end of the season, as well as the trophy awarded to the team for winning the Playoff Finals.

Cup games will work as they did in the year prior with the points from games labelled as Cup games counting towards the overall League table as well as a separate Cup table.

Cup games will be announced at a later date.

Key Dates

Other information revealed at the meeting included key dates surrounding Cup Finals and Playoffs.

The Solent Devils can announce that the League Cup Semi Finals will take place across Saturday 18th January and Sunday 19th January 2025 with the Cup Final taking place across Saturday 22nd February and Sunday 23rd February 2025.

England Ice Hockey also announced the NIHL 1 South Division Playoffs will take place across the following dates,

Playoff Quarter Finals across Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March 2025

Playoff Semi Finals across Saturday 5th April and Sunday 6th April 2025

Playoff Finals across Saturday 12th April and Sunday 13th April 2025

This new playoff format sees teams play each other twice in the Playoff Semi Finals playing both home and away fixtures at either clubs rink with goals being aggregated across both games similar to the previous Quarter Final structure. This new format also maintains the single Playoff Final game structure with the winner of the one game after 60 minutes is the winner of the Playoff Division (In our case NIHL 1 South Division). The Final Playoff Sunday will now see a new game in which the South and North Division Playoff champions will play each other to be awarded the Playoff Division winner which symbolises the best team in the entire division across North and South. This format is similar to that seen in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Information regarding Playoff Finals location and prices will be revealed closer to the dates above.

Please keep a close eye on Solent Devils social media pages over the remainder of this week to see more information regarding next season.

LLEWELLYN LINES UP FOR THE DEVILS

The Solent Devils continue to take steps to build their squad for the upcoming 2024-25 season by re-signing British Defenceman Joe Llewellyn!

Llewellyn brings back his size and diverse experience to the Devils defence core.

The 22 year old will be joining the team for his 2nd season with the club off the back of a successful season with 2nd place finish with the team at the Playoff Finals.

Llewellyn’s 2023-24 saw him play 25 games and collect 3 points as a defencemen with him also appearing in all 4 playoff games for the team.

Llewellyn had this to say regarding his return to Solent,

Returning to Solent feels incredible. The support from the fans, the camaraderie with the team, and the energy around the club is unmatched. I’m thrilled to be back and ready to give my all for the team.

There were several factors that influenced my decision to return to Solent, but mainly I believe we have something special here and I want to be a part of it.

Joe concluded by stating his goals for next season,

My goal for the next season is to help the team achieve success and bring home some well earned silverware.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding his latest re-signing,

I’m happy to have been able to re-sign Joe for next season after a positive start to his Devils career last season.

Murray continued on to discuss what Llewellyn brings to the Devils line-up,

Joe is a big unit who plays a strong solid defensive game, can hit like a truck and is not afraid to stand up for his team mates. He also has some good puck handling ability that saw him get time up the line up and with the power play last year.

Looking to next season, Murray concluded by saying the following,

After speaking to Joe this Summer, he knows what it will take to keep developing and make a lasting impact on our line up and he is eager to start the year. Im looking forward to seeing how Joe performs now he has a year under his belt.

Joe Llewellyn will continue to wear the #82 Jersey for the club for the 2024-25 season.

The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

PANTER PICKS SOLENT

Today, Sunday 7th July, the Solent Devils are pleased to confirm the re-signing of 18 year old British Forward Riley Panter for the 2024-25 season.

The former Solent Junior Devil will continue to be on a two-way contract allowing him to spend time playing for the Devils in NIHL 1 and NIHL 2.

Panter’s 2023-24 season saw him spend time playing for both Solent Devils teams where he collected a total of 13 points as a forward across 19 games played. His time with the NIHL 1 team last season also saw him collect his first NIHL 1 point assisting on a goal. Riley also appeared in Solent Junior Devils’ 2023/24 playoff roster.

Panter, who will be entering his 4th season on a two-way deal had this to say regarding his return,

Returning back with the Solent Devils for another season feels amazing due to the fact the team is full of talented players that will help me along the way and my game.

Riley went on to discuss his goals for the upcoming season,

My goals for the season personally, are to be more confident with my game play and learn more from my mistakes.

Panter concluded by stating what he plans to bring to the Solent Devils line-up in September,

I feel like I can bring my young energy into the team and show levels of my skill to the team.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say about his latest retention,

I’m pleased to have retained Riley for the upcoming season. He is an exciting prospect with an incredible shot which we are hoping to nurture into a goalscorer at this level.

Riley knows what it takes to be successful at this level and I’m looking forward to supporting him achieve his goals.

Murray wrapped up by looking to Panters opportunity for the upcoming season,

He will remain on a two way to give him the opportunity to develop and when ready I know he’ll take his opportunity with both hands.

Riley Panter will continue to wear the #16 jersey for the club for the 2024/25 season.

The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

WILD LACES FOR SOLENT

Following announcements introducing new faces and retaining young prospects, the Solent Devils move forward announcing the return of someone familiar in British Defenceman Mason Wild!

The 34 year old will be returning to Solent for his decadal season with the team marking 10 consecutive seasons with the club.

Last season saw Mason not only contribute offensively with puck movement and even a handful of goals, but also saw him shut down defensively collecting the Best Defenceman Award at the 2023/24 Solent Devils presentation evening.

Wild had this to say about returning to Solent,

It feels fantastic to be back in Solent! There’s something about playing here that just feels like coming home. The fans, the atmosphere – it’s all unbeatable. I’m really excited to get back on the ice and give it my all!

Speaking on recieving the Best Defenceman Award, Mason added,

Winning Defenseman of the Year was a huge honour. It’s a reflection of not just my efforts but also the incredible support from my teammates and coaches. It definitely motivates me to keep improving and contributing to the team’s success.

Wild concluded by looking to the upcoming season and the younger locker room,

With a lot of new faces in the team, I’ll be focusing on being a mentor and a steady presence both on and off the ice. I remember what it was like to be a rookie, so I’ll do my best to help them adjust, learn, and feel comfortable so we can bring out the best in each other.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding Mason’s return,

I’m really pleased to have Mason return for next season.
He is a really important member of our team and deserved winner of our Best Defenceman Award last season.

Murray added by discussing Mason’s role for the upcoming season,

His ability to play with any D partner against the other teams top lines means I’m able to utilise Mason in all situations.

I’m really looking forward to Mason helping our younger players settle in as well.

Mason Wild will continue to wear #41 for the Solent Devils in the 2024/25 season.

The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

CACKETT STEPS UP FOR SOLENT

September is getting closer each day and the Solent Devils are continuing to prepare for the long season ahead. Today, the Solent Devils would like to welcome British forward Oli Cackett to the club!

The 17 year old brings more skill and youth to the Solent Devils forward core from the Slough Jets system where he has spent the past 4 seasons.

Cackett may seem familiar to Solent Devils fans as the 2022/23 season saw Oli spend some of his time playing for the Solent Junior Devils (NIHL 2). The Division 2 team is also where Oli spent most of his time last season (2023/24) playing for them a total of 17 times with the inclusion of a playoff appearance.

Oli has gained a range of hockey experience at his young age. He bagan at Bracknell with the U15 team where he wore the “C” before moving to the Slough Jets development system where he spent time playing on U16 and U18 teams before stepping up the the NIHL 1 Slough Jets team for stints in 2022/23 and 2023/24. This includes him joining the team for their 2023 playoff run.

In recent years, Oli has spent time with the Solent Junior Devils and is now commiting to the team signing a two-way contract with the club allowing him to spend time playing for the Devils in NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 for the 2024/25 season.

Last season saw Cackett split his time between the Slough Jets, Slough Jets U18 and Solent Junior Devils where he collected a total of 27 games where he collected 13 points.

Oliver had this to say about joining Solent,

I’m really excited to sign at Solent for this coming season. I believe the team has a great dynamic and strong squad to allow me to begin my senior career and push for as much silverware as possible.

Speaking on why he chose Solent, Cackett went on to say,

The players down at Solent are a great bunch of lads and made making the decisions to stay down there a simple one to make. After being a part of a great junior team at Slough I think Solent’s vast numbers of experienced players will allow me to have some great leadership throughout the season.

Cackett concluded by setting his goals for next season,

For the coming season I’m excited to be apart of the team in winning trophies and to push to make a difference in it of myself all the while gaining that vital experience within a great environment.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding his latest addition,

I’m really pleased to have secured Oli’s signature for this season. After a couple of years on a two way with the NIHL 2 Devils from Slough, he was someone who we were aware of and once we spoke this Summer in depth, I knew Oli would fit our ethos in Solent.

Murray went on to discuss how Oli will impact the Devils line-up for the upcoming season,

Oli is a hard working two way forward who can play centre which gives us some options, as well as being someone who could play on the PK.

He will remain on a two way with our NIHL 2 team to ensure he continues to develop and I’m confident we will see a fan favourite for many years to come.

Oli Cackett will wear the #80 jersey for the Solent Devils in the 2024/25 season.

The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com

SOLENT RETAIN PROSPECT CHARLIE WEDGE

Today, Tuesday 25th June, the Solent Devils are pleased to confirm the return of 21 year old British Forward Charlie Wedge for the 2024-25 season.

The former Solent Junior Devil will continue to be on a two-way contract allowing him to spend time playing for the Devils in NIHL 1 and NIHL 2.

Wedge’s 2023-24 season saw him spend time playing for both Solent Devils teams where he collected a total of 30 points as a forward across 28 games played, making him over a point per game for the year. Charlie was also apart of the Devils playoff run which saw them reach the finals for the second year in a row, with him playing in 3 of the 4 games for the team.

Wedge, who will be entering his 4th season in the club’s system had this to say regarding his return,

It feels amazing to return to Solent for yet another year. The club is simply unmatched.

Charlie went on to reflect on his 2023/24 season,

Having almost half the season off wasn’t ideal however I ended the season pretty strong with still a lot to prove and want to continue that through the next.

Wedge concluded by setting out his goals for next season,

My goals are to help the club win on as many occasions as we can and dominate the league.

I think I speak for everyone at the club when I say we have collectively got a lot to prove and bounce back from.

Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding the retention of this talented prospect,

I’m really pleased to have re- signed Charlie for the 2024-25 season.

Charlie is an excepetional prospect who had a break out year for the NIHL 2 team last season, even though he was out for several months due to injury.

Speaking on the aspects that Charlie brings to the team, Murray went on to say,

His speed and energy is a great asset for our forecheck and he is also very capable of putting the puck in the net.

With the loss of some key forwards, this is a great opportunity for Charlie to solidify a spot in the senior team and I’m looking forward to him taking the opportunity .

Charlie Wedge will continue to wear the #22 jersey for the club for the 2024/25 season.

The Solent Devils are looking for Own and Loan Sponsors for the up coming season as well as Team Sponsors. If you are interested in being involved and supporting the team then please get in touch now by emailing Kerry on devilssupporters@outlook.com