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

Solent Pick Up Penny

As September grows near, the Solent Devils continue to add to their 2024/25 squad.
Today, the Solent Devils would like to welcome British forward Travis Penny to the club!

The 21 year old brings more skill and youth to the Solent Devils forward core from the Oxford City Stars where he has spent the past season.

Penny has collected a range of hockey experience at a young age having played in the league for multiple years including 2023/24 and 2021/22 both of which were playing for the Oxford City Stars. Travis also comes to us from a predominantly Basingstoke past having played with them as a junior and stepping up to play for the Basingstoke Buffalo (NIHL 2) in 2018/19 at the age of 15. Since that season he has spent the majority of his time with the Buffalo but has also played a stint with the Basingstoke Bison (NIHL National) in 2022/23 which also saw him get some National League playoff experience.

Last season saw Penny play 25 games where he picked up 12 points. Travis also played in all of Oxford’s playoff games last season.

Travis Penny had this to say about joining Solent,

I’m really excited to be signing for Solent for the 2024/25 season. I am looking forward to getting started and being included in a great roster and playing in front of some amazing supporters that love their hockey!

Travis went on to discuss what made him choose Solent,

Signing for Solent was an easy decision to make, after speaking with Muzza I knew I wanted to be on board and be involved with a well drilled team and great players that play some exciting hockey and did really well last season.

We asked Penny what he plans to bring to the team in 2024/25,

I will bring hard work, a good hockey IQ and contribute with goals and assists to help the team succeed in both the league and Cup competitions.

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

I’m pleased to be able to add another new face in former Bison Travis Penny.

Trav is young but already has experience of playing in the National League, and was a consistent figure in the Oxford line up last year.

He then went on to discuss how Travis will impact the Devils line-up,

His skill set will work in a small rink as his quick hands and IQ will enable him to excel on the smaller ice surface.

I’m looking forward to Travis coming and showing us what he can do.

Travis Penny will wear the #42 jersey for the Solent Devils.

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

DEVILS DEEPEN DEFENCE CORE

Tonight, the Solent Devils are pleased to confirm the return of fan favourite 21 year old British Defenceman Kristijonas Nekrosevicius 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.

Nekrosevicius’ 2023-24 season saw him spend time playing for both Solent Devils teams where he collected 12 points as a defenceman across a team high 41 games played. Kris 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 all 4 games for the team.

At the Solent Devils presentation evening 2023/24, Kris recieved the Shane Clacy Award.

Kris spoke on his return to Solent,

It feels great to return, I felt last season went well, I was given chances to step up and play big minutes within games.

Kris concluded by looking to next season,

I hope to improve further as a player and bring back some silverware.

Head Coach Alex Murray spoke on his latest retention,

I’m really pleased to have secured Kris for another season. His performances last year across both NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 teams were very impressive and he secured a regular spot in our senior line up down the stretch.

Speaking on how he thinks Kris will impact the line-up next season, Murray added,

His size and skill set offers a unique blend which is different to any player in our line up. Kris is constantly developing and I’m excited to see how he handles this seasons demands

Kristijonas Nekrosevicius will continue to wear #2 for the club for the 2024/25 season. His shirt will be owned and loaned by Rai Nekrose.

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

DEVILS RETAIN DUFFY

Today the Solent Devils have penned a deal to see experienced 36 year old goaltender Mark Duffy stay at Solent for the 2024-25 season.

Duffy will be returning to the club for his 5th straight season between the Devils’ pipes.

Mark Duffy was apart of the 2021 Solent Devils team who won the Spring Cup!

We asked Duffy how it felt to be back at Solent,

It feels great to be back! I’ve enjoyed everything about being part of this club and I’m so happy to be continuing. It’s a great club with a great view on where we’re going and a brilliant loyal and supportive fan base. Can’t wait to pull the jersey on again this season!

Mark spoke on how his 2023-24 season was interrupted with injury and work commitments,

Last season was a difficult one personally, an injury stopping me from being as available as I would have liked to be alongside a difficult and busy year at work. The real world calls sometimes and gets in the way of hockey, but that doesn’t change the desire to be playing and get out there to help the boys again this season.

Looking to September, Duffy had this to say,

It’s going to be a big change this year, with some new guys and a longer season coming but we’ve still got a great squad with exciting and experienced additions coming in. I’m looking forward to being part of a Solent team that keeps pushing and is right in the mix for silverware again this year!

Teammate and Head Coach Alex Murray had this to say regarding his latest retention,

It’s really good to bring back Duffy again for the up and coming season. Mark is an influential member of our team who makes positive impact on and off the ice.

Reflecting on last season, Murray added,

He will be the first to admit that last season wasn’t ideal and he will be working hard to get back to fitness and compete with both Aaron and Rory.

Duffy’s influence in our room is a crucial part of our success and culture and so I’m really happy he has agreed to return.

Mark Duffy will continue to wear #98 for the club.

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

HERE COMES HARCUP

As we look to the 2024-2025 season, the Solent Devils continue to add to their roster.
Today, the Solent Devils would like to welcome British forward Harry Harcup to the club!

The 24 year old brings experience to the Solent Devils forward core from the Bees IHC (Now known as Berkshire Bees) where he has spent the past 3 seasons.

Harcup has collected a range of high level hockey experience at a young age having played in the league for many years on teams such as, Bracknell Hornets, Slough Jets and Chelmsford Chieftains. Harry also wore the “A” for England U23 in 2021-22.

Last season saw Harcup split his time between NIHL National and NIHL 2 playing 40 games for the Bees IHC as well as making 4 playoff appearances for the team. His time playing in NIHL 2 saw him join the Basingstoke Buffalo for 8 games where he put up an outstanding 18 points! He also joined the team for their championship playoff run playing in all 4 games picking up 4 points,

Harcup had this to say about joining Solent,

Signing for Solent is a great feeling for me. It’s a team that I’ve always admired in the past. Playing against them many times and having battles, watching them play in playoff finals on many different occasions. It’s no secret this team competes for cups whether that be league or playoffs every year and I’m very excited to be a part of that.

When asked what made him decide on signing with the team, Harry had this to say

The key factor for me was looking at the team that Muzza was putting together and I know of most the boys and I’m confident this team will compete and want to win cups and that’s what I want.

Harcup concluded by discussing what his goals for the upcoming season involve,

I’d like to think the pace and intensity of my game whilst playing national league will serve me well. Winning the cup with Buffalo was good experience under my belt getting a lot of ice and having a bigger role on the team I think will help with the forthcoming season.

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

I’m delighted to have added Harry to our line up. Following a year between the Bee’s in National and a stint at the end of the season at the Buffalo, Harry was one of my top targets when I knew he was available.

Murray went on to discuss how he thinks Harcup will fit in with the team,

Having spoken to several former team mates of Harry, and with him directly on the phone, I knew right away that he would be a perfect fit for our team. His attitude and professionalism will suit our locker room and his work rate and goalscoring ability at this level will help our forward core.

Alex wrapped up by saying the following,

I’m really excited to see what Harry can achieve as a Devil and I’m confident he will be a fan favourite

Harry Harcup will wear #17 for the Solent Devils, this number was formerly worn by Liam Coleman.

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