CAPTAIN CALUMN CAN’T BE STOPPED
The Solent Devils continue to develop their new roster for the 2026/27 NIHL 1 South season tonight with the announcement of their 9th player!
Joining the squad, the Solent Devils are honoured to announce the return of Club Captain and British Defenceman Calumn Perella-Fox!
Perella-Fox’s 2025/26 season was unexpectedly cut short with an injury that shocked the hockey community far and wide. Sunday 25th January, Calumn suffered a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after a large hit along the boards. After an extended stay in Romford Queens Hospital, CPF was stable and eventually returned home to begin mending. As time progressed, Calumn supported the team off-ice.
The Hockey community showed union over this news with hundreds of well wishes and over £6,000 in gofundme donations to help Calumn and his family stay afloat during his absense from work.
The Captain will not be returning to the team until later into the season as he rehabs his injury and eases himself back into play. 2026/27 will be Perella-Fox’s 11th senior season with the Solent Devils.
Re-Signing Interview:
After inking the deal, we sat down with Calumn Perella-Fox to discuss his injury and the season ahead,
What are your thoughts on returning to the Solent Devils for the 2026/27 season?
I’m really happy to be back! There honestly isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be because this club means a lot to me. The Solent Devils have been a huge part of my hockey journey, and pulling on this jersey is something I never take for granted. Last season come with plenty of ups and downs, but I’m excited to get going again this year. We’ve got some new faces coming in who will hopefully bring fresh energy and a new dynamic both in the dressing room and on the ice. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build together and hopefully giving the fans plenty to cheer about!
Last season for you was unexpectedly and undoubtedly the most challenging anyone at this level has experienced. How did your role adapt as both a player and the team captain?
Last season was definitely the toughest challenge I’ve faced in hockey and in life. Having my season cut short so suddenly was difficult both physically and mentally. As a player, it was frustrating not being able to contribute on the ice in the way I wanted to. As captain, though, I knew I still had an important role to play. My focus shifted towards supporting the team however I could keeping spirits high throughout the team, helping the younger players, maintaining standards, and simply being there for the lads. It gave me a completely different perspective on leadership and reinforced that being captain is about far more than what happens during games. Sometimes leading means helping the group through adversity and setting the right example when things aren’t going your way.
What aspects of the off-ice game did you experience last season that have impacted the way you will lead and support the team?
Being away from playing allowed me to see the game and the team from a different perspective. I realised just how important communication, positivity and consistency are especially during difficult periods. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always about delivering speeches or making big gestures. It’s often about the small things checking in on teammates, creating the right environment, and helping everyone stay focused on the bigger picture. I’ll take those lessons into this season which will help supporting the lads both on and off the ice.
Are you able to provide a small update on your injury for the fans?
Recovery has been going really well, which I’m very pleased about. It’s obviously been a long process, but I’ve made strong progress and I’m feeling positive about where things are heading. The plan is to keep building my fitness and strength while making sure everything is right before returning fully. I hope to be back playing around the middle of the season, but I’m aiming to get back on the ice sooner than that to train with the lads and continue working hard so I’m in the best possible shape for my return. I’m taking things step by step and doing everything I can to come back stronger than before.
This upcoming season, how do you plan to approach your return and support the team?
My priority is to stay patient and make sure I come back the right way. I want to return fully prepared and in the best condition possible so I can contribute at the level I expect from myself. Until I’m back playing, I’ll continue supporting the team however I can whether that’s during training, around the dressing room, or helping to drive standards, energy, and accountability within the group. Once I’m back on the ice, my aim is to lead by example, contribute in every shift, and do everything I can to help the team.
Finally, What is your message to the Solent Devils fans?
I just want to say a massive thank you again for all the support I’ve received. The messages, encouragement, and kindness people have shown throughout my recovery have genuinely meant a huge amount to me and my family. The Solent Devils fans are the best in the league, and your support never goes unnoticed. You stick with us through the highs and the lows, and that makes a real difference to the players. I’ve missed being out there in front of you all, and I can’t wait to be back at the rink, back with the team, and hopefully back on the ice in front of everyone as soon as possible. Hopefully we can make it a season to be proud of.
Calumn Perella-Fox will continue to wear the C and #44 for the Solent Devils.
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