SOLENT AND GOSPORT, UK – Some may be eating their words at the moment the Last time a senior team from Gosport won a league was 1992 with the Knights ED1, 20 years on.
The captain of the Devils took a few minutes to talk to Pro Hockey News about his team and thank them for their efforts this season.
“As captain I want to thank our fans for their support,” Kris Abbott said recently. “A strong 200 core group of fans has been growing over the years and they support us well over the last four years. Now when we are contending in the enl south2 they give us a big boost.”
“Our fans are great, even traveling to our road games,” Abbott added.
Over the last few seasons the Devils have finished third in the tables twice then finished second.
Kris Abbott with Silverware – Photo courtesy of SG Devils
Now finishing in first has brought smiles to the entire roster now that they have silverware in their hands.
“It hasn’t come easy when we have struggled in previous years to land players on our roster,” Abbott said. “This year has been different we have a solid three lines of forwards with defence to match. “
The Devils are bolstered by a good fourth line manned with first year and under-18 players but they have not seen a great deal of ice time this season. But as Abbott explained, “they have worked so hard for the team with their positive attitude and commitment.”
On the Devils’ first line, Drew Camble has anchored at center between Craig Weedon and Kris Abbott. On defence, Andrew Goddard and Jamie Fitzpatrick have patrolled the blue line. This line has accumulated nearly 200. Abbott believes it is the best line in the ENL2.
The second line is made up of Kent Johnson, Kevin Tanner, and Richard Nembyard. On defence, Wil Francies and Alex Cole have done well and provided strong blue line support.
The third line of Greg Wyatt, Lewi Tribble, and Mitchell Murray has been solid and dependable. On defence, James Morgan and Curtis Jeffrey have been terrific in contributing to the strong play of the back lines. The line has benefitted from the experience of Wyatt who has centered the two youngsters on this line. That experience has permitted the Devils to ice the third line against other line in the league and not lose ability.
That leaves the fourth line of James Carlin, Callom Perrela, and Kieran Perrela. They were supported by Seb Togghill on defence.
“In net, Christian Cole our young goalie has been a huge asset to the team,” Abbott said. “Backing him up has been Martin Clayton a senior goalie with years of experience. But we also have had the benefit of Elliot Folley who iced a few games for the club to give the side a comfortable attitude toward the crease duties.”
The Devils players have had the benefit of a supportive management team this season as well.
“As for the management, our boys have been lucky to have Paul Fitzpatrick as the Devils manager he kept the boys together for the last four years which was the key to success for the Solent Devils,” Abbott explained.
The coaching side is left to head coach Wil Francis and assistant coach Drew Camble.
“ENL1 here we come,” Abbott said. “It’s a big step up for the Gosport side but well deserved as we’ve shown we are not a team to back off from.”
“We have been improving every year and the hunger and the passion of the Solent Devils players has been fantastic and should hopefully keep us in the league that we have been fighting to get too,” Abbott said of the team’s efforts to move up in the system from the ENL2.
The Devils have four games left this season, three home and one away, and are looking to celebrate with their fans at the next home game on 4 March. They look to remain unbeaten in regulation.
“Thanks to everybody for your support and help you have offered for the team. The players appreciate everything you have done,” Abbott added.
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