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
