THREE young ice hockey players from the Isle of Wight have set up a fundraising page to help meet the cost of travelling to the mainland and play for the Solent Devils team.

The players, Dan Shier, Alex Trendall and Kieran Annis all live on the Isle of Wight and cross the Solent to attend weekly training and play in matches with the Gosport club — a costly pursuit for them and supporters since the closure of Ryde Ice Rink.

All three tasted glory after they helped the Solent Devils win the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) Division 2 South play-off final in April.

"The Solent Devils are a pay-to-play club. The players do so for the enjoyment of the sport and are not given a wage to play," said Dan.

As there is no longer an Isle of Wight ice hockey team, Wightlink no longer fully support them with the fulll cost of travel.

The ferry company used to allow Island players, playing for the Isle of Wight Raiders, free cross-Solent travel — until the team was forced to fold.

"Wightlink have been good enough to offer a reduced rate for us. However, it will still work out expensive without help," Dan added.

"The Gofundme page is intended to help us to keep playing for the Solent Devils.

"Training for the season has already begun, with the first game on Saturday, September 22.

"If we can achieve the £1,200 target with this campaign, it will fund our ferry crossings.

"If we can exceed the target in this campaign, the excess will be used for other club requirements and shared with the Solent Junior Devils."

So far, the trio have gained £135 towards the target amount.

  • If anyone is able to help them with a donation, follow the link: www.gofundme.com/solent-devils-solent-crossings