Solent Junior Devils ice hockey team suffer as Planet Ice prices nearly double

Members of the Solent Junior Devils say venue costs will rise by nearly 50 per cent leaving many families "devastated" with children being forced out of the game. 

The team, which plays at Planet Ice in Gosport, will see prices for the junior team rise from £103 to £150.

Parents and players say the Fareham Road rink is the "only option" with the second closest ice rink in Basingstoke.

The team is now seeking sponsors to help ease its financial pressures.

It has not received sponsorship since the pandemic.

Henry and his dad James Coleman-Powell

James Coleman-Powell, a member of Solent Devils, says his son is "passionate" about the sport.

The 34-year-old said: "My son has fallen over lots but always gets back up and really enjoys it.

"For us, it's not about all the anger over the prices, it's about getting our kids on the ice.

"We've already had a loss of many of our young players because of the future increase.

"It is a larger rise for the children by £150 which is a close match to what the adult players already pay so that's why it's hitting the young players harder.

"It already costs up to £400 for a pair of skates. It's already one of the most expensive sports so this is a massive hit."

Lucas with his parents Sam and Chris

Chris and Sam Brown who live next door to the ice rink say the price hike is a "massive kick in the teeth".

Sam, 38, said she hopes the ice rink would reconsider the big hit and plan a slower increase for the under 12 teams.

She said: "Ice hockey is unlike any other game and it's not just a sport but it's a team getting the kids together.

"My son absolutely loves to play and be with his friends and it would be heartbreaking to take it away from him."

Seven-year-old Lucas said: "I like ice hockey, it's really good. It would be really bad if I couldn't play."

Volunteers for the team say they don't blame Planet Ice for the increases as the cost of living and rising bills have affected everyone.

A spokesperson for Planet Ice said: "It's an unfortunate situation that is affecting everyone. For us, energy prices are rising by 250 per cent in October. 

"The price for the Solent Junior Devils is rising by 50 per cent but it will be over a two-year period to stagger the increase.

"We planned for an increase in 2019 but it was stalled because of the pandemic. We've let the sport get back on its feet and now we are going ahead with these plans."

For more information, visit www.solentjuniordevils.com

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