Josh Batch Returns for his 12th season

The 6’4” defenceman is on the second year of a two-year agreement he signed prior to last season.  Batch played all 74 games for the Devils in all competitions in 2022-23, one of only six players to do so.  In 54 league games, he scored 2 goals and 3 assists and was a +19 for the season. 

Batch had his best season as a Devil in 2021-22 when he was voted the team’s Best Defenceman and had career highs in goals (8) and points (25) in all competitions. 

Pictured above:  Batch in action against the Fife Flyers last season (photo Rebecca Brain)

The 2023-24 season will be his 12^th with the team, and besides a brief stint with the Manchester Storm in the Elite Series during the Covid shortened 2020-21 season, he has played his entire professional career with the Devils. He has also been selected to play for Team GB numerous times throughout his career, most recently in 2022 at the World Championships. 

Over his career as a Devil, he has lifted two league titles, two Challenge Cups and three Playoff Championships.  

Pictured above: Batch lifts the Playoff Trophy in 2022 (photo James Assinder)  

His new coach Pete Russell spoke about the return Josh Batch:

“Josh played for me on numerous occasions with the National Team, I know him well and what he is a capable of.

“Josh is huge body who firstly takes pride in keeping the puck out his own net. His game is suited to play next to a puck moving D man.

“He is a confidence guy, needs to know his role and plays well within structure. He is really good on the penalty kill and takes pride in it. Josh is also very tough and has the ability to stand up for himself and his teammates when required.

“My job is to fill Josh that confidence, trust him and we will see Batchy playing with a lot of bite in his game. I am really looking forward to working with him daily this season.”

Watch the full signing interview with Josh Batch below: