33-year-old British Defenceman is back for 2024-25
Pictured above: Batch celebrates a goal last season (photo James Assinder)
The Devils are pleased to confirm the return of Josh Batch for the 2024-25 season.
The 6’4” defenceman played in 72 of 73 games for the Devils in all competitions last season, scoring 2 goals and 13 assists for 15 points and had a plus/minus of +28 for the year. Under Pete Russell, Batch played some of his best hockey of his career, excelling on the penalty kill and playing big minutes all season long.
Pictured above: Batch played 53 of 54 league games in 2023-24 (photo Panthers Images)
Batch was selected to represent GB at the IIHF World Championships in May, playing an additional 9 games in total for the National Team, two warmup games and all 7 games at the World Championships.
The 2024-25 season will be his 13th 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.
Pictured above: Batch celebrates a goal against Belfast (photo James Assinder)
Head Coach Pete Russell spoke about the return of Josh Batch:
“Josh exceeded my expectations of him this past season. I felt he played with confidence all season long and deserved the extra ice time he played this season.
“He is so good on the penalty kill, he has such a long reach and is difficult to play against in our defensive zone. He earned a spot on the National Team with his play in the regular season and I felt he played his best hockey for Team GB and the top teams in the world."
