Josh Batch has given Cardiff Devils a huge boost by agreeing a deal to remain with the club for a ninth season.

The highly-versatile player has been a big part of Andrew Lord’s team since the day Lord took over as Head Coach and has played a vital role in the last five years of on-ice success.

Batch has lifted two League titles, two Challenge Cups and two Playoff Championships along the way.

In his 8 seasons in Cardiff, he has scored 32 goals and added 79 assists for 111 points in 525 games played.

He plays both forward and defence, kills penalties, blocks shots and is one of the toughest players in the league.

Lord is delighted to have kept Batch at the club, saying: “Having a player as versatile as Josh is hugely important for us because he can play both forward or defence and plays both positions well.

“I have the confidence in him to play him anywhere and I know what I am going to get from him night in and night out, which is a no-nonsense style of play that makes him difficult to play against wherever he is on the ice.

“He has the ability to create chances with the way he gets into the offensive zone and wreaks havoc on opposing defensemen, and knowing he can play defence at any time, gives me an option to shift him around throughout the season or even throughout a game.

“Batchy is a great player and an even better teammate. He plays for the badge every time he steps out onto that ice and is a very important piece of our team and our locker room here in Cardiff.

“Off the ice, he is a great guy, very popular with the fans and makes times for everyone. He’s got those qualities when dealing with people that you can’t teach. He has been here for nine years now and I can’t imagine him playing anywhere else.”

Josh Batch spoke to John Donovan about his return to Cardiff which he says ‘feels like home now’- catch the full interview here –