Elite League: GB duo Josh Batch and Ben Bowns return for Cardiff Devils
- Published
Josh Batch has played over 600 games for Cardiff Devils
Defenceman Josh Batch will return for a 12th season at Cardiff Devils in 2023-24 while Ben Bowns is back for his eighth campaign.
Great Britain international Batch joined the club in 2011 and was awarded a testimonial earlier this year.
Bowns returned to Devils ahead of the 2022-23 season after spells in Austria and Slovakia.
Chelmsford-born Batch was one of six Cardiff players to feature in all 74 games for the Devils in 2022-23.
"I know him well and what he is a capable of," said Devils and Great Britain head coach Pete Russell said of Batch.
"Josh played for me on numerous occasions with the National Team.
"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 team-mates when required."
Batch played for Chelmsford Chieftains in the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) and spent two seasons playing junior hockey in North America before returning to the UK to sign for Cardiff.
He has spent his entire professional career with the Elite League (EIHL) club other than a brief stint with the Manchester Storm in the Elite Series during the Covid-shortened 2020-21 season.
Rotherham-born Bowns began his EIHL career with Hull Stingrays before moving to Cardiff in 2014.
His 2020 move to the Austrian League with Graz 99s was cut short by a serious knee injury and he returned with spells at Nottingham Panthers and Slovakian side HK Dukla Trencin before rejoining Cardiff.
Russell said of Bowns: "I know Bownsy really well and we have had some great experiences together with the National Team over the years.
"He is a big body shot stopper and scrambles really well. He competes everyday, wants to be the best he can be in practice or games and puts a lot of demand on himself.
"Last season he had a strong finish to the year and ended up as a champion with Team GB winning gold. He is a gamer and seems to play his best in the biggest games.
"Bownsy is a great goalie, very hungry and will create a strong partnership with our other goalie moving forward. Euan and myself are looking forward to working with him each day."
Bowns and Batch follow GB defenceman Mark Richardson, forwards Cole Sanford and Riley Brandt, Sam Duggan and Josh Waller along with fans' favourite Joey Martin in returning for next season.
Since Russell was appointed as the club's new coach in May, Cardiff have also recruited defenceman River Rymsha, Canadian forward Jamie Arniel and winger Ryan Barrow.