The Devils are pleased to welcome two returning players and one familiar face back to Cardiff for the 2021-22 season.
The Devils are pleased to welcome two returning players and one familiar face back to Cardiff for the 2021-22 season.
Defencemen Mark Richardson and Josh Batch both return for another season, Richardson’s 14th with the Devils and Batch’s 10th. Cardiff born Ben Davies also returns to the club he started his professional career with before spending the last 6 seasons playing against the Devils.
The 34 year old Richardson spent 2020-21 in Germany with EC Bad Nauheim in the DEL2 League. He finished the year with another trip to the World Championships with Team GB, leading the team in ice time and being selected as the top defenceman for the British squad.
While Richardson moved away last season, Batch stayed home and played briefly for Swindon in the NIHL Streaming Series before joining Manchester for the EIHL Series in April and May 2021. This year will be Batch’s 10th season with the Devils, and like Richardson, he has been a part of the 2 league titles, 2 Challenge Cups and 2 Playoff Championships over the previous 6 seasons.
Ben Davies has spent the last 3 Elite League seasons with the Guildford Flames, with the last 2 seasons being his most productive of his professional career. In 2019-20 he scored 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points in 54 games. In 2018-19 he played 71 games for the Flames scoring 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points.
Head Coach Jarrod Skalde spoke about these latest signings:
“Richardson is one of the best defencemen in this league and has proven that every season. I have watched a lot of his games and I love the way he plays. He is so consistent and makes simple plays that make him easy to play with. There is a reason his d-partners keep winning defenceman of the year awards in this league.
Watch the interview with Mark Richardson below:
“Batchy is a big, strong guy that I think will thrive in a bigger role on the blueline this season rather than playing up front. His versatility is great so he may jump up there at certain times, but we have signed him as a defenceman and that is where I expect him to flourish. He is a great penalty killer and takes pride in that role.
Watch the interview with Josh Batch below:
“Ben Davies is one of those players guys hate playing against. His feet are always moving, he gets in on the forecheck and makes things happen. I am pleased he has decided to come back to Cardiff, and I think he is going to have a big year for us.”
Watch the interview with Ben Davies below:
