Inferno Interview - Josh Batch

We caught up with Josh Batch who returns to the Devils Blue Line for his second season and spoke to him about his re-signing in Cardiff, his off season his off season and how he thinks the league is shaping up this season.

The Inferno - Last season being your first Pro season how did you feel it went ? ( for the record we thought it went great !)

Josh Batch - Overall I think it went pretty well. Coming so close to winning the playoffs was tough to take but the experience of being there was great and something that I hope we can build on this season. On a personal level, I was thrown into the deep end because of the injuries we had which meant that I was forced to adapt to the circumstances. If we had a full roster I may not have got as much ice time as I did (we were playing with 4 d at one point during the year), so I think it worked out for the best. There were a few rough patches along the way but G and Franny had the faith in me to keep me playing, so to them I'm grateful.

The Inferno - We understand that you will be studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University this year, did this help your decision on returning to the Devils?

Josh Batch - The University deal was crucial for me. When I was in the states I had hoped to get a scholarship but that never materialised, so to have the chance to now receive my degree while still playing hockey is a dream come true. I know a career in hockey is short and I also see great value in having an education so when Gerad proposed a University package it was something I couldn't refuse.

The Inferno - Can we ask what you’re planning to study ?

Josh Batch - I plan on studying Economics.

The Inferno - You've had the first few team practice sessions now, how’s it going are you liking the "new" team ?

Josh Batch - The team is great so far. I think G and Franny have done a good job recruiting good people as well as good hockey players this year, as per many of the press releases. Everyone is getting along really well so far, so I am hoping that this will transfer to a lot of wins. Team morale is something money can't buy, so having that from early on will be huge, especially in the new conference set up.

The Inferno - How was you off season ? Did you get up to much ?

Josh Batch - I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Just a lot of time in the gym and seeing friends where I could. Unfortunately I didn't get to attend the Olympics, which was cruel seeing as I have seen the entire area transform from wasteland to Olympic park over the last few years, but I enjoyed watching them on TV anyway.

The Inferno - Have you been on the ice much over the off season or has it just been lots of Gym work ?

Josh Batch - Ice time was limited in Chelmsford this summer, but I managed to get on the ice once a week for the last 2 months. Whilst not ideal, it was enough to get me somewhat in the swing of things. My main focus was in the gym however, and I would like to thank Mike at FFC for really opening my eyes to what I should be doing as opposed to the typical 'fitness' stuff that I was doing before.

The Inferno - Have you set yourself any goals for the season ?

Josh Batch - I want to win a trophy this year. I can't see the point in beginning a season where this isn't the number 1 goal, and I think we have a very realistic chance of winning at least one trophy this year. Personally I hope to play well and to hopefully be considered for the Great Britain team. Representing your country is the highest honour in any sport, so I hope to be able to do so again.

The Inferno - Have you been keeping up with the other teams signings ? Is there anyone your looking forward to playing ?

Josh Batch - I do keep an eye on signings over the summer. I think Coventry will be fun to play against this year due to certain goings on over Twitter.

The Inferno - What do you think of the new conference system ? Good idea or not so much ?

Josh Batch - We don't know if this will turn out to be a good move or not, but I am in favour of the league trying something new. The previous format but a lot more financial strain on teams with travel, so reducing travel is a clear positive. Then again there are some negatives to the new format too, but I applaud the league for taking the initiative to try something new; if it fails we can go back to the old system, and we are no worse off.

We'd like to thank Josh for taking the time to speak to us and wish him all the best for the season ahead