Ben Davies makes Cardiff return and two more re-sign

Great Britain international Ben Davies has signed for Cardiff Devils after six seasons away from his hometown club.

Davies, 30, has spent the past three seasons in the EIHL with Guildford Flames and played for Manchester Storm in the recent EIHL Series, before playing six times for GB in the World Championships.

He is one of three signings announced by the Devils – the others being fellow Brits Mark Richardson and Josh Batch who return for another season.

Richardson, 34, spent 2020/21 in Germany with EC Bad Nauheim and comes back for a 14th season with the Devils, having led GB in ice time during the worlds.

Batch returns for his 10th season and like Richardson, has been part of the two league titles, two Challenge Cups and two play-off wins for the Devils over the past six seasons.

Devils Head Coach, Jarrod Skalde, said: “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.

“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.

“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.”