The return of Josh Batch from injury is major plus for Cardiff Devils going in their chase for championships.
Chelmsford-born Batch, a 6ft 4ins powerhouse who is effective among the forwards or on defence, was back for Devils 4-1 home win against Fife Flyers.
That kept Cardiff top of Elite League and they travel to play Braehead Clan in Glasgow this evening (Wednesday, 7.30pm).
Batch played a key role in Joey Martin’s goal against Flyers and head coach Andrew Lord said: “Josh was huge for us.
“The guy had been out for a long time, longer than we initially thought, and it’s great to have him back.
“We felt we needed a little more size and when Josh players to his potential what a force he can be.
“Josh and Matthew Myers gave us great energy shifts. They gave us a bit of spark at the right times.
We rotated in Joey Martin, Sean Bentivoglio and Patrick Asselin alongside them and it worked well.
“Josh had four or five big hits and he skates so well north to south.”
Batch, 27, is in his seventh Elite League season with Devils and has played more than 400 appearances for the Welsh team.
He is back on in the British contingent alongside Ben Bowns, Thomas Murdy, Mark Richardson, Luke Piggott, Myers and Toms Rutkis, who is the under-23 player brought in to cover the absence of injured Craig Moore.
The referees for tonight’s match in Braehead are Alan Craig and Neil Wilson.
Devils are at home against Coventry Blaze this Saturday and that match has been virtually a sell-out for two weeks.
The club are asking season ticket holders who cannot attend to let them know. Devils are offering to buy back season ticket seats for £5 and sell it on to somebody looking to attend.
Those who have a ticket and cannot attend can email social@cardiffdevils.com with your full name and season ticket details (block, row, seat).
Devils will then be in touch to let you know we are going to sell your seats on and obtain bank details to make payment. They are not looking for single seats, just two or more together.
Anybody still looking for seats together can register interest for seats by emailing social@cardiffdevils.com
Those looking for a single seat should CLICK HERE to see where to find them.