NEWS: Battah appointed goaltending coach for GB Under 20’s

Aspray Glasgow West sponsored Glasgow Clan assistant and goaltending coach Jeff Battah will join up with the Great Britain men’s Under 20’s team ahead of the World Championships.

Battah will be involved with Martin Grubb’s side when the competition takes place in Dumfries from 11th December until 17th December.

And Battah admits he’s honoured by the invitation to come on board, especially given his previous international experience.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with the national programme,” he said. “I think any time you can work with your own country’s national programme, it’s a very special assignment.

“But to be asked to work for another country, it’s definitely an exciting time and an honour to do so.

“Having been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work three times in the past with Hockey Canada and been part of three gold medal games, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to GB U20 and hopefully push for a gold.”

Battah revealed that he knew GB Head of Goaltending, Euan King from their past work, and how his new opportunity came about and why it really will be a special month for him.

“Euan and I were in different programmes in Budapest and we would get together and talk hockey when our schedules would allow it so that relationship is from our time in Budapest.

“When I had a feeling that I may be leaving Budapest for Glasgow I called him and talked about the EIHL, the club and the city as he was someone I trusted his opinion on those matters.

“At that point he mentioned that there may be a position within the GB program and if I was interested he would like to have me involved.

“I have already been to the camp in October in Dumfries and have met the staff, the players and management.

“It will be a great international experience and just after that my kids will arrive into Glasgow on the last day of the tournament for almost a month, so I get to show them all that I have experienced in Glasgow and around Scotland.

“They are looking forward to seeing the atmosphere at Braehead Arena and seeing the Purple Army first hand.”