Mike Battaglia emerged from Batavia High School as a standout goaltender, earning two Section V championship titles and a Class B crown in 2005‑06. His collegiate performance featured a .930 save percentage and seven shutouts during the 2006‑07 season, setting the stage for a transition into professional hockey.
From the ice to the scouting room
After college, Battaglia accepted an unpaid internship with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a stint that quickly evolved into a full‑time position. In 2013 he joined the Colorado Avalanche, where he now serves as the franchise’s top amateur scout, a role that places him at the forefront of talent evaluation.
The Avalanche’s aggressive go‑for‑it approach has meant the team has not held a first‑round draft pick in the past three drafts, forcing the scouting department to hunt for hidden gems. Battaglia’s mission is to uncover undrafted prospects — players he describes as “diamonds in the rough” — who can later become cornerstone contributors.
Based in Denver, Battaglia spends his summers poring over past draft data and planning for the upcoming season. Long road trips are a constant, but his wife Stephanie provides steady emotional support, helping him navigate the pressures of a scouting career that demands both endurance and acute judgment.
His work brings him into close contact with Avalanche legend Joe Sakic and even a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, experiences that enrich his perspective. Additionally, he is lending his expertise to the New Mexico Goatheads, an expansion team in the ECHL, as part of a broader development path.
Looking ahead, Battaglia’s ultimate ambition is to ascend to a general manager role, a position he believes can be achieved through relentless relationship‑building and hard work. His journey illustrates how a former Section V star can reshape an NHL roster from the ground up.