BERWICK - Drake Batherson is essentially hockey royalty in the rink he spent countless hours in during his Valley Wildcats days.
Batherson, a former bantam and junior Wildcat, dropped the puck at a Valley Wildcats Junior A game in the Apple Dome arena Jan. 7, a mere two days after he helped Team Canada clinch gold medals with a 3-1 win over Sweden in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship played in Buffalo, N.Y.
The 19-year-old, right-shooting forward wasted little time making his presence known at the world juniors, ultimately recording seven goals and one hat trick for Team Canada on his way to becoming a world champion. He went into the elite tournament as a member of the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, and was traded to Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during his time in Buffalo.
Batherson, a fourth-round draft pick for the Ottawa Senators in 2017, was greeted by a standing ovation after being introduced for the ceremonial puck drop in Berwick’s Kings Mutual Century Centre Sunday.
Swarms of fans of all ages eagerly lined up for autographs and photo ops, and Batherson kindly obliged.
The mild-mannered athlete, born in the United States to parents Norm and Deeann Batherson, is no stranger to the Annapolis Valley. His family has lived in the New Minas area for about eight years, and they spent two years in Port Williams in his younger years.
Batherson’s father, a former Acadia Axeman, played professional hockey in the AHL, CoHL and IHL. His younger sister, Mae Batherson, recently signed on to lace up her skates for Syracuse University in 2019.
“We’ve definitely had our fair share of battles on the ice in our backyard rinks and she’s a really good defenseman,” said Batherson.
“I’m so happy to see her commit to Syracuse University.”
Read more about what Drake Batherson had to say in an interview with Kings County News here:
1. What’s it like to return to the Apple Dome arena as a former Valley Wildcat who just scored seven goals for Team Canada at the world juniors?
“It’s unbelievable to be back. I played so many seasons in this rink and all my coaches are still here. It’s nice to catch up with old friends and old coaches and see all of the people coming out to support me.”
“A few years ago I never would have thought I’d be representing Team Canada at the world juniors, let alone bringing home a gold medal for our country.”
2. How did you manage to become one of the players on the radar for Team Canada leading up to the world juniors?
“This summer was a big thing for me after getting drafted and attending a rookie tournament in Ottawa. Camp was a big learning experience for me… and playing with confidence was one of the biggest things. And a hard summer in the gym, too.”
3. What were the highlights of the world juniors for you?
“Being around the guys the whole time. All of the guys were great guys and I only knew one going into it, but I know 22, 23 guys coming out of it and I feel like they’re my brothers. To celebrate a gold-medal win with them was awesome.”
4. What advice do you have for kids dreaming of wearing the Team Canada jersey someday?
“Never give up on your dreams. People can always tell you different, but if you have a true passion for the game, keep working at it. That’s exactly what I did, and it ended up working out.”
5. What’s next for you in your hockey career?
“I just got traded to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, so I’m going to spend four or five days home here with my friends and family and then fly up there and start playing the second half of junior year up there with them.”
Read more about Drake Batherson:
Screaming Eagles trade Batherson to Armada for three players and draft pick
New Minas native Batherson to be dealt to Armada from Screaming Eagles: reports
Team Canada junior hockey player Drake Batherson has strong roots in Port aux Basques
Drake Batherson representing Canada at World Juniors on Boxing Day
Batherson family proud of Drake
Screaming Eagles' Batherson named to Team Canada for World Juniors
Screaming Eagles' Batherson named to world junior selection camp roster
Gawanke, Batherson bring NHL camp experience back to Screaming Eagles roster
Batherson preparing for Senators training camp
Living the Dream: New Minas hockey player drafted by NHL’s Ottawa Senators
