Cape Breton Screaming Eagles forward Drake Batherson of New Minas was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in late June during the NHL draft in Chicago, where he was selected in the fourth round, 121st overall.
“I just kind of blacked out when they called my name. I didn’t really realize it had happened until a couple of hours later, when it really kicked in,” said the 19-year-old.
Batherson said it was an amazing day, especially considering that his family was on hand to support him and got to witness it firsthand.
He said he never would have thought a couple of years ago that an NHL team would draft him. He used to think about finding another route into the league. However, he had a good year this past season and was fortunate enough to go in the draft, something that he’s thrilled about.
“It’s my dream to play in the NHL so that’s what I’m working hard for right now and hopefully that day will come soon,” Batherson said.
In his blood
Batherson’s father, Norm Batherson of North Sydney, was a professional hockey player and Batherson moved with his family wherever his dad was playing. Batherson “developed a true passion” for the sport and realized early on that this is what he wanted to do.
“I play centre,” Batherson said. “I just love everything about it, honestly.”
Batherson has lived all around the globe. He was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., and moved with his family to Germany just weeks later. He grew up playing hockey there for eight years before moving to Port Williams, where he lived for two years. He played novice and atom hockey in the Acadia Minor Hockey program.
Batherson played a year of atom hockey and two years of peewee in Antigonish before returning to the Valley, where he played two years of major bantam, two years of major midget and a year of junior 'A' hockey with the Valley Wildcats.
He then moved on to play with the Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he played this past season. Batherson is eligible to play with Cape Breton for two more years.
He’s been training all summer at ProEdge Sports Conditioning in Bedford. Batherson said he’s been getting on the ice a few times a week with professional players in preparation for the upcoming season – and Ottawa’s training camp.
Batherson will attend the Senators’ training camp beginning Sept. 8, and his season with Cape Breton gets underway in late September. He’s getting as physically fit as possible, concentrating on increasing his speed and strength. Ottawa, Batherson says, has some very strong, fast players.
His dream of playing in the NHL began when he moved back to North America at age eight. Batherson started learning all about the league and was always a big fan of Cole Harbour’s Sidney Crosby. He said it would be “awesome” to someday play against him.
“He was probably my biggest role model growing up,” Batherson said.
