‘It’s unbelievable to be back’

“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 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 top 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 Blainvilleboisbriand 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.”

GARY MANNING Drake Batherson waves to the crowd after dropping the puck at the Valley Wildcats game in Berwick Jan. 7. Batherson became Kings County’s golden guy after helping Team Canada win gold at the World Juniors.

GARY MANNING Drake Batherson drops the puck at the Valley Wildcats game Jan. 7. Batherson, a former Wildcat, helped Canada win gold at the World Juniors.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Gold-medal winning Team Canada forward Drake Batherson returned to his roots Jan. 7 to drop the puck at a Valley Wildcats game in Berwick. Batherson received a standing ovation, and kindly obliged when fans asked for autographs and photo ops.

GARY MANNING Members of the midget Wildcats line the red carpet and clap as Drake Batherson heads out to centre ice to drop the first puck at the junior A game Jan. 7.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Drake Batherson met with fans at the Kings Mutual Century Centre in Berwick Jan. 7, two days after helping Team Canada win gold in the World Juniors.

ASHLEY THOMPSON Drake Batherson signs a young fan’s jersey.