Drake Batherson, Senators’ Duesseldorf Trip Sparks Hopes for Growth in Germany
The National Hockey League announced on Friday that the Ottawa Senators will play two regular-season games in Duesseldorf in December, and forward drake batherson — who spent the first eight years of his life in Germany — said he is excited to return for the club’s international trip.
Global Series Dates Set for PSD Bank Dome
The Senators will face the Chicago Blackhawks in two December matchups at PSD Bank Dome, marking only the second and third regular-season NHL games ever staged in Germany. The league’s earlier regular-season appearance in the country came in 2011, when two teams played in Berlin. The upcoming Duesseldorf pair is part of the NHL Global Series initiative aimed at staging regular-season competition outside North America.
Drake Batherson Reflects on Childhood and Expectations
Drake Batherson, who spent eight formative years in Germany while his father played professionally there, said he has not returned since moving back and is looking forward to reconnecting with places and memories from his youth. Batherson recalled that much of his early minor hockey was played in Germany and that he often spoke English only at home. One vivid memory he shared from his childhood was spending his father’s final playing season “living the pro hockey life” as the club schedule prevented a full school year.
The 27-year-old winger also joked that one simple pleasure he most wants to revisit is the local food: “I’m excited to get back and have some pretzels, I’ve missed those. ” On the ice this season, Batherson trails only Tim Stützle in goals and points for the Senators as the team chases a playoff position.
Stützle’s Local Ties and Team Momentum
Tim Stützle, born and raised in Germany, has been a central figure in the club’s decision to return to the country. Stützle played for Germany at the Milan Cortina Olympics, leading his team with four goals and finishing with six points, second on the squad behind Leon Draisaitl. He has been in exceptional form for his club, compiling eight goals and 19 points during an ongoing 14-game point streak that began in January.
Stützle grew up in Krefeld, a short drive northwest of Duesseldorf, and said the proximity makes the trip particularly meaningful; he spoke of personal plans that include showing teammates around and connecting his family to the experience. The Senators have seen recent improvement, winning four of their last six games and sitting five points shy of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as they look ahead to the international slate.
What the Trip Could Mean for German Hockey
League leaders have framed the Global Series stop in Germany as part of efforts to grow the sport in a country that has produced high-profile NHL players in recent years. Germany’s domestic leagues and rising stars have been cited as reasons for renewed focus, and the Duesseldorf games are presented as an opportunity to showcase NHL-level competition to local fans and young players.
For the Senators, the trip offers both a chance to highlight a prominent German-born talent on their roster and to give players with personal ties to the country a moment to reconnect. The immediate impact will be measured in attendance and engagement during the games; longer-term effects on youth participation and local interest in hockey will be clearer after the league’s presence is established on German ice.
The team will play the two Duesseldorf games in mid-December as part of the NHL Global Series schedule. With roster form and player stories tied closely to the visit, the Senators are presenting the trip as both a competitive challenge and a moment to deepen hockey’s profile in Germany.
