In the first of a series, Ottawa Senators‘ forward Drake Batherson responds to rapid fire questions from Hockey Hot Stove’s Murray Pam.
Who was your favourite NHL team when you were growing up?
DB: Pittsburgh Penguins
Who was your favourite player?
DB: Sidney Crosby
Was there an NHL player that you always wanted to meet and got to meet at some point?
DB: Yeah, it was always Sid for me. I always looked up to the Maritime guys, Sid, (Brad) Marchand, (Nate) MacKinnon. So, obviously get to hang out with them now, which is awesome.
What was your first purchase after signing your first professional contract?
DB: My very first one, I bought a new truck. Had it for a while, and then got rid of it only a few years ago.
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What was your welcome to the NHL moment?
DB: We were playing the Detroit Red Wings, and I scored in the second period, and shortly after, I was kind of at the far blue line with Niklas Kronwall, a guy I obviously watched growing up. And he just told me congrats, and then the next game we played against Pittsburgh. So that was kind of the two welcome to the league moments.
What’s your favourite vacation spot where would like to visit in the future?
DB: I would say Cabo in Mexico, it’s really nice. Went there last year with Thomas Chabot and we had a great time. Lots of golf, it was great. I think I’d maybe go to Greece. I think that looks pretty cool. I’m not a big traveler, but I usually go on golf trips and now for the beaches.
Are you a reader, card player, gamer?
DB: We play a lot of cards, and then I play a little bit of video games with my buddies back home. But I’m more into listening to the books, like on the book lap, more than reading them. But yeah, a little bit of everything.
Is there a book you’ve just read or are currently reading?
DB: Yeah, there’s this book. It’s called Chop Wood, Carry Water (by Joshua Medcalf). I think it’s pretty awesome. It’s all about controlling the only way you can control and I thought it was a good read, or a good listen.
What’s your favourite city to visit on the road?
DB: I would say Vegas is always fun. There’s always so much to do. We seem like we get a couple days there. I used to love Arizona as well, but obviously, don’t get to go there anymore.
What’s your favourite pregame meal?
DB: Pasta, salmon and salad
