Hischier savors chance to play 'special game' for Devils at Global Series

Nico Hischier is thrilled to be going home when the New Jersey Devils play a preseason game against SC Bern of the National League as part of the 2018 NHL Global Series at PostFinance Arena in Switzerland on Oct. 1 (1:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, SN, MSG+).

What the 19-year-old center isn't sure about is the type of reaction he'll receive from the hometown faithful.
"I know they'll cheer for Bern; I hope they won't boo me," Hischier said.
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Hischier, who became the highest-drafted Switzerland-born player in NHL history when he was chosen No. 1 in the 2017 NHL Draft, was surprised to learn during the offseason that he became somewhat of a role model in Switzerland for young skaters with aspirations of maybe reaching the NHL.
"I went on the ice (in Bern) with the young guys and they were really looking up to me and it was a little weird at the beginning for sure, but I got used to it," Hischier said. "It's a good thing. There are more hockey players in Switzerland, and Swiss hockey is doing a good job developing players. It's good for our country, and me too."
Taylor Hall, who played left wing on Hischier's line for most of last season and became the first player in Devils history to win the Hart Trophy voted as NHL most valuable palyer after scoring an NHL career-high 93 points (39 goals, 54 assists), is gearing up for the fan reaction when his linemate takes the ice.
"I've never been to Switzerland but I'm definitely looking forward to the atmosphere at the game, and just the crowd and how they appreciate Nico," Hall said. "It's not often you get to play a game in your hometown. Nico is really looking forward to that, and, as a group, we're all pretty happy for not only Nico but the Swedish players (Jesper Bratt, Marcus Johansson) on our team who will get to play in their home country."
The Devils open the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Oct. 6.
Hischier, who was born and raised in Naters, Switzerland, a 90-minute train ride from Bern, scored one goal in 15 games for Bern in 2015-16, and had 61 points (28 goals, 33 assists) in 22 games for Bern's under-17 team in 2014-15.

"It's a special game for me," Hischier said. "My grandparents are going to be there and all my aunts and uncles ... pretty much my whole family and all my friends. There are lots of people in the stands who I'll know. I even know a lot of the players we'll play against for Bern, so it's a really special game."
Hischier said he isn't sure how much time he'll have to show his teammates around the city but said he will show them the old part of town where there's shopping and good eateries.
"I know for food, we'll need to get something with cheese, maybe raclette or some fondue," Hischier said. "I don't think we'll have time to see the mountains. I'm sure some of the guys will be asking to buy some nice watches too."
Hall said he is looking forward to playing with Hischier again this season and hopes to find chemistry right away.
"He's bigger and stronger ... that's something I've noticed in training camp," Hall said. "He's a lot more mature on the ice. Last year as an 18-year-old, I don't think he got the credit he deserved for how good of a season he had (52 points; 20 goals, 32 assists). I'm looking forward to getting off to a good start and getting momentum right off the bat on a line with him. I think for Nico, going back to Europe and playing a game in front of his home country will be a good boost for him, and for all of us supporting him as well."
Hischier was asked if he traveled to Bern when defenseman Mark Streit brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown after helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win it in 2017. Streit had two assists in three Stanley Cup Playoff games, all against the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference Final.
"I wasn't in Bern, I was home in Naters at the time," Hischier said. "But I saw the pictures the next day in the newspapers. Hopefully, I can one day bring the Cup back home."