BOSTON — For German athletes, Dirk Nowitzki represents top of the pyramid.
The Dallas Mavericks forward is one of the most popular athletes in Germany and has raised the appeal of basketball in the country.
Boston Bruins defenceman Dennis Seidenberg and Edmonton Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl are hoping to do the same for hockey.
“Right now they write a lot about Dirk Nowitzki because he scores a lot and he’s a big guy in the NBA,” Seidenberg said prior to going up against his countryman on Monday. “But Germany, they really haven’t had hockey players that score a ton and are the main guys on their team, so it’s nice to see Leon do that, and hopefully, it’s good for German hockey.