KANATA, ONTARIO - DECEMBER 30: Germany's Rio Kaiser #18 shoots the puck during Preliminary Round - Group A action against Latvia at 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on December 30, 2024 in Kanata, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andr Ringuette/IIHF)
The Peterborough Petes have bolstered their defensive corps with the signing of German defenceman Rio Kaiser to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Kaiser, a 6’7” native of Berlin, Germany, was selected by the Petes in the first round, 31st overall, of the 2023 CHL Import Draft. The 18-year-old has already gained valuable experience playing professionally in Germany’s top league, the DEL, with Eisbären Berlin, where he appeared in 10 games over two seasons.
In addition to his DEL experience, Kaiser has played 18 games for Eisbären Juniors Berlin U20, scoring two goals and adding six assists for eight points. He also spent time on loan with Lausitzer Füchse of the DEL2, recording one goal and two assists in 24 games.
General Manager and Vice President of Operations Mike Oke praised Kaiser’s physicality and defensive skills, noting, “Rio is a defenceman who already has experience playing professional hockey in Germany’s top league. He’s very difficult to play against and is a big, physical presence on the ice. We think he’s a good addition to our team and we’re excited to see him on the ice.”
Kaiser has represented Germany at various international levels, most recently suiting up for Germany U20 at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, ON.
“I’m a big defenceman who likes to play physical,” said Kaiser. “I’m really excited to be here and to get started with the Peterborough Petes.”
Kaiser will wear number 17 for the Petes and is expected to make his OHL debut tonight when the team faces the Soo Greyhounds at GFL Memorial Gardens. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 p.m., with the game being broadcast on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.
