Draisaitl inspires Cologne young sharks with generous equipment donation!

Draisaitl inspires Cologne young sharks with generous equipment donation!

A very special day for the young players of the Cologne Haie: Leon Draisaitl, who is now a star in the NHL, visited the young sharks in the Cologne Arena and not only brought memories, but also gifts. The player of the Edmonton Oilers handed over 29 complete sets of new ice hockey equipment, donated by the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) as part of the "Goals & Dreams" program. A gesture that shows how strongly Draisaitl is connected to his homeland and how important the next generation is promoted to him, as nhl reports.

DRAISAITL, who played for young sharks for over six years, spent an afternoon with 29 young talents in the training center. The enthusiasm was great when he signed jerseys, caps and scarves. Managing Director Sport of the Junghaie, Rodion Pauels, thanked for the donation and emphasized that the children had gained unforgettable experiences that day. "We are very grateful for this support," said Pauels.

A review of the career

draisaitl not only shows sporting success on the ice, as the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy and the Hart Trophy, but also a big heart for the young ice hockey players, as the generous donation to young sharks proves. This is done as part of the NHLPA program "Goals & Dreams", which promotes access to ice hockey equipment worldwide. This program has provided over $ 26 million for ice hockey base programs in 44 countries since its foundation in 1999.

A look into the future

A total of 29 complete sets of ice hockey equipment for young sharks are donated for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. A number that is not only symbolic for Draisaitl's jersey number, but also specifically supports the offspring. The young sharks currently have around 300 members, whose enthusiasm for sport is further promoted by such valuable support. The project "Hockey is diversity e.V.", which is strong for diversity and inclusive handling of ice hockey, has also been supported in the last three seasons with almost 50 equipment sets.

The mixture of talented players and committed supporters ensures that ice hockey in Cologne stays alive and continues to develop. Draisaitl personally made it clear how important he was the support he received in Cologne in his youth. With his return to the place where everything began, he sets a strong sign for the coming generations.