LEON DRAISAITL AND NHLPA GOALS & DREAMS DONATE 29 SETS OF HOCKEY EQUIPMENT TO KÖLNER HAIE YOUTH TEAMS FOR EACH OF 2025-26 AND 2026-27 SEASONS
Total of 58 full sets of hockey equipment to be donated by Draisaitl and NHLPA G&D to the “Junghaie” over next two seasons
COLOGNE, Germany (July 8, 2025) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that Leon Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams have donated 29 complete sets of new hockey equipment through the players’ charitable program to the Kölner Haie youth teams – the “Junghaie” – for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
“It feels great to return to where it all started. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I received growing up in Cologne, Germany,” said Leon Draisaitl, NHLPA member and Edmonton Oilers forward. “I hope this equipment contribution with NHLPA Goals & Dreams to the Junghaie helps the next generation fall in love with the game and build a strong future for our sport.”
Draisaitl returned to his hometown of Cologne where he played six-plus years of hockey growing up, including playing for the U16 team, to share the news while also spending time with 29 local, youth hockey players.
“Leon is a Cologne boy. We have of course followed his great development intensively over the years and are very grateful to him and the NHLPA for this generous donation to our junior department. The children had a wonderful day that they will certainly not forget in a hurry,” says Rodion Pauels, Managing Director Sport of the Junghaie.
The star forward played for the Junghaie early in his career before embarking on a successful NHL and international path, including being the top goal-scorer in 2024-25 (Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy), most valuable player in 2019-20 (Hart Trophy), points leader in 2019-20 (Art Ross Trophy), and most outstanding player as voted by the players in 2019-20 (Ted Lindsay Award), along with earning a World Cup of Hockey 2016 silver medal with Team Europe while representing Germany. Draisaitl was also named Germany’s Sportsman of the Year in 2020, becoming the first ice hockey player to win the award.
“Bringing together Leon Draisaitl with NHLPA Goals & Dreams to reach 29 young hockey players in his hometown club of Cologne, this season and next, will help introduce more German youth to the greatest aspects of our game, including building community, skills and confidence,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “The NHLPA Goals & Dreams program continues to make it possible for children to fully participate in hockey by providing increased access to equipment all around the world.”
The youth foundation of the Kölner Haie, the Junghaie, is home to the only minor or junior hockey program in Cologne with a membership of approximately 300 players, ages 4-20.
Ongoing efforts are made to reduce youth fees through sponsorship, donations and public funding, giving more children an opportunity to play hockey. The equipment donation of 58 complete sets over the span of two seasons made by Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams will be used annually by new players, helping with the Junghaie efforts in making the game more accessible for entry level players (age 5-7).
Key Facts
- Representing the long-standing connection between Draisaitl and the Kölner Haie, 29 sets will be donated in each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons – the number of sets donated will match his jersey number of 29.
- The children in attendance of the announcement donned NHLPA jerseys with the number 25 on their backs, recognizing the 25th anniversary of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program.
- NHLPA Goals & Dreams has contributed over $26 million to grassroots hockey programs in 44 countries around the world.
- By donating complete sets of new hockey equipment, the program has provided tens of thousands of deserving children with the opportunity to play the world’s greatest game: hockey.
- Over the past three seasons, NHLPA Goals & Dreams donated nearly 50 sets of equipment in Germany to Hockey is Diversity e.V., a non-profit international network of ice hockey players in Berlin, which is committed to diversity as the basis for treating each other with respect.
