Leon Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams will contribute 58 full sets of hockey equipment to the “Junghaie” over the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
COLOGNE, Germany, July 8, 2025. The National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that Leon Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams had donated 29 complete sets of new hockey equipment to the Kölner Haie minor teams the “Junghaie” for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons through the players’ charitable program.
“It feels amazing to be back 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, an 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 came to his birthplace of Cologne, where he played hockey for almost six years, including the U16 squad, to spread the news and spend time with 29 local youth hockey players.
“Leon is a Cologne boy. We have, of course, closely followed his incredible development over the years and are really grateful to him and the NHLPA for this kind donation to our junior department. “The children had a fantastic day that they will not soon forget,” says Rodion Pauels, Junghaie’s Managing Director Sport.
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 winning a World Cup of Hockey 2016 silver medal with Team Europe while representing G Draisaitl was also selected Germany’s Sportsman of the Year in 2020, making him the first ice hockey player to receive the title.
“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,” Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, stated. “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 Kölner Haie’s young foundation, the Junghaie, is home to Cologne’s only minor or junior hockey program, which has roughly 300 players aged 4 to 20.
Ongoing attempts are underway to minimize youth costs through sponsorship, contributions, and public financing, allowing more children to play hockey. Draisaitl and NHLPA Goals & Dreams donated 58 complete pieces of equipment over two seasons, which will be utilized annually by new players and contribute to Junghaie’s efforts to make the game more accessible to entry-level players (ages 5-7).