Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, NHLPA Goals & Dreams to donate 58 sets of gear to youth hockey in Germany

In a powerful act of giving back to the community that helped shape his career, Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl has partnered with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program to donate 58 full sets of hockey equipment to youth players in Germany.

The donation—symbolic of Draisaitl’s No. 29 and his deep ties to the German hockey community—will go directly to grassroots programs in cities including Cologne, Mannheim, and Berlin, aiming to remove financial barriers and inspire the next generation of players in a country where hockey is growing rapidly.

“This is about opportunity,” Draisaitl said. “I was once one of those kids in Germany, dreaming of playing in the NHL. Now, I want to make sure others have the same chance—regardless of what their families can afford.”

Leon Draisaitl’s story is well-known to hockey fans around the world. Born in Cologne, the son of longtime German pro Peter Draisaitl, Leon grew up immersed in the game before making the jump to North America. After starring in the WHL with Prince Albert and being selected third overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, he has since blossomed into one of the most dominant players in the world.

• 2020 Hart Trophy winner
• 2020 Art Ross Trophy winner
• Over 800 career NHL points
• Multiple 50-goal seasons

But for all of his success, Draisaitl has never lost sight of where he came from—and how difficult it can be for young players in Europe to break through.

“Hockey is an expensive sport, especially in Germany,” he said. “This donation is about letting kids fall in love with the game without worrying about the cost.”

The NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund, established in 1999, is the largest grassroots hockey assistance program of its kind, having donated more than $26 million in equipment to over 80,000 children in 34 countries around the world.

The mission is simple: give more kids the chance to play by providing the gear they need—free of charge.

“This partnership with Leon is exactly what Goals & Dreams is all about,” said Devin Smith, NHLPA Goals & Dreams Chair. “Players giving back to the communities that shaped them. Germany has been producing more talent every year, and we’re proud to help grow the game there.”

The 58 sets of gear—helmets, gloves, pads, skates, and sticks—will be distributed over the next several weeks to underfunded clubs and youth programs, with a focus on inclusion and access.

Hockey in Germany has surged over the past decade, thanks in large part to players like Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, Tim Stützle, and Philipp Grubauer, who have carried the country to new heights internationally.

• Silver medal at 2018 Winter Olympics
• Runner-up at the 2023 IIHF World Championship
• Record number of German players drafted into NHL over the last 5 years

Still, many youth programs struggle with funding and resources.

“Some kids are sharing equipment or wearing gear that’s five years old,” said Uwe Krupp, former NHLer and German national team coach. “Leon’s donation is a game-changer. It shows that our stars care—and it motivates everyone.”

Draisaitl is one of several NHL players to take an active role in supporting youth hockey through the Goals & Dreams initiative. Others include:

• Anze Kopitar (Slovenia): Equipment donations to Jesenice clubs
• Zdeno Chara (Slovakia): Skates and sticks to Bratislava schools
• Connor Hellebuyck (USA): Donated to inner-city Detroit programs

But Draisaitl’s effort is especially notable due to his status as Germany’s first true NHL superstar and the sheer volume of equipment being donated.

58 sets. Each one a potential launchpad for a future Draisaitl.

Social media exploded with appreciation after the announcement:

🟠 @DEL_Hockey: “Leon Draisaitl gives back in a big way—true ambassador for our sport. Danke, Leon!”

🔵 @OilersNation: “Oilers fans, be proud. Your guy is leading on and off the ice.”

⚫ @IIHFHockey: “Germany’s hockey future just got brighter.”

Beyond skates and helmets, this donation sends a message to thousands of kids in Germany: You matter. You belong. Your dreams are valid.

Whether they make the NHL or just fall in love with a lifelong sport, the ripple effect of Draisaitl’s generosity will last for years.

“Someone believed in me when I was 10 years old,” Draisaitl said. “Now it’s my turn to do the same.”

On the ice, Leon Draisaitl continues to chase a Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. Off the ice, he’s already winning—by lifting others up and growing the game globally.

This isn’t just a donation. It’s a seed planted in the hearts of kids who now have the gear—and the role model—they need to chase their dreams.

And for German hockey, that may be Draisaitl’s most important assist yet.