Draisaitl donates 29 ice hockey kits to boyhood Cologne club
Ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl is donating 29 sets of equipment to his boyhood club Cologne for youngsters to use both this season and next.
The number corresponds to his jersey number at the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, who lost the Stanley Cup to Florida Panthers last month.
Advertisement
The Cologne-born player visited the training centre of the Haie (Sharks) on Tuesday.
"It's very emotional for me to return to where it all began," the 29-year-old told reporters.
"Without the support I received as a young player in Cologne, I wouldn't be where I am today – I want to give a little bit of that back."
In his German hometown, Draisaitl is rarely recognized on the street despite being a big star in North America.
"I've always aimed to advance ice hockey in Germany – even though it's tough against soccer," he joked.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
France closes in on Euro 2025 quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Wales
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland — Clara Mateo was involved in three goals as France closed in on the Women's European Championship quarterfinal places with a 4-1 win over Wales on Wednesday. The Paris FC forward opened the scoring, forced a penalty that Kadidiatou Diani converted, and then set up Amel Majri for the third goal. France captain Grace Geyoro sealed the result in the 63rd when Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel was unable to stop Diani's cross.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
France closes in on Euro 2025 quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Wales
ST. GALLEN, Switzerland (AP) — Clara Mateo was involved in three goals as France closed in on the Women's European Championship quarterfinal places with a 4-1 win over Wales on Wednesday. The Paris FC forward opened the scoring, forced a penalty that Kadidiatou Diani converted, and then set up Amel Majri for the third goal. France captain Grace Geyoro sealed the result in the 63rd when Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel was unable to stop Diani's cross. France tops Group D with six points, three more than England and the Netherlands, while Wales remained bottom with zero points after two games on its tournament debut. England revived its title defense following its opening loss to France by beating the Netherlands 4-0 earlier Wednesday. France will definitely win the group if it avoids defeat against the Dutch on Sunday, when England plays Wales in their final group match. ___ AP soccer:
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
Royal approval as Prince William watches England win crucial Euro 2025 match
ZURICH — England had some royal encouragement at the Women's European Championship on Wednesday with Prince William in the crowd to watch the Lionesses in their crucial match against the Netherlands. William, who is the first in line to the British throne, is president of the English Football Association. He is a fervent Aston Villa supporter and is often to be seen at the club's matches as well as those of the England team – both men's and women's. England went on to beat the Netherlands 4-0 in a match the defending champion needed to win after losing its opener against France . ___ AP soccer:
