Latest news with #Goals&Dreams
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Leon Draisaitl sends 29 mysterious boxes a year to his former team — the reason is actually heartwarming
isn't just dominating on the ice, he's building a legacy far beyond the . The Oilers superstar is now donating 29 full sets of hockey gear every year through 2026–27 to his youth team back in Cologne, Germany. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's not just a number, it's his jersey number. And it's his way of giving 29 young dreamers a fighting chance each season. From Junghaie to NHL stardom: Leon Draisaitl's journey comes full circle Leon grew up playing for Kölner Haie's youth team, the Junghaie, long before the bright lights of Edmonton. It's where his stick first met the ice and where his dream began. Now, through a collaboration with the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, he's making sure other kids from Cologne have the same opportunity he did without worrying about how they'll afford skates, pads, or helmets. Every year, 29 players will get: Full sets of sticks, skates, pads, and helmets Training gear that matches what pros use The confidence that someone like Leon Draisaitl believes in them Draisaitl said it best: '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.' It's not just charity, it's personal. Why it matters for Germany's hockey future Germany isn't traditionally seen as a hockey powerhouse. But stars like Draisaitl are changing that narrative. And moves like this? They make sure the pipeline keeps flowing. By fueling the dreams of 58 kids over two seasons, Draisaitl is planting the seeds of what could be the next big German hockey wave. He's not just giving them gear, he's giving them belief. Leon Draisaitl might be an NHL MVP candidate. But in Cologne? He's already a legend and now, a mentor. And for 29 kids each season, he's the reason they can chase the exact same dream. Also read -
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saint-Boniface Scores Kraft Hockeyville 2025 Title
Saint-Boniface will receive $250,000 for arena upgrades and host an NHL® Pre-Season game TORONTO, April 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Kraft Heinz, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL®) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), is pleased to announce that Saint-Boniface, Québec has been named the winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2025. Saint-Boniface will receive $250,000 for arena upgrades, the opportunity to host an NHL® Pre-Season game in the Fall of 2026 and $10,000 worth of brand-new youth hockey equipment courtesy of NHLPA Goals & Dreams. The other three community finalists will be awarded $25,000 each for arena upgrades, along with $10,000 worth of brand-new youth hockey equipment courtesy of NHLPA Goals & Dreams. Through a nationwide vote, Canadians selected Saint-Boniface, which received the greatest number of votes, in recognition of its dedication to building a vibrant future for hockey players and fans alike. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the official announcement on Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast earlier tonight. Since its inception, Aréna de Saint-Boniface has represented what's possible when a community rallies around a common goal. Located in the heart of the town, it serves as a gathering place where people bond over their shared passion for sports, music, celebration and, of course, Le Boum – Saint-Boniface's hometown hockey team. Built by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1999, their arena now needs tender care, and costly renovations are putting its future at risk. Nabbing Kraft Hockeyville 2025 will provide the support needed to upgrade its infrastructure, ensuring the community has a happy home for the next wave of hockey players. "Congratulations to Saint-Boniface for being crowned Kraft Hockeyville 2025. Your spirit shines bright on and off the ice," said Simon Laroche, President, Kraft Heinz Canada. "This program isn't just about building better arenas; it's about building strong Canadian communities. For more than a hundred years, Kraft Heinz has been producing food in Canada and contributing to our communities where we work, live and play, and it has been a true privilege to extend our reach by supporting community hockey – a sport that so beautifully mirrors our nation's passionate, resilient, and unified spirit." The announcement of this year's winner officially concludes the 19th annual Kraft Hockeyville program. Millions of votes confirmed it: hockey's heartbeat continues to resound across Canada. Saint-Boniface – along with a record number of communities – showed up for their hometowns in full force, proving once more that love of the game of hockey is alive and well, ready to be passed on to the next generation of greats. This celebration sets the stage for next year's 20th anniversary, with exciting new program updates ahead. For complete program details, please visit About Kraft Heinz Canada Kraft Heinz Canada's heritage can be traced back over a century to when James Lewis Kraft of Stevensville, Ontario began selling cheese from a horse-drawn wagon in 1903. Heinz Canada was established in 1909 in Leamington, Ontario where its first products were pickles sourced from local growers. Following the 2015 merger between Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Company, Kraft Heinz Canada became a subsidiary of the newly formed Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Now the country's second largest food and beverage company, iconic Kraft Heinz Canada products like Kraft Peanut Butter, Heinz Ketchup, KD, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Renées Dressing, Jell-O, Classico, Kool-Aid and Maxwell House are found in over 97 per cent of Canadian households. Kraft Heinz Canada is driving transformation inspired by Kraft Heinz's global purpose, Let's Make Life Delicious, by creating memorable community moments through local initiatives such as Kraft Heinz Project Play and, of course, the impactful program we're celebrating here, Kraft Hockeyville, while also supporting food banks across Canada through Kraft Heinz Groceries for Good program. Learn more about our journey by visiting or following us on LinkedIn. NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. © 2025 NHL. All Rights Reserved NHLPA and the NHLPA logo are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League Players' Association. © NHLPA. All Rights Reserved. SOURCE Kraft Heinz Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
