Why does Leon Draisaitl Wear 29?

By Jayson Panganiban June 26, 2024 06:14

Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

A star in the NHL with many records on his name, Leon stepped onto the playing field for the Edmonton Oilers. But the one thing about him as a player that has intrigued many so much seems to be why he chose to wear No. 29. This article takes a deep dive into what makes this number so unique to Draisaitl.

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Background on Leon Draisaitl

The tale of Leon Draisaitl in hockey is a special one. His road from being the third choice of the Edmonton Oilers in the 2014 NHL Draft to becoming the first German player to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP illustrates his rare combination of skill and will. This left him with three seasons of over 100 points scored, and Draisaitl officially branded himself among the NHL elite as a bona fide star.

The Meaning Behind Number 29

Leon Draisaitl has a particular reason for number 29. In the late 2000s, Draisaitl's father, Peter, was coaching Germany's Ravensburg Tower Stars second-division team. At that time, there was a man by the name of Ben Thomson, from Coaldale Alberta, who wore number 29 for the Barons and was soon to play a very critical part in the life of a young Leon Draisaitl. Thomson, an incoming junior who was one of his new favorite players on the roster, embraced him and left a definitive mark on Draisaitl as he started developing into a hockey player. The way Thomson touched Draisaitl's heart made the young German more determined to wear the number 29 in his honor.

Beliefs and Tradition

Draisaitl's decision to wear number 29 is a sign of both sentiment and respect for Thomson's impact on him in his developmental years. It underscores the value of relationships and speaks to the power of role models to influence young athletes' dreams. Otherwise, picking a number to wear on a hockey sweater can obviously serve as a form of continuity and tradition, what with players preserving their identity on the ice.

Insights From Draisaitl

In an interview, Draisaitl expressed his emotional attachment to number 29 and explained Thomson's lasting influence on him as a child. He said how much he loved Thomson and how happy he was to play with him, making that human connection that saw him inherit the number 29 "that Will wore" into the 2022 season. Draisaitl's side of the story provides context for his decision and represents his deep emotional tie with his jersey number.

29 Has Been Synonymous With Draisaitl

Number 29 is the number attached to so much of Leon Draisaitl's brand and as an official player in the NHL. It reflects his appreciation for those who have guided his path and reinforces the importance of relationships in the sports world. Wearing 29 represents more than a numerical designation on the ice; it tells a story that touches fans and fellow players.

Leon Draisaitl's wearing of No. 29 on his jersey reminds him of some intimate connections and influences in his career. It represents the collision of emotion, heritage, and personal brand in professional hockey, revealing that a seemingly benign decision to select a number is anything but.