In recent days, social media users have encountered posts alleging that a tragic accident took place in Canada involving the father of NHL superstar Leon Draisaitl. According to the claim, a 59-year-old man traveling with his family was struck by a driver who failed to stop at a red light. The posts further assert that when emergency crews arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim was Draisaitl’s father.
The story, presented in a breaking-news style, spread quickly on Facebook and other platforms. Given Leon Draisaitl’s prominence as one of the NHL’s top players and a cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers franchise, the claim garnered attention from hockey fans and general audiences alike. But does it hold up to scrutiny?
Investigating the Story
The first step in evaluating the claim is to determine whether it has been reported by reputable news outlets. A review of Canadian and international media — including CBC News, CTV News, Global News, TSN, Sportsnet, ESPN, AP, and Reuters — turned up no reports of such an accident.
Ordinarily, the death of the parent of an NHL star would generate significant coverage, particularly in Canada where hockey occupies a central place in the cultural landscape. Even local news outlets frequently report on traffic fatalities, especially those involving prominent individuals or their families. The absence of such coverage is a strong indicator that the claim is not accurate.
Further, no official statement has been issued by Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers, or the NHL. Professional sports organizations are typically swift to release public condolences or acknowledgments when tragedies affect their players. The silence from these entities reinforces the conclusion that no such incident has occurred.
Who Is Leon Draisaitl’s Father?
To understand why this claim is misleading, it is useful to consider some background information. Leon Draisaitl’s father is Peter Draisaitl, a well-known figure in German hockey. Born in 1965, Peter is currently 58 years old — not 59, as the claim suggests. He played professionally in Germany and internationally for the German national team before transitioning into a coaching career.
Today, Peter Draisaitl is based primarily in Germany, where he continues to work in hockey. There is no public record or recent reporting to suggest he was in Canada at the time the alleged accident was said to have taken place. This discrepancy in both age and location casts further doubt on the story circulating online.
Tracing the Source
The earliest version of the claim appears to originate from an unverified Facebook page that frequently publishes sensational or misleading headlines. The post provided no source citations, no location details, and no corroborating evidence. From there, it was shared and reshared, taking on the appearance of a legitimate news update despite lacking journalistic verification.
This is a common pattern in misinformation. By using the language of “breaking news” and tying the story to a high-profile individual, such posts generate strong emotional reactions and encourage quick sharing. Unfortunately, this rapid spread often comes at the expense of truth.
The Verdict
After a thorough review, the claim that Leon Draisaitl’s father was killed in a Canadian traffic accident is false. There is no evidence to support the story, and it has not been reported by any credible news organizations. Details such as the victim’s age and location also contradict publicly available information about Peter Draisaitl.
In short, this is a clear case of a viral hoax.
Why This Matters
While this particular claim may seem like a passing social media rumor, it highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing. False reports about deaths, especially involving the families of public figures, can cause unnecessary distress, spread confusion, and damage reputations.
In the digital era, anyone can publish a sensational claim. Readers are encouraged to look for confirmation from multiple reputable outlets and to approach “breaking” stories from unverified sources with caution. When in doubt, official statements from teams, leagues, or family representatives provide the most reliable information.
Conclusion: The story about Leon Draisaitl’s father being struck and killed in Canada is entirely untrue. It originated from an unverified social media post and has no basis in fact.
