Draisaitl briefly shifts focus from hockey to soccer

Thursday, 06.26.2014 / 5:13 PM

By Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor / 2014 NHL Draft blog

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2014 NHL Draft blog
Draisaitl briefly shifts focus from hockey to soccer

PHILADELPHIA -- While his attention has been focused on the final things he has to do to get ready for the start of the 2014 NHL Draft on Friday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TSN, RDS), Prince Albert Raiders center Leon Draisaitl had his focus tuned to another sport.

The native of Cologne, Germany, tried to watch as much as he could of the World Cup match Thursday between Germany and the United States. Germany won 1-0 but both teams advanced to the round of 16.

"I only watched 20 minutes of it, in the beginning," Draisaitl said. "I didn't see the [goal]. I'm just excited. I picked the wrong result but at least they own. The U.S. played really good and they deserved to advance to the round of 16."

Draisaitl isn't a fervent soccer fan, but the sport is a big deal in his home country and his national pride will have him looking for a TV on Monday, when Germany plays its next match.

"I hope so," he said. "If not I'll watch the highlights."

Follow Adam Kimelman on Twitter: @NHLAdamK

 
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