Portrait of Andrew MacWilliam from EHC Red Bull München

Friday, 28. July 2023 | Portrait of Andrew MacWilliam from EHC Red Bull München

From rugby to ice hockey: a portrait of defensive specialist MacWilliam// MAC IS BACKAndrew MacWilliam is back playing for EHC Red Bull München with immediate effect. We talked to the newcomer about his career so far and his move to the German champions.

MacWilliam comes with a broad chest. No wonder, after all he became champion in the win2day ICE Hockey League with EC Red Bull Salzburg last season.

Defense first

"Christian Winkler knows why he got me," says the defender with a little wink. His qualities are known to us all, because MacWilliam already played for the Red Bulls between 2020 and 2022. "Big Mac," as he is also known, is a robust stay-at-home defender who never avoids a duel.

Andrew MacWilliam: Robust und zweikampfstark

// HIGHLIGHTS

Defense is the 33-year-old's top priority: "I'm here to keep things tight." That can also be unpleasant for opponents at times. He likes things to get down to business. This was already apparent during his childhood. In Australia, to be precise.

Australian roots

Australia? Down Under isn't exactly known for field hockey. "My mother is Australian and moved to Canada when I was 25," MacWilliam clarifies. He was born in Calgary, but has an Australian passport as well as a Canadian one. When he was nine, the family spent a year in his mother's country of birth. "My brother and I played Aussie Rules, cricket and other popular sports. I liked rugby the best," says our defender.

When the family went back to North America, he actually wanted to continue with rugby. The problem: "There, physical contact was not allowed in my age group - unlike in ice hockey. And you can't get past ice hockey in Canada anyway." A good decision.

With buddy Redmond in the AHL

MacWilliam played twelve times in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the AHL, he played 431 games for four different clubs. Remarkable: He was almost always one of the captains, among others with the Rochester Americans. There he defended alongside our former defenseman Zach Redmond between 2017 and 2020. The two became good friends and moved to Red Bull München together in 2020. For the championship luck, however, the buddies had to part.

MacWilliam famously joined EC Red Bull Salzburg for the 2022/23 season. Adjustment problems? Not a chance! With his uncompromising style of play, he played a major role in helping Salzburg to become the league's best defensive team and champion. MacWilliam finally had the first professional title of his career in the bag.

Great anticipation

It was also a very successful and moving year off the ice. "I got married at the end of June. Of course, the wedding overshadowed everything during this summer break," reports our number 2. On July 30, he will land in Munich, like the rest of the contingent players, to begin his second term with the Red Bulls.

The anticipation is huge: "For my wife and me, it's a great opportunity to return to the place where our European field hockey adventure began. I want to help keep the championship trophy with the Red Bulls. I can't wait to get going in Munich."