DEL preview: EHC Red Bull München at Schwenninger Wild Wings

Thursday, 19. October 2023 | DEL preview: EHC Red Bull München at Schwenninger Wild Wings

Against Walker and Boyle: Red Bulls as guests of home-strong Wild WingsMunich with strong record in Schwenningen// DEL - PREVIEWAfter the Champions League is before the PENNY DEL: EHC Red Bull München will host the Schwenninger Wild Wings on Friday (7:30 p.m. - live on our blog) and wants to get back on track.

Things haven't been going well for the German champions recently. "Of course, we are never satisfied with defeats - and there have been too many of them lately. We want to change that," said Chris DeSousa after the 2:4 at Färjestad Karlstad on Tuesday evening. The focus is now on the future. Schwenningen is the team with the strongest home record this DEL season. The Wild Wings took 14 of 15 possible points in the Helios Arena, they are the only team still undefeated in their own arena. Also because of their home strength, the Schwenninger can hope for their first quarterfinal appearance since the DEL return in 2013. Two good acquaintances have played their part in this.

Highlights: Schwenninger Wild Wings – Red Bull München (23.12.2022)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

Coach Walker focuses on offense

One of them is Steve Walker. Last season, the 50-year-old was still assisting Don Jackson with the Red Bulls. Since this season, our former co-coach has been head coach of the Wild Wings. When he took office, he told us, "We want to build an ambitious and hungry culture in the team, taking another step forward."

Walker wants to play offensive field hockey, force opponents to make mistakes and score more often than in recent years. The plan is working so far. The Wild Wings have scored 38 goals - an average of almost one goal more than last season. At the same time, the defense is not coming up short.

Boyle keeps things tight

One of the newcomers on defense is Daryl Boyle. The 36-year-old switched sides after nine years with the Red Bulls. Boyle is our DEL record player with 514 DEL appearances, and he played in all four championships. He often left the spotlight to others, but he was always important. And that's how he plays in Schwenningen, too. Now it comes to the first reunion with Mr. Reliable.

Wild Wings MVP Eriksson

Perhaps the most important player for Wild Wings, however, is goalkeeper Joacim Eriksson. In 2020/21, the Swede was already named the best goalkeeper in the DEL, and this season he has stepped up his game even more. His save percentage is an outstanding 94.33 percent, and his goals against average is well below two. If Eriksson has a good day, a win is possible for Schwenningen.

Munich likes to travel to the Schwarzwald

The last trips to the Black Forest paid off for the Red Bulls - despite Eriksson. Of the past seven guest games, we won six - including the two duels last season. Last season, by the way, there were no home victories, as the Wild Wings rejoiced twice at Olympia-Eisstadion. We wouldn't mind if the away team celebrated again on Friday.

DEL record against Schwenningen

Wins: 27 Defeats: 13 Win ratio: 67 percent Goal differential: 132:94 Last game: RBM vs. SWW 1:2 Last ten games: S S S N S N S S N Last ten away games: N S N S S S S N S S