Tuesday, 02. July 2024 | EHC Red Bull München: Interview with assistant coach Max Kaltenhauser
A Bavarian for the coaching team: a portrait of Max Kaltenhauser// NEWSLast season, Max Kaltenhauser led Regensburg to the DEL2 title as coach, in future he will assist our coach Toni Söderholm. We spoke to him about his new tasks and goals.The 43-year-old Kaltenhauser has only been working as a coach since the end of 2019. Prior to that, the former striker was a professional ice hockey player himself and played for many years in the DEL2, Oberliga and Regionalliga until 2018. But the door to the top flight remained closed. "I was a mediocre player," he looks back. However, he really took off on the sidelines after his playing career. "A change of coach in Regensburg got me involved and it worked out so well that we ended up winning DEL2," says the Ebersberg native.
Previously, our new co-coach led the Upper Palatinate team to promotion to Germany's second-highest ice hockey division. "It went really well. I never thought I'd get a chance as a coach at this level. But you can say I made the most of it," he sums up.
The first interview with our co-trainer Max Kaltenhauser
Focus on the power play and the youngsters
Now it's time to make the leap into the PENNY DEL for the first time. "I was actually in contact with Christian Winkler about a few other things. In the course of these talks, we then met up, including with Lenz Funk," says the family man. The trio quickly had a good feeling for each other. "And I sensed that they were convinced that I could do the job well". Not on the front line, but as an assistant.
"I interpret the move from Regensburg to the Red Bulls as a step up and am convinced that I can develop further. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it." The reigning DEL2 coach of the year also sees his new employer as a top address in European ice hockey. "That's why I'm delighted and honored to be able to do this in Munich," he enthuses.
The exchange with Söderholm and the two other co-coaches Pierre Allard and Patrick Dallaire has long been in full swing. "We are a coaching team and Toni is the boss, no question about it," he clarifies. "But the assistant coaches also have their tasks, of course."
His tasks are already clearly outlined. "The plan is for me to take over the power play and work a lot with the young players together with Pierre. And I want to use my strengths in communicating with the team," says Kaltenhauser, outlining his role. Both sides were already able to get a first impression at the U23 camp at the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy.
"It's important to be a team"
In general, our new signing behind the bench has a very close relationship with the players. "I'm very close. But there are limits." With a large squad, it's not so easy to always have your finger on the pulse anyway. "I just try to help the lads. And always in a positive way, that's the most important thing," says Kaltenhauser. Praise and constructive criticism at eye level are absolutely paramount for him. "That's how we should treat each other. Then everyone is more open to it if you want to improve it," he explains.
And the former attacker lists other ingredients for success that a coach should exemplify. "It's important to be a team and that everyone feels valued. For me, these are values that you have to bring into the dressing room. Especially in phases when things aren't going so well," he emphasizes.
Jonathon Blum sits rehearsal in the SAP Garden
Great anticipation for the SAP Garden
The sports science graduate also has a clear philosophy on the ice. And that is: controlling the ice, skating a lot, forechecking and trusting in his own strengths. This is also the philosophy that the four-time German champion has been pursuing for years. And it is precisely these strengths that our boys want to take with them to their new home in the near future. Kaltenhauser can hardly wait to move into the SAP Garden either. "The anticipation throughout Ice Hockey Munich is huge. And of course we hope that we can usher in a new era there," he says.
After university to the coaching bench
Away from the ice rink, the Upper Bavarian, who lives in Wasserburg, enjoys spending time with his family and his three-year-old daughter. "Then I also like to just be at home. Or meet up with friends for a coffee or another drink," says Kaltenhauser with a twinkle in his eye.
By the way: he has two Master's degrees. One in sports science and one in management. "Both courses helped me a lot and prepared me for my coaching duties". Kaltenhauser has long since passed the practical test with flying colors.
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