EHC Red Bull München: Emil Johansson on his return

Monday, 05. February 2024 | EHC Red Bull München: Emil Johansson on his return

Emil Johansson: Cold starter from the far north// NEWSHe came, saw, won - and was gone again! Emil Johansson won the title with the Red Bulls in 2023, but had to leave Munich again. He was back around 300 days after winning the title.

Once again he showed that he is no stranger to teething troubles. Just a few hours after announcing his signing, Johansson was already celebrating victory against Cologne with the Red Bulls. On his comeback, the 27-year-old acted as if he had never been away. He impressed with the quality of his running and his precise and clever build-up passes. Johansson did exactly what everyone hoped he would do: he strengthened our game straight away. Against the Sharks as well as in the other three games before the international break. "It feels good to be back. And apart from the change of coach, not much has changed," said the defender, who was born in Växjö in southern Sweden.

Move to Munich a "no-brainer"

When the request came from Munich, he didn't have to think twice. "You want to play in teams that have the chance to become champions every year. And that's the case here. So it was a 'no-brainer'," explained Johansson. But why did he leave the Red Bulls in the first place after winning the last championship?

It was because of the contractual situation. After all, he had already signed with TPS for the 2023/24 season before his first move to the capital in February last year. However, he was not happy in Turku, Finland: "I initially had an important role, but was then slowed down by injuries. And when I was fit again, I got less and less ice time."

Highlights: EHC Red Bull München vs. Straubing Tigers (01.02.2024)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

Immediately important for the Red Bulls

Johansson is a stroke of luck for the Red Bulls. He knows the environment and the organization. And he has proven that he can get up to speed quickly. Coach Toni Söderholm immediately put his trust in the Swede and let him play an average of well over 18 minutes per game - only three Munich players have achieved a higher figure this season.

And in the four matches, none of our defensemen was faster (35.3 km/h) and farther (over 18 km) than Johansson.

Short breather before the final spurt

He is still waiting for his first goal since his return. Not much was missing on Sunday in Wolfsburg, but his super solo through the Grizzlys defense was not crowned with success. Johansson can take a short breather in the coming days before the preparation for the last eight main round games begins.

The Red Bulls continue on February 15 (Thursday | 7:30 p.m. - Get your tickets now) with a home game against the Schwenninger Wild Wings. With Johansson.

All female fans can attend the "girls' evening" for just 5 euros. Our partner RAUCH will also be setting up a juice bar behind the south stand, where all ladies in the stadium can pick up a free drink and a surprise package (both while stocks last).