EHC Red Bull München: Press talk with Winkler, Söderholm and Hager

Thursday, 22. August 2024 | EHC Red Bull München: Press talk with Winkler, Söderholm and Hager

‘We want to keep pushing ice hockey forward in Munich’Press talk with Winkler, Söderholm and Hager// NEWSPreparations for the new season are in full swing. The PENNY DEL kick-off and the grand opening of the SAP Garden are approaching. On Thursday, EHC Red Bull München hosted a press talk at its new home. 

Christian Winkler (Managing Director Sports Red Bull Ice Hockey), Toni Söderholm (coach) and Patrick Hager (captain) answered questions from print, radio and TV journalists. Here are the most important statements.

Winkler about...

... the squad: "Consistency has made us strong in recent years. Many have envied us for it. I believe in our boys and am firmly convinced that we will have a very strong team again this season. We have only brought in players who will take us forward."

... the four open foreigner licenses: "That gives us flexibility. A lot can happen in one season. Tobi Rieder, for example, takes a prominent position that was previously held by an import player. Mannheim also has several vacancies. I like the trend. It shows that good work has been done in recent years to promote young German players."

... a special moment in the new arena: "The best day in the SAP Garden so far was when the junior teams were allowed to move into their dressing rooms. The beaming faces were something very special. I'm sure that many more wonderful days will follow in the future. The SAP Garden is a meeting place."

Söderholm about ...

... the preparation: "We have a different rhythm this year because we're not playing in the Champions League. We can therefore take more time for certain areas. Above all, to quickly find the aggressiveness we need for our game."

... the Grand Opening Game against the Buffalo Sabres: "That will be a highlight for every player, because you don't get an opportunity like that very often. Being able to compete with an NHL team is a great opportunity for the players and the organization. We want to present ourselves very well."

... his new assistant coach Max Kaltenhauser: "Max did a very good job at his former club Regensburg. He practically played Regensburg through. Max brings a breath of fresh air. He is very ambitious, willing to learn, has a good approach and gets on very well with the young and older players."

... on new signing Adam Brooks: "Center forwards have a lot of responsibility on the ice. Adam is a center who brings a lot of speed, is at a very good age and has the skills to establish himself as a leader in the team - especially in terms of play."

Hager on ...

... the atmosphere in the dressing room: "The atmosphere is very good. You can also tell by how consistent and focused the work is. It's an incredibly high-quality atmosphere. The boys enjoy working hard. That's what makes successful teams."

... the new home SAP Garden: "We've all played in big halls before. So it's even nicer that we'll be able to play our home games in such a big arena in the future. We have to be on the ice with great passion. We want to keep pushing ice hockey forward in Munich."

... the start of a new chapter in the club's history: "The most important thing is that we transport the atmosphere from the Olympic Ice Stadium and the closeness to the fans into the SAP Garden. We have to work on maintaining this connection. That's a big challenge."