Nikolaus Heigl and Thomas Heigl introduced by Red Bull Munich

Wednesday, 19. July 2023 | Nikolaus Heigl and Thomas Heigl introduced by Red Bull Munich

Talent in a double pack: These are the Heigl twinsBrothers want to convince together in the DEL// PORTRAITWith Nikolaus and Thomas Heigl, twin brothers have signed in Munich this summer. The youngster duo wants to prove themselves in the upcoming season in the PENNY DEL - preferably together in one line. We introduce the two of them to you.

Whether in youth with SC Reichersbeuern, at home in Bad Tölz, in various national U teams or most recently with the Red Bull Hockey Juniors: The path of "Klausi" - as Nikolaus is often called - and Thomas Heigl has rarely diverged so far. And that will remain the case for the time being. In Munich, the pair of brothers are also taking the step towards professional ice hockey together.

Unity on the ice

The two forwards form a unit on and off the ice. There is hardly any friction left, as everyone knows from their younger years with siblings. "In the past, we used to bicker a lot, but now there's really nothing like that any more. We get along great and are glad that we can share the experience in Munich with each other," explains Thomas.

The twins grew up on a farm, only four kilometres away from the ice stadium of EC Bad Tölz. A rural idyll, with 13 cows as "pets", that can hardly be compared to the megacity of Munich. Despite the change, the anticipation is great, especially thanks to the coming season. "We are looking forward to playing in front of such a big audience and so many fans. It will be a great experience," Nikolaus enthuses.

Unsere Jungs sind im Skate Camp zurück aufs Eis gegangen

// AKTUELLES

There is competition only in their free time

In Munich, the 20-year-olds share a flat and spend a lot of time together. Playing table tennis, tennis or football together takes up a large part of their free time. There, the idea of competition between the two is allowed to flash up from time to time. It's a different story on the ice.

"When we play together, there is no competition. In the best case, I put a goal on my brother, then we both get something out of it," jokes Nikolaus and is confirmed by Thomas: "We just like playing together. Preferably in a row." The two don't necessarily see their personal bond as a big advantage, but rather the many years they have spent together in a team. Blind understanding and knowledge of each other's playing styles result in a strong harmony when playing together.

Small differences with great similarities

Despite all the similarities between the Heigls, there are differences. Thomas has already made seven DEL appearances for the Red Bulls in the 2021/22 season. The attacker even managed to score a goal. "I'm also eleven minutes older and a few centimetres taller," emphasises our newcomer. "But we don't have to make a big deal about that here," warns brother Nikolaus, who says he's a better cook for it.

The first joint appearances in our jersey could come soon. In the test match at EV Zug on 19 August and at the Red Bulls Salute on 26 and 27 August (tickets already available), the twins hope to be able to score together. "This is a good opportunity for us. We are really looking forward to the first games and want to give everything," the Heigls announce at the same time.