Tuesday, 12. August 2025 | EHC Red Bull München kicks off the Lehner Cup
Ice time! Red Bulls kick off the Lehner Cup// PREVIEWOn Thursday evening, EHC Red Bull München will play its first preseason game of the 2025/26 season. In the 13th edition of the Lehner Cup in Sursee, Switzerland, European top club SC Bern awaits in the opening game at 7:00 p.m.After almost a week of intensive ice training with the entire team, things are about to get serious for the Red Bulls in the coming days. Following the game against the 16-time Swiss champions, our second tournament game at the Lehner Cup will take place on Saturday, August 16, at 5:00 p.m. We will then face the three-time Swiss champions and hosts EV Zug at the OYM Hall. Both games can be booked and watched via livestream (https://lehnercup.ch/live-stream).
The fourth participant in this high-caliber field is HC Motor Ceske Budejovice, but the Red Bulls will not be facing the representatives from the Czech Extraliga.
“We have a very interesting preparation program ahead of us, which we also see as compensation for not playing in the Champions League this year. With our first challenging games against Bern and Zug, we also want to prepare well for our own tournament, the Red Bulls Salute in Zell am See-Kaprun,” said Christian Winkler, Managing Director Sports Red Bull Ice Hockey, looking ahead.
Kick-off against Bern
Not only will our new signings celebrate their debut in Munich jerseys against Bern, but head coach Oliver David will also stand behind the bench of the four-time German champions for the first time. “We want to play hockey that excites the fans – and brings us victories at the same time. We will give our best every day to achieve this,” announced the 47-year-old.
David has already had some contact with our opponents from Switzerland. From 2021 to 2023, the Californian worked in the coaching team at EHC Biel-Bienne, during which time he faced SCB in the derby. “Bern is one of the top clubs in Europe and has a lot of quality. They will be a tough opponent,” he says of coach Jussi Tapola's team.
The well-established squad consists of many local players, with the line-up complemented by strong players from other countries. One of the best-known names here is Finnish national striker Miro Aaltonen. The two teams last met in a test match in September 2020, with the Red Bulls winning 5-3.
Flat hierarchies in the Munich coaching team
In addition to David, our two assistant coaches Max Kaltenhauser and Rob Leask will also be taking their places on the Red Bulls' bench in the future. Leask will also make his debut on Thursday. “We work closely together as a team, and Max and Rob also have a lot of responsibility. But as head coach, I make the final decision,” says David about the workflow with his new colleagues. “Rob is responsible for power play situations, while Max takes care of our penalty killing,” he added.
Focus on Munich's new signing
Munich's special teams are likely to have the opportunity to distinguish themselves against both Bern and Zug. The EVZ ranks include Jan Kovar and the two new signings Tomas Tatar and Dominik Kubalik, who are top-class forwards and particularly dangerous on the power play. And with at least one player less on the ice, our new number 95 in particular could come into the spotlight.
“The most important player when you're outnumbered is always the goalkeeper,” said Kaltenhauser with a wink. “But I think Dillon Heatherington is definitely predestined for the role thanks to his height and playing style. However, there are a lot of players in our team who could fill that role. We'll have to wait and see who earns a place in the line-up,” said the returnee.
“Two very good tests for us”
At this early stage of the season, our boys already have two real tough tests on the schedule. “Both opponents are among the most difficult you can have in preseason. These will be two very good tests for us to see where we stand as a team,” David concludes.
“Of course, we want to win both games; victories always make you feel good. But it's more about our hockey already reflecting our identity,” he makes clear. Captain Patrick Hager and his teammates then want to use the insights they gain to prepare for the Red Bulls Salute next week.
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