Monday, 14. July 2025 | EHC Red Bull München: Interview with assistant coach Leask
Leask kicks off: “That can be a big advantage.”Our new assistant coach talks about his start in Munich// INTERVIEWEHC Red Bull München has signed Rob Leask as its new assistant coach this summer, bringing with him a ton of DEL experience. The 54-year-old arrived in Munich a few days ago and is eager to put his expertise to good use.Until mid-May, Leask was still on the road as assistant coach of the German national team at the World Championships in Denmark and Sweden. After a short break and vacation in his home country, the former professional is now back on the ice with our boys and starting preparations for the 2025/26 season.
“I took the first few weeks after the World Championship to relax a little. Then I spent three weeks in Canada and the US visiting my mother, two sisters, and my daughter, who all live there,” Leask says with a smile, giving us a glimpse into his summer break.
“Much better than I imagined”
Since last week, the Canadian native has been officially on duty for the Red Bulls at SAP Garden. After two guest appearances last season – as assistant coach of the Straubing Tigers – the arena now had to live up to the positive first impression.
“I already knew that the conditions in Munich and at the SAP Garden were great,” explains the coach, summing up his first week: “It's even better than I imagined. I still have to be a little careful not to get lost, but it's great fun to be able to work like this. Excellent.”
Leask is already working with a large group of players
For the first time in our club's history, the coaching team and the team have access to ice rinks in Munich all year round. So it's no surprise that the summer training group is bigger than ever. “Some players have already spent a lot of time on the ice this summer, and many are now returning from vacation,” says Leask, describing the group, which includes temporary guests from North America and the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy, as well as some of our licensed players.
The goal with this mixed group is “to get our players back into the swing of things before we start training together, to get them feeling good again, to get them up to speed, to have fun playing, and to build up even more excitement for the season.”
Oliver David has 27 years of DEL experience at his side
Leask himself has long been showing this anticipation – even though the former professional is already starting his 28th (!) DEL season. The former defenseman played ten seasons for the Eisbären Berlin (1996/97 to 2005/06). This was followed by three years with the Hamburg Freezers (2006/07 to 2008/09) and four years with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers (2009/10 to 2012/13) in Germany's top ice hockey league. After two years of coaching experience outside the DEL, Leask joined the Straubing Tigers as assistant coach in 2015/16. He remained there until the end of last season.
It's on again!
The native of Canada, who has long since acquired German citizenship and wore the Adler jersey during his playing days, now wants to pass on this extraordinary wealth of experience to our head coach Oliver David. For David, this will be his first DEL season.
Next step: coaching exchange
“It can be an advantage for us that I have been able to gain so much experience in the DEL as a coach and also as a player. I can certainly contribute my knowledge, especially at the beginning of the season,” says Leask, but he is certain: “Once we have played against every team in the league, Oliver will also get a very good feel for the DEL.”
Preparations are gathering pace and with Leask's arrival in Munich, the coaching team's work is also becoming more intensive. “We've already spoken a few times, but we haven't had the chance to have a longer exchange yet. However, that's planned for this week,” reveals the 54-year-old, outlining the next step.
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